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My Family's Favorite Cinnamon Apple Rings
Every fall I make these crispy cinnamon apple rings and instantly my kitchen feels like a cozy county fair. I actually came up with this recipe when my kids wouldn't stop asking for those heavy apple fritters at the local fair. These are lighter but just as delicious. There's nothing better than biting into one fresh from the pan with that perfect sugary crunch giving way to sweet tender apple inside.
My Quick and Easy Secret
You won't believe how simple these are to make. I use pancake mix for the batter it's my favorite kitchen shortcut. Once these start cooking the smell of warm cinnamon and apples fills the whole house. My kids always know what's cooking before they even come downstairs for breakfast.
What You'll Need
- Apples: Grab 3 medium cooking apples. I usually go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp slice them into rings about ¼ inch thick.
- Batter: 1 cup of your favorite pancake mix mixed according to the box but a tiny bit thinner.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ⅓ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon this is what makes them irresistible.
- Oil: Pour enough vegetable or coconut oil to get about an inch in your pan.
Let's Make Some Apple Rings
- First Step
- Cut your apples into rings about ¼ inch thick and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Get Your Batter Ready
- Mix up your pancake batter making it just thin enough that it drips off nicely.
- Oil Time
- Heat up your oil to 365°F use a thermometer if you have one.
- Start Frying
- Dip each ring in batter let the extra drip off then carefully put them in the hot oil until golden.
- Final Touch
- Roll those warm rings in cinnamon sugar until they're completely coated.
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Storage Tips
Got extras? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. I love warming them up in my air fryer to get that crispiness back. The microwave works too for a quick fix but they won't be as crunchy.
Tips from My Kitchen
I always reach for Granny Smith apples they just work perfectly. Your batter should be thick but still drippy. Watch that oil temperature it's the key to getting that beautiful golden brown color without burning.
Common Questions
- Best apples to use? Go for firm baking apples like Granny Smith Gala or Golden Delicious they hold up beautifully.
- Can I use store bought pancake batter? Absolutely just thin it out a bit with milk or water.
- How hot should the oil be? Aim for 365°F use a thermometer if you can.
- What about leftover rings? Store them in the fridge reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Any ideas for the apple centers? I chop them up for chicken salad or my kids snack on them while we cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious apples work best as they hold their shape well when fried. These varieties also offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
These apple rings are best served warm and fresh. While you can reheat them in the oven, they won't be as crispy as when freshly made.
- → Why does the oil temperature matter?
Maintaining oil at 365°F ensures the batter gets crispy while the apple cooks through. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the apple softens.
- → Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter?
Yes, boxed pancake mix can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just follow the package directions for making pancake batter consistency.
- → How do I store leftover apple rings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.