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Every autumn when apples are at their best I whip up these tasty fried apple rings. Hot oil turns simple pancake mix into a crunchy outside wrapped around soft apple slices. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar makes them totally crave-worthy. The whole house smells amazing like fairs and crisp mornings all over again.
Unbelievable Yet Easy
What I love most about these apple rings is you only need a couple kitchen staples. Pancake mix makes life easy, and they can be prepped the night before if mornings get wild. I usually double up since everyone goes for seconds when they catch a whiff from down the hall.
What to Grab
- 4 sturdy apples: I go for Honeycrisp's sweet-tart punch but Granny Smith is awesome too. Pick ones that won’t turn to mush when you fry.
- 2 cups dry pancake mix and water: Just use whatever mix you have or one you made. You want the batter to coat your finger but not be gloopy.
- Cinnamon sugar: Stir together 1/3 cup sugar with a big teaspoon of cinnamon. Make extra because it vanishes fast.
- Frying oil: Vegetable oil works, but coconut oil makes them smell incredible.
Ready to Make Magic
- Sprinkle on Sugar
- When they're still steamy roll the rings right in the cinnamon sugar. It'll stick just right.
- Get Frying
- Heat up your oil until it's around 365 degrees. Cook the rings for a couple minutes, flipping so both sides go golden brown.
- Batter Up
- Dip each apple ring in the pancake batter and let the extra flow off. Even coats are key.
- Slice the Apples
- Cut your apples into rings about a quarter inch thick, take out the cores, and pat them dry so the batter sticks.
Best Tricks I've Learned
Using a candy thermometer makes sure your oil's just right. If your batter’s stubbornly thick, add just a bit of water until it slides off the spoon. Pick a smaller deep pot when you fry — you'll waste less oil and cleaning takes no time.
Snacks for Later
Keep extra rings in a sealed box in the fridge and they'll last a couple days. Heat ‘em up in the air fryer for two minutes or microwave for a few seconds. They come out crispy all over again, almost like new!
Fresh Picked Fun
There's nothing like biting into these when you've just picked the apples yourself. Weekend trips to grab apples are the best in fall. Try Cortland or Stayman Winesap if you can—they cook up great and give a nice tang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which apples are good to use?
Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious are great picks since they keep their shape while cooking.
- → Can pancake mix replace the batter?
Sure, just thin your pancake mix with extra milk. Krusteaz works particularly well for this.
- → How do I check if my oil is ready?
Use a thermometer and wait for 365°F. If the temperature is off, the texture won't be right.
- → Can I warm these up later?
Yup, throw leftovers into the microwave for a quick reheat. They make a super yummy breakfast treat!
- → Why core the apples first?
Taking out the centers helps them cook evenly and gives them that classic ring look. Snack on the cores too!