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These Crispy Cinnamon Apple Rings remind me of those charming small-town carnivals and autumn celebrations. I whipped them up when my children kept asking for apple fritters, but I wanted something not quite as heavy. They've turned into our go-to Sunday morning treat. There's nothing quite like that crunch through the sugary cinnamon coating to find a soft apple slice waiting inside.
Basic Yet Delightful
The thing I dig most about making these is how straightforward they are. I cheat a little by using pancake mix for the batter foundation, which cuts down on prep work. When those warming spices meet sweet apples, you get that snug fall feeling everyone wants. My house fills with the most wonderful scent whenever these are cooking.
Your Ingredients
- Apples: 3 medium baking apples (like Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Granny Smith); sliced into ¼-inch rings after coring.
- Batter: 1 cup pancake mix; made following box directions but made slightly runnier with milk or water.
- Cinnamon Sugar: ⅓ cup sugar combined with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
- Oil: Coconut or vegetable oil; pour enough to make a 1-inch layer in your pan.
Creating Your Treats
- Prep Those Apples
- Cut your apples into rings and dry them with paper towels so the batter sticks properly.
- Create Your Coating
- Stir your pancake mixture adding just enough fluid to make it cling to the apple slices nicely.
- Warm Your Oil
- Get your oil to the perfect temperature. I always check with a candy thermometer to be sure.
- Start Frying
- Coat each slice in batter, let extra drip away, then gently drop them into hot oil. They'll turn a lovely golden color as they cook.
- Finish With Sweetness
- Toss hot rings in your cinnamon sugar mix until fully covered. Try to save some for everyone else.
Cooking Tips
I've found that Granny Smith apples really stand out since they maintain their firmness and don't turn mushy. Your batter shouldn't be too thick but needs to stick to the apple while still dripping off a bit. Watch that oil temp carefully it's crucial for getting that perfect golden outside without burning.
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Storage Advice
Got some extras? Just put them in a sealed container in your fridge. A quick run through the air fryer makes them crispy again. Even a few seconds in the microwave works when you're in a hurry, though they won't be as crunchy.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of apples should I pick?
- Use apples like Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious. These varieties stay firm while frying and taste great.
- → Can pancake mix work instead of batter?
- Totally! Store-bought pancake mixes are fine. Just thin it out using water or milk, a little at a time.
- → How do I know the oil's ready?
- Check with a thermometer—you're aiming for 365°F. Proper heat makes for crispy results without the grease.
- → Can I store leftovers for later?
- Absolutely. Pop them in the fridge and reheat in the microwave the next day for a delicious snack.
- → What should I do with the cores?
- Chop them up for salads or eat them plain—it’s a healthy way to use leftovers!