Easy Air Fryer Fried Apple Rings

several air fried apple rings coated in golden batter and cinnamon sugar sitting on a plate

This Easy Air Fryer Fried Apple Rings is the most delicious fall dessert recipe! These Apple Rings are the most mouthwatering apple slices covered with a batter that puffs up and is coated with crunchy cinnamon sugar.

It’s like an apple pie, apple crisp and donut all in one and with a fraction of the effort!

FRIED APPLE RINGS

Fried Apple Rings or Apple Fritters were one of my favorite treats growing up in Washington. The only problem was getting them. They are a specialty treat even in the state of apples.

Ingredients for Fried Apples in the Air Fryer

Flour: Acts as the base for the simple batter.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and texture to the batter.
Baking Powder: Give the batter some rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Whole Milk: Binds all the batter together.
Egg: Give the batter structure.
Butter: Adds rich flavor to the batter. Helps the sugar spice mixture to stick to the rings.
Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warm flavor that is a signature combination with apple.
Ground Cardamom: Adds an additional layer of warm flavor.
Granny Smith Apples: Honeycrisp apples could also be used. Avoid using soft apples like McIntosh or Golden Delicious.

How to Make This Fried Apples Recipe

Prep: Peel, core and slice the apples. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Batter: Combine all the ingredients for the batter in a medium bowl starting with whisking the dry ingredients and then adding the wet ingredients.
Make Cinnamon Coating: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cardamom and sugar.
Coat the Apples: Dip the apples in the batter and place them in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.
Freeze: Stick the baking sheet in the freezer and let the battered apples freeze for 45-60 minutes.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer and then air fry the apples in batches for 7-9 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Immediately brush the air-fried apples with melted butter and dredge in the cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately!

PRO TIP

Cut your apples using a chef’s knife or a mandolin for faster, even slicing. I like to use a little melon baller to remove the core.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Fried Apple Rings:

Use the right apple! A firm apple like Granny Smith, Gala or Honey Crisp is essential.
In a hurry? You can leave the peel on!
Use a mandolin slicer to cut the apples into even 1/4 inch slices so they cook evenly.
Do NOT make in advance! These are not a good make ahead treat, however they reheat fairly well just not as crispy.
Make it a la mode! Top a stack off with some vanilla or caramel ice cream and caramel sauce drizzle.

How to Reheat Fried Apple Rings

Heat the air fryer or oven to 400 degrees F and reheat until puffing and crisping again. They will be softer than the original, but still delicious.

Don’t Miss Out on THIS Recipe!

While I love the sweetness of apple desserts, my absolute favorite fall/winter recipe with apples is actually our roasted apple salad. If you’ve never had roasted apples, you are missing out!

Sweet and Savory Apple Recipes

I am a huge fan of fall desserts and especially love apple desserts! I’m sure you’ve noticed my love for dutch apple pie-one of our most popular recipes ever (especially for Thanksgiving so make sure you pin it now!), apple crisp with the best oatmeal topping ever, classic apple pie with essential tips for the filling, and a savory option that’s the perfect sweet and savory combo- apple chutney pork chops!

Quick and easy apple dessert idea! These cinnamon sugar-coated apple rings are made in the air fryer—light, crispy, and totally addictive. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime!

Watch How These Fried Apple Rings are Made…

More Apple Recipes You Need to Save

Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Apple Coffee Cake Muffins
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Apple Dumplings with Sprite and Crescent Rolls
Incredible Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Apple Fritter Baked Oatmeal
Apple Crisp Cookies

Air Fryer Fried Apples

It’s like an apple pie, apple crisp and donut all in one and with a fraction of the effort!

Course 500+ Best Dessert Recipes, Over 100 Favorite Fruit Dessert Recipes

Keyword air fryer, apple, apple dessert, apple dessert recipes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Freezing Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings

Calories 445kcal

Author Carrian Cheney

Equipment

Ingredients

¾ Cup Flour
¾ Cup Sugar divided
¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Salt
⅔ Cup Whole Milk
1 Egg large
4 Tablespoons Butter melted, divided
½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 ½ teaspoons Cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon Ground Cardamom *optional
3 Granny Smith Apples or honey crisp apples, peeled, cored and cut crosswise into ¼” slices

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk until smooth.

¾ Cup Flour, ¾ Cup Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder, ¼ teaspoon Salt
Add the milk, egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter and vanilla and combine. Set aside.

⅔ Cup Whole Milk, 1 Egg, 4 Tablespoons Butter, ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
In another bowl, whisk the rest of the sugar, cinnamon and cardamom. Set aside.

¾ Cup Sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons Cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cardamom
Using a fork or your fingers, dip the apples into the batter, allowing excess to drip off and place apple slices on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for 45-60 minutes.

3 Granny Smith Apples
Arrange on the air fryer pan, working in batches, and cook at 425℉ for 7-9 minutes.
Remove and immediately brush with melted butter and dredge in cinnamon sugar. SERVE IMMEDIATELY!

4 Tablespoons Butter

Video

Notes

You can reheat the apples by placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet in a 425 degree F oven or air fryer for 7 or so minutes. They reheat quite well!