About the Recipe
The smell of fried apples takes you back to crisp fall days, popping skillets, and sweet spices in the air. Fried Battered Apple Rings are a cross-cultural treat that’s long had a place on our fall tables. All you need are sweet apples, cinnamon-sugar, and a thick batter that hugs every slice. They’re simple & soulful — so go on, grab a skillet and give this recipe a try!
Ingredients
CINNAMON-SUGAR COATING
2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2.4 oz.
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 small -or- 2 extra large apples, peeled
APPLE RING BATTER
1/2 pouch of Foster’s Pancake & Belgian Waffle Mix
2 large eggs, whisked
6 tablespoons milk
3/4 tsp. maple extract
2-1/2 cups of cooking oil for frying
SPECIAL KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
Small bowl to coat apple slices in cinnamon-sugar
Small round cookie cutter to remove the core of each slice & a peeler to remove the apple skin
Food thermometer
Stainless steel tongs & spider strainer
Large baking sheet, lined with paper towels
Preparation
1. Whisk the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a bowl large enough to coat the apple slices. Reserve a few tablespoons of the mixture to sprinkle over the apple rings after cooking. Slice the apples horizontally into 3/8-inch thick rings & remove the core and skin. Set them aside on a flat serving tray until ready to coat.
2. Prepare the batter by pouring the contents of the pancake & waffle mix into a large bowl. Remove half of the mix (approximately 1 cup plus 5¼ teaspoons) and reserve it for another use.
3. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add the cold milk and maple extract. Whisk until well aerated. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry mix, whisking in stages until the batter is mostly smooth and free of lumps. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 inch of cooking oil to 375°F. Use a candy or probe thermometer to monitor the temperature. Once the oil reaches 375°F, reduce the heat to medium to maintain the temperature.
5. Generously coat the apple slices on both sides with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then immediately dip them into the batter. Carefully place the coated slices into the hot oil and fry until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until evenly golden. Remove the apple rings from the oil and place them on a prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon-sugar. Repeat until all apple slices are fried. This treat is extra delicious when paired with vanilla ice cream.
RECIPE AUTHOR: Down Home Bakery, LLC.