These Apple Fritter Rings are a fun spin on the popular donut shop Apple Fritter. Like a sweet apple version of an onion ring!
This recipe was developed by me for Sweet’N Low®. All opinions are 100% my own.
It’s not technically winter yet, so I can still share fall recipes with you, right? HA.
We finally made it up to Apple Hill, but barely. I think there were only two days left in their season before they shut everything down. But we were determined. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t get my annual batch of apple cider, favorite cider donuts, and of course, apples! Then I came home and made slow cooker apple sauce, as always. But I also made Apple Fritter Rings, which were polished off in minutes.
I had an excuse to make them again, though, with Hanukkah early this year and also because I’ve partnered with Sweet’N Low® for their “12 Days of Christmas” campaign. I was selected for the fifth day and “5 Golden Rings.” How perfect, right?!
What kind of apple is best for these
I prefer something sweet like a Honey Crisp or Pink Lady, as opposed to a Granny Smith, which is tart. But honestly, it doesn’t really matter with these fritters. Anything goes, so pick your favorite!
Sweet’N Low®, America’s favorite pink zero-calorie sweetener, has been helping millions of people around the world sweeten food and beverages without added sugars and unnecessary calories. It’s so hard to resist all the sweet treats everywhere right now with the holiday parties, office potlucks, and family gatherings. So, it’s nice to be able to alter some dessert favorites at home with Sweet’N Low® and not add extra calories.
One little packet is as sweet as two teaspoons of sugar, and 8 teaspoons are equivalent to one cup of sugar, but without all the added calories. It also easily dissolves in hot and cold beverages. When baking with Sweet’N Low®, though, it is recommended to keep ½ of the sugar in the recipe to ensure proper volume, texture, and browning.
Basically, I can make these Apple Fritter Rings many more times this month without feeling guilty. Well, almost. I’m very aware these are not diet food. Lol. January will be here soon enough to start thinking about that!
You can check out other Sweet’N Low® recipes inspired by verses of the “12 Days of Christmas” song, by visiting the following links:
Day 1: Partridge In A Pear Tree Pie- Mommy’s Memorandum
Day 2: Turtle Cheesecake- Words of Deliciousness
Day 3: French Butter Cookies – Grandma’s Briefs
Day 4: Four Calling Birds Cupcakes- Simply Southern Mom
Day 5: Apple Fritter Rings – Belly Full (that’s me!)
Day 6: Chocolate Mousse Parfait – From Val’s Kitchen
Day 7: Swan Profiteroles – Mom Skoop
Day 8: Salted Caramel Ginger Pot De Creme – Hungry Couple
Day 9: Cranberry Orange Dream Bars – 365 Days of Baking
Day 10: Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles – Lowcarb-ology
Day 11: Christmas Tree Meringues – Close To Home
Day 12: Mini Cheesecake Drums – Thrifty Jinxy
For more information on Sweet’N Low® and seasonal recipes, visit sweetnlow.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
More Apple Desserts you might like!
Watch the video for Apple Fritter Rings
Apple Fritter Rings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Sweet’N Low® (2 packets) , or 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk
- splash of vanilla
- 4 large apples
- vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Sweet’N Low® (6 packets) , or 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Sweet’N Low, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Add in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla; stir until just combined.
- Slice the apples into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Remove and discard the center core of each slice with a tiny cookie cutter or apple corer.
- Add about 2 inches of oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium heat, until it reaches 350 degrees F.
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, shaking off any excess. Carefully lower the ring into the oil. Fry apple rings 3 or 4 at a time, but don’t allow them to touch, for about 1 minute per side, or until golden.
- Using tongs, transfer them to the paper towels.
- Repeat the process with the remaining apple slices.
- While still warm, sprinkle them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If you want to use regular granulated sugar instead, you’ll need 2 tablespoons for the batter and 1/3 cup for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- You can really use any type of apple here, but I prefer Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
- These Apple Fritter Rings are simple enough as is, but pancake batter would simplify them even more.
- You can make the inner hole pretty small like I did, using a single apple corer, or widen it up with a round biscuit cutter. You could even use the rim of a glass if you put some muscle behind it.
Can you bake them instead of frying
Amy, can this work with an air fryer? My wife just got one for her birthday, I know I am a dollar short and a day late. You don’t need to post this, just an idea, Thanks!
Hi Shawn – unfortunately, these do not work in an air fryer because of the batter. But you could simply try them with just a coating of cinnamon-sugar. Not sure the cook time/temp though without further recipe testing.
Thank you for sharing your lovely recipe. The apple fritter rings turned out perfect. Crispy, tender and delicious. Quick and really easy to make. I’ll be making these often. BK
Thank you for printing this recipe. My grandmother used to make these for me when I was very young. (63 years ago) I have been looking for this recipe for years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I can’t wait to make these for my grandkids.
Should I peel the apples?
You can if you want, but it’s not necessary.
Addictive! Left over batter can be used with other fruit. I used green grapes.
How long would they keep for?theres only the two of us in the house these days
As with any deep fried food, they should be eaten immediately for optimal taste and texture. But you *can* refrigerate the cooked fritter rings in a shallow airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for 3-5 minutes, wrapped in foil until crispy.
They look so delicious
Highly allergic to artificial sugars (saccharine, aspartame) so will try the sugar subs. These look downright delicious.
What if you didn’t want to deep fry but bake how long and temp
Looks awesome, but I’d substitute Almond Flour to make it gluten free and less impact for diabetics.
These look delicious!