Apple Fritter Rings

Name: Apple Fritter Rings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into rings; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; Vegetable oil for frying; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit crisper, I find myself craving warm, sweet treats. That's when these Apple Fritter Rings come to play. They are easy to make and smell incredible while cooking. Honestly, my kids couldn’t resist helping out, and their giggles filled the kitchen while we tossed apple slices in batter. They just couldn’t get enough of how they turned out, and I might even have been talked into making them again the next morning.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-06-04T10:22:19.563Z

When I was trying to come up with a fun fall dessert, I wanted something that would combine the classic apple flavors with a donut-like experience. Pairing freshly sliced apples with a simple batter made these fritter rings easier than I expected. Honestly, the first batch I made disappeared so fast, I barely got a taste!

One thing I learned is that the thicker the batter, the better it holds up during frying. I know some recipes suggest a thinner batter, but I keep mine on the thicker side to coat those apples just right. My partner couldn’t believe how much they reminded him of apple pie when he took that first bite!

Why This Works So Well

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
Using fresh apples makes a big difference
They’re done in no time at all
You can play with spices to suit your taste

Choosing Your Ingredients

When making apple fritter rings, I always reach for fresh, crisp apples. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work like a charm. They hold their shape well and provide a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness. If you grab apples that are a bit softer, they'll turn mushy in the hot oil, and that's not what we want.

For the batter, the right consistency is key. You want it thick enough to stick to the apple rings but still loose enough to drop off when you dip them. Sometimes I find myself adding a splash more milk if it seems too thick. It’s all about finding that balance.

A Quick Note on Apple Fritter Rings

There's something special about frying your own apple fritters. The smell that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible. Just watch that oil temperature; if it dips too low, your fritters will soak up oil and become greasy instead of crisp. This is a common pitfall, but just keep an eye on things, and you’ll do great.

After frying, let them drain on paper towels rather than a cooling rack. This little trick helps keep them crispy longer as it absorbs excess oil. And don’t skip the glaze; it adds a nice sweetness on top of that warm, spiced apple goodness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful treat:

For the Fritter Rings

2 medium apples, cored and sliced into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Apple Fritter Rings:

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt. Stir these together until they are mixed well. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps.

Prepare the Oil

In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 365°F. You can test if it's ready by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the top, it’s perfect. Just be careful with the hot oil!

Fry the Rings

Carefully dip the apple rings into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Gently place them into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Don’t crowd the pot; it can lower the oil temperature, and we want that nice crispiness.

Drain and Glaze

Once fried, use a slotted spoon to take the rings out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle it over the warm fritter rings before serving.

Pro Tips

If you want a little extra crunch, try adding some chopped nuts or oats to your batter. You can also switch up the spices based on what you love. I sometimes add a pinch of allspice for an extra kick. Just remember, the key to that crispy exterior is keeping an eye on the oil temperature.

How to Store Apple Fritter Rings

These fritter rings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day. Reheating them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F is the best way to restore some of that crispiness. Microwaving works too, but they won’t be as crunchy.

If you anticipate having some to save, consider glazing only what you plan to eat right away. The glaze can make them a bit soggy over time. Just store the glaze separately, and drizzle it on right before serving.

Ways to Switch It Up

One of the fun parts about these fritter rings is that you can play with the spices in the batter. Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a nice warmth if you like. On a whim, I once tossed in a few chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, and that was delightful.

You could also swap the apple for pears if you want something more unique, or even try adding a little citrus zest to the glaze for a refreshing zing. Honestly, this recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.