Cinnamon Apple Rings

Crispy, sweet, and bursting with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, these fried apple rings are a delightful treat perfect for autumn. Enjoy these golden delights as they bring warmth and sweetness to your day.

Ingredients

For the Apple Rings:
4 large apples (like Gala)
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
⅓ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Directions

1. In a big bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon. Set it aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
3. In another small dish, mix the ⅓ cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make your cinnamon-sugar topping. Set that aside too.
4. Slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rings. Use different-sized biscuit cutters to create rings, discarding the middle parts with the core.
5. Heat up the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
6. As the oil is warming up, combine the dry mix from step 1 with the wet mix from step 2. This is your batter.
7. Dip each apple ring into the batter, shaking off the excess by tapping it against the bowl’s side.
8. Fry the rings in small batches, turning them until they’re golden brown on both sides.
9. Once crispy, transfer the apple rings to a plate lined with paper towels for a moment to soak up excess oil.
10. Quickly roll each warm apple ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
11. Place the coated rings on a wire rack and serve them warm.

Notes

Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best results. The batter clings better to firm apples and the slight tartness balances out the sweetness. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy rings. Always fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.

Cook Techniques

One essential technique is to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor this. If the oil is too hot, the rings will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the rings will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Another key technique is to ensure the batter consistency is just right; it should be thick enough to stay on the apple rings but not too thick that it becomes clumpy. Tapping off the excess batter helps achieve a thin, crispy coating.

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of apples? Yes, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp also work well.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and fry them when ready to serve.
3. How can I make these gluten-free? Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Conclusion

Fried cinnamon apple rings are a simple yet delightful treat that brings out the best of autumn flavors. Perfect for a cozy day at home, these sweet and crispy rings are sure to be a hit with everyone.

More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations

To make a complete fall dessert platter, consider pairing these apple rings with caramel dipping sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might also enjoy making an assortment of fried fruits like bananas or peaches, using a similar batter recipe for a diverse and delicious spread.

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