Fried Apple Rings (Apfel Ringe)

Fresh apples, coated in a batter, lightly fried, and then showered with cinnamon sugar, these German fried apple rings aka apfelringe are the perfect quick and easy fall dessert.

Which apples should I use?

Really any apples will work in this recipe. However, I do recommend picking an apple that is more likely to hold its shape such as a granny smith or honey crisp!

How do you cut apples into rings?

The apples should first be peeled because the batter will have a hard time sticking to the peel. Then, cut them horizontally into 1/2″ slices. To take out the core you can use an apple corer, cannoli mold, or a knife to cut out the center.

Can these fried apple rings be made in advance?

Because they are fried, these are best eaten immediately after frying. Thankfully they don’t take long to make and can therefore be made as a quick snack or dessert after dinner. You can however, do the apple preparation in advance (up to an hour before) and place them in the fridge.

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Tips for making Apfel Ringe

1. Cut the apple slices 1/2″ thick. This helps to make sure they soften but still maintain their shape.
2. When frying, be sure that the oil stays around 350 F. Don’t crowd the pan because it will cause the temperature of the oil to drop. I tend to add in no more than 4 at a time.
3. After frying, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately – that way the sugar will stick to the apple rings.
4. This recipe is easily scaled. If you want to make 4 apples, double the recipe.

Ingredients for Apple Rings

• Apples: As mentioned in the FAQs above, any apples will work but apples that hold their shape while baking are best. Here is an article that goes into more detail about various apples: The 6 best apples for baking
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor to these apple rings.
• Sugar: The apples first sit in granulated sugar to help release some of the moisture and are then sprinkled with more sugar after frying.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds flavor and enhances the apples.
• All Purpose Flour: Any all purpose flour will work for these apfel ringe! I have not yet tried any other flours with this recipe.
• Baking Powder: A touch of baking powder adds a little extra fluff and rise to these fried apple rings.
• Eggs: I use standard large eggs from the store. This recipe uses two eggs in the batter.
• Milk: Any milk or non-dairy milk will work for this recipe.
• Butter: A little melted butter is added to the flavor for richness and flavor
• Neutral Oil: Neutral Oil is used to fry these apple rings because the oil has a low smoke point.

How to make Apfel Ringe

• Line a baking sheet or large plate with paper towels and set aside.
• Pour the oil into a deep pot and place over medium heat with a thermometer. Heat the oil until it reaches 360 F.

Prepare the Apples

• Peel all of the apples. Then cut them crosswise into 1/2″ slices.
• Use a round cutter or a knife to cut the core out of each slice of apple.
• Stir the sugar and cinnamon together in a medium bowl to make the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside.

Make the batter

• While the oil heats up, make the batter. However, don’t make the batter until just before you’re ready to fry.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla together. Add in the flour and baking powder and whisk. While you whisk, slowly pour in the melted butter and whisk until smooth – you don’t want any lumps in the batter.

Fry the Apples

• Once the oil is hot, use a fork to individually dunk each apple slice into the batter. Carefully use a fork or tongs to lower the apples into the hot oil.
• Place no more than four batter coated apple slices into the pan at a time. Cook for 4 minutes on one side and then flip them and fry for another 3 minutes until golden brown.
• Once finished, place the fried apple rings onto a paper towel lined plate or baking sheet. Allow the excess oil to absorb into the paper towel and then roll in the bowl of cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
• Serve immediately, optionally with vanilla ice cream!
• Before frying the next batch, allow the oil to reheat to between 350 F and 360 F.

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