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Sweet Apple Ring Donuts

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These sweet treats combine fresh apple slices with a light batter, fried until golden and coated in cinnamon sugar. Similar to apple fritters but with a whole apple slice in each ring.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:42 GMT
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A stack of four sugar-coated doughnut rings on a dark plate, with lemons blurred in the background. Pin it
A stack of four sugar-coated doughnut rings on a dark plate, with lemons blurred in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings bring back sweet memories of fall festivals and county fairs. I started making them when my kids begged for apple fritters but I wanted something a bit lighter. Now they've become our favorite weekend breakfast treat. There's something magical about biting through that warm cinnamon sugar coating to find a tender apple slice inside.

Simple Yet Special

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Using pancake mix as the base for the batter is my little shortcut that saves so much time. The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates that cozy autumn feeling we all crave. My kitchen smells absolutely amazing every time I make these.

What You'll Need

  • Apples: 3 medium cooking apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold); cored and sliced into ¼-inch rings.
  • Batter: 1 cup pancake mix; prepared according to package instructions but thinned slightly with water or milk.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: ⅓ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
  • Oil: Vegetable or coconut oil; enough to reach 1 inch deep in your skillet.

Let's Make Some Magic

Get Your Apples Ready
Slice those apples into perfect rings and pat them dry this helps the batter stick better.
Mix Up Your Batter
Whisk up your pancake mix adding just enough liquid to make it coat the apples nicely.
Get Your Oil Hot
Heat up your oil to just the right temperature. I use a candy thermometer to make sure it's perfect.
Time to Fry
Dip each ring in the batter let the excess drip off then carefully place them in the hot oil. Watch them turn golden brown it's like magic.
Add That Sweet Finish
Roll those warm rings in cinnamon sugar until they're perfectly coated. Try not to sneak too many before serving.

My Kitchen Secrets

I've learned that Granny Smith apples work beautifully they keep their shape and don't get too soft. The batter should be just thick enough to coat but still drip off easily. Keep an eye on your oil temperature it's the key to getting that perfect golden color without burning.

A stack of four golden, sugar-coated doughnut rings on a black plate, with yellow bananas blurred in the background. Pin it
A stack of four golden, sugar-coated doughnut rings on a black plate, with yellow bananas blurred in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep Them Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. A quick trip through the air fryer brings back that wonderful crispy texture. Even microwaving for a few seconds works in a pinch though they won't be quite as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which apples work best?
Baking apples like Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, or Rome work best. They maintain their shape and texture when fried.
→ Can I use premade pancake batter?
Yes, you can use boxed pancake batter as a shortcut. Just thin it slightly with extra milk or water, adding one tablespoon at a time.
→ How do I know when the oil is ready?
Use a digital thermometer to ensure oil reaches 365°F. Correct temperature is key for golden, crispy rings that aren't greasy.
→ Can I save leftovers?
Yes, save leftovers and reheat in the microwave. They make a great breakfast treat the next day.
→ What can I do with the apple centers?
Don't waste the centers! Chop them for chicken salad or save them for a healthy snack later.

Fried Apple Rings

Crispy fried apple rings dipped in batter and coated with cinnamon sugar. Like apple fritters with a whole apple slice inside.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (24 apple rings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 medium-size apples (Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious).
02 ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided.
03 1 teaspoon plus ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided.
04 1 large egg.
05 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional).
06 ¾ cup 2% or whole milk.
07 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
08 1½ teaspoons baking powder.
09 ½ teaspoon salt.
10 Vegetable oil or coconut oil for frying.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat 1 inch of oil to 365°F in large cast iron skillet or heavy saucepan.

Step 02

Slice apples into ¼-inch rings and remove centers, leaving ⅜-inch ring.

Step 03

Mix ⅓ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in small bowl.

Step 04

Whisk egg and milk, add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and whisk until combined.

Step 05

Dip rings in batter, fry 1-2 minutes until golden, 3-4 rings at a time.

Step 06

Drain on paper towels, then coat warm rings in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

  1. Can use boxed pancake batter as shortcut.
  2. Save apple centers for other uses.
  3. Best served warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet or heavy saucepan.
  • Digital thermometer.
  • Tongs.
  • Cookie cutter or apple corer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Dairy (milk).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 3 g