I whip up these Apple Cinnamon Rings when I crave a sweet, nostalgic snack—thin slices of apple lightly battered, fried until golden, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping—or enjoying just as they are.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something irresistible. The batter adds a light, cakey shell around each apple, while frying brings out caramelized sweetness. I get that cozy aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen, and the result is a snack or dessert that feels comforting and homemade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 large Gala apples (use 4 if they’re smaller)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon baking powder
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2 tablespoons sugar
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg, beaten
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Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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⅓ cup sugar
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2 teaspoons cinnamon
Directions
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In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
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In another bowl, I mix the beaten egg and buttermilk until smooth.
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I combine the sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a third dish and set it aside for coating.
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I slice the apples into ¼-inch rings, remove the cores with a biscuit cutter, and pat the rings dry to remove excess moisture.
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I heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350 °F.
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Meanwhile, I stir together the dry mixture and the egg-buttermilk mix to form a batter.
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I dip each apple ring into the batter, tapping off excess, then carefully place them in the hot oil. I fry in small batches, turning them until golden brown on both sides.
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Once crisped, I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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While still warm, I dip each ring into the cinnamon sugar mixture and then arrange them on a wire cooling rack (this keeps them from getting soggy) and serve them immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes roughly 5 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes total to cook—including frying and cooling. The total time from start to warm, coated bites is about 20 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes swap Gala apples for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a mix of sweet‑tart flavor.
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I swirl a bit of vanilla extract into the batter for a fragrant touch.
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I substitute part of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
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I serve them with a side of caramel or maple dipping sauce for extra decadence.
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I try baking instead of frying occasionally for a lighter version, brushing with butter before tossing in cinnamon sugar.
Storage/reheating
I enjoy them best hot and fresh, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 day—though they lose some crispness. To reheat, I place them in a preheated oven at 350 °F for a few minutes to refresh their texture. I avoid microwaving them since it makes the coating soft.
FAQs
Which apples work best?
I prefer firmer varieties like Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp; they hold up well during frying without turning mushy
Why use buttermilk?
I love buttermilk because its tangy richness makes the batter airy and flavorful, though regular milk could work in a pinch.
Can I air-fry instead of fry?
I’ve learned air fryers don’t handle wet batter well—they’re better for dry coatings. This recipe is best fried in oil
How do I keep them crispy?
I make sure to place them on a wire rack after frying (not a plate) so airflow prevents moisture buildup and keeps them crisp.
Are they freezer-friendly?
I’ve found fried apples don’t freeze well—they tend to become soggy when thawed
Can I reduce the oil used?
Yes—I use just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan about ¼ inch deep, which is efficient and less greasy
What about a gluten‑free version?
I haven’t tested it, but I expect a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend would work with similar results.
Do they reheat well?
Yes, reheating in the oven briefly restores crunch. I avoid the microwave to keep them from becoming soggy.
How to make the coating stick better?
I dunk the rings in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm and give them a gentle toss so the sugar coating clings well.
Can I use pancake mix as a shortcut?
Definitely! Some cooks use pancake batter or mix it with milk for the batter—just make it slightly thinner so it coats the rings well
Conclusion
I absolutely love how these Apple Cinnamon Rings transform simple ingredients into a warm, nostalgic treat with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar kiss. They’re quick to whip up and always disappear fast. Whether I’m making them for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’re a reliable favorite. Let me know if you’d like to personalize them further—maybe a flavored dip or a twist on the batter!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
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Crispy Fried Apple Rings Coated in Sweet Cinnamon Sugar – A Warm, Comforting Fall Treat
Ingredients
3 large Gala apples (or 4 smaller apples)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg.
In a third bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside for topping.
Slice apples into 1/4-inch rings. Use a biscuit cutter to core them, creating ring shapes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the dry ingredients with the wet buttermilk mixture to create a smooth batter.
Dip each apple ring into the batter, letting excess drip off.
Fry in batches, turning as needed, until golden and crispy on both sides.
Transfer fried rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
While still warm, coat in cinnamon sugar and place on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
