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When autumn brings those perfect apples, I whip up these addictive fried apple rings. The transformation happens as sizzling oil turns basic pancake mixture into a crispy golden shell around soft apple pieces. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar to make them extraordinary. My house fills with amazing smells that remind me of fall festivals and cool morning breakfasts.
Easy But Amazing
What I really like about these rings is how they need just a handful of basic items from my cupboard. Using pancake mix makes them super easy, and you can get them ready earlier for hectic mornings. I often make twice as many because they're gone in minutes, especially when the children catch that cooking smell.
What You'll Need
- 4 large baking apples: Honeycrisp are my go-to for their sweet-tart mix, but you can't go wrong with Granny Smith either. Just pick sturdy apples that won't fall apart.
- 2 cups pancake mix plus water: Any brand you like works great, or try my from-scratch version. You want the mix to stick to your finger without being runny.
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: Combine 1/3 cup sugar with a whole teaspoon of cinnamon. Don't skimp - you'll want plenty.
- Oil for frying: Vegetable oil does the job, but try coconut oil for extra taste.
The Cooking Steps
- Get Those Apples Ready
- Slice apples into quarter-inch rings and remove the middle parts. Dry them completely with paper towels.
- Cover With Batter
- Dip each ring in the pancake mix. Let extra batter drip off for an even layer.
- Start Frying
- Heat your oil to around 365 degrees. Cook the rings until golden, about 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Add The Sweet Stuff
- Roll the hot rings in cinnamon sugar right away. The heat helps the sweetness stick better.
Helpful Tips
Use a candy thermometer to know exactly when your oil's ready. If your mix seems thick, add water drops until it flows smoothly from a spoon. I've found that a smaller cooking pot works better - it saves oil and makes cleanup quicker.
Keep Some For Tomorrow
Any extras can go in your fridge for a day or two. When you're ready to eat them again, toss them in the air fryer for a couple minutes or warm them quickly in the microwave. They'll get their crunch back just like that.
Fresh From The Trees
These taste best with apples we just picked from nearby farms. Those fall weekend trips for apple picking are so much fun. Try varieties like Cortland or Stayman Winesap - they cook up wonderfully and have just enough tang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What apples fry best?
Great choices include tart ones like Granny Smith or sweeter options like Gala—they'll hold up during cooking.
- → Is pancake mix a shortcut?
Sure! Mix boxed pancake batter with extra milk. Brands like Krusteaz work great for a quick fix.
- → How do I tell if the oil is ready?
A thermometer helps! When the oil hits 365°F, you're good to go. Avoid oil that's too hot or cool for the best texture.
- → Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, microwave them for a few seconds to warm up. They make a tasty morning treat too!
- → Why remove the cores?
Taking out the cores helps them fry evenly and gives you that iconic ring style. Save the cores for nibbling or other snacks!