🍎 Fried Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings 🍎
Ingredients:
2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar (divided into two portions)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating, separate from batter)
Vegetable oil or coconut oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples: Wash, dry, and core the apples. Slice them horizontally into 1/4-inch thick rings, ensuring each slice has a hole in the center. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.
Make the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable; adjust with a little more milk if needed.
Set Up Your Coating Station: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Place the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture side by side for easy dipping.
Fry the Apple Rings: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), dip each apple ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place it into the oil. Fry 2–3 rings at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Cook the rings for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to transfer the fried rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss each ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve Warm: Arrange the coated apple rings on a serving platter and enjoy while warm. Pair with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent twist.