Gluten Free Fried Apple Rings, which are also known as apfelringe or apfelradln, is a delightful dessert or snack that is perfect for any occasion. Made by coating fresh apple slices in a batter, frying them to a golden brown, and dusting them with cinnamon sugar, these crispy treats are a beloved dish in Austria and Germany. You can enjoy this traditional Austrian dish as it is or add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade vanilla sauce on top of the Apfelradln for extra deliciousness.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy fall dessert or a fun way to enjoy apples any time of year, fried apple rings are a perfect choice.

Jump to:
- Recipe Ingredients Notes
- What are Fried Apple Rings?
- How to make the batter for Gluten Free Apfelringe
- How to fry Gluten Free Apfelringe
- Serving & Storage
- How to dispose used frying oil
- FAQ - Gluten Free Apfelringe (Fried Apple Rings)
- Baking in grams
- Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures
- Substitutions and Modifications
- More Austrian Recipes to try
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Recipe Ingredients Notes
Gluten Free Flour: I have tested this recipe for Fried Apple Rings with my own gluten free multi purpose flour, King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob's Red Mill 1-1 Flour. All 3 flour blends produced a light and air batter to deep fry the apple rings in. If a gluten free diet is not required, this recipe can be made with 115 grams of "regular" all-purpose flour.
Apples: When it comes to making gluten free fried apple rings, you'll want to choose an apple variety that is firm and not too juicy. When choosing apples make sure they appear to be firm and don't have bruises. Try to avoid mealy apples, like Cortland or McIntosh, since they won't hold their shape in the hot oil and break down quickly. Some for apple varieties for Apfelradln include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Breaeburn. Even Golden Delicious or Jonagold are a good choice for making Gebackene Apfelringe.
Milk: Any percentage of milk or nondairy milk works in this recipe for gluten free apfelringe. You can even replace half of the milk with white wine or gluten free beer if you would like some extra crispy apfelringe. (Not recommended if kids will be eating them too)
Rum: Alcohol can help create a crispy and less greasy batter for frying Apfelringe. This is because alcohol evaporates faster than water or other liquids. It can quickly create a crispy exterior without absorbing as much oil. Bourbon or whiskey also works great here. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just skip the rum.
Oil for Frying: I use vegetable oil for frying. Canola Oil, Peanut oil, or corn oil would work as well. It must be an oil with a high smoke point.

What are Fried Apple Rings?
Fried Apple Rings, also known as Apfelringe, Apfelradln or Apfelkiachl, are a traditional dessert from the Tyrol region of Austria. "Apfelradln" means "apple wheels" in the local dialect. It originated as a way to use up leftover apples and dough, with sliced apples dipped in a simple batter made of flour, eggs, and milk, and then fried in oil until crispy and golden brown.
Once fried, the Tyrolean Apfelradln are traditionally dusted with powdered sugar and served hot. Some variations may also include a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream on top. A childhood favorite of mine is gluten-free fried apple rings with a generous scoop of Vanilla Ice Ceram. This typical Austrian dish is popular in autumn when apples are in season, and is often served at local festivals and events throughout the Tyrol region.

How to make the batter for Gluten Free Apfelringe
Apple rings, also known as fried apple rings or apfelringe, are quite easy to make. Make sure to peel the firm apples all the way and slice them into even thick rings. This will ensure they all fry within the same amount of time. I use a 10" cast iron skillet for frying and an electric hand mixer to make my gluten-free apfelringe recipe.
Step 1: Wash and peel the apples. If you have an apple corer, use it to remove the core. Carefully slice the apples into even slices using a sharp knife. I like mine around 1 cm (around ⅓ of an inch) thick. If they are too thick the batter will be fully cooked while the inside of the apple rings is still cold and raw. In case you don't have an apple corer use a sturdy cookie cutter or just a knife and remove the core.
Step 2: Drizzle the sliced apple rings with some lemon juice and set aside. The lemon juice will make sure the apples won't turn brown while you make the batter. Don't go overboard with the lemon juice or you will end up with sour apple rings.
Step 3: Begin by separating the eggs, placing the two egg whites in the bowl of your stand mixer or mixing bowl. Set aside the egg yolks in a separate mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk them together for a couple of minutes until they form stiff, glossy peaks that are almost creamy in texture. Be careful not to overmix the egg whites, as overmixed egg whites can become dull and dry. Once done, set the egg whites aside for later use. The egg whites act as a leavening agent in this recipe for Fried Apple Rings (this is why there is NO baking powder in my recipe)
Step 4: Get the bowl with the egg yolks and add milk, rum (if using), and a generous teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand whisk, whisk the ingredients until they are fully combined. Add the gluten-free flour and kosher salt, and continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth batter. Should the mixture be too thick, add a little milk to the mixture. (This will most likely happen if you use Cup4Cup which I don't recommend using)
Step 5: Gently fold about ⅓ of the beaten egg whites into the batter to help loosen it up. Next, add the remaining egg whites and fold them in carefully until the batter for Apfelringe becomes light and airy. It's normal to see some streaks of egg whites in the batter.

How to fry Gluten Free Apfelringe
Frying the first batch of apfelringe can be tricky. Avoid overcrowding the pan and keep a close eye on the oil temperature. It's important to exercise caution when handling hot oil!
Step 1: Line a sheet tray or platter with some paper towels and set aside. This will help to remove some of the excess oil from the fried apple rings.
Step 2: In a large pan or deep skillet with high sides, heat around 2 inches of neutral-tasting oil slowly to 360F. If the oil is too hot, the gluten-free fried apple rings will quickly brown on the outside and raw on the inside.
Step 3: When the oil is hot, dip 2-3 apple rings in the batter. Allow excess batter to drip off. Chopsticks actually come in very handy when doing this but a fork will work just as well.
Step 4: Carefully place the apple rings in the hot oil and fry at medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown. Carefully flip them over and continue to fry until both sides become evenly golden brown. Frying time depends on the size and thickness of the apfelradln. Keep an eye on the oil temperature since it will drop when you add the cold dough. Adjust as needed to keep it at 355 - 365F. If it is too low the batter will soak up all the oil making the fried rings very greasy.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the fried apple rings to the prepared sheet tray or a paper towel-lined plate. Allow them to drain on paper towels before transferring them to a serving platter. Repeat frying with the remaining apple rings. Please be aware that the fried apple rings will soften the longer they sit. This is totally normal.

Serving & Storage
Gluten Free Fried apple rings can be served in many ways, depending on your preference. Apfelradln are the best when enjoyed right away. Here are some ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar: Once the Apfelringe are fried, sprinkle confectioners' sugar and some cinnamon on top for a sweet and simple treat.
- Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm apple rings creates a delicious contrast of hot and cold.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: Warm caramel sauce adds a rich and indulgent touch to the apple rings.
- Pair with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the apple rings which adds a light and fluffy texture to the dish.
- Enjoy as is: These apple rings are delicious on their own, so you can simply serve them as a snack or dessert.
Should you happen to have any leftover Apfelradln, you may store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one day. They will become soggy like most other deep-fried dishes. Therefore Apfelradln are the best when enjoyed right away. Just like Kaiserschmarrn, you can prepare the batter beforehand, it's not advisable to pre-cook the dish.

How to dispose used frying oil
To dispose of frying oil, let it cool completely and strain out any food debris. Then, pour it into a container with a tight-fitting lid and label it as "used cooking oil". Do not pour the oil down the sink or toilet as it can clog the pipes. You can dispose of the used oil in the trash or take it to a local recycling center. Some cities offer used oil recycling programs where you can drop off the oil for proper disposal.
FAQ - Gluten Free Apfelringe (Fried Apple Rings)
Apfelradln undoubtedly are the best when enjoyed right away. Just like Kaiserschmarrn, you can prepare the batter beforehand, it's not advisable to pre-cook the dish.
Yes, you can use different types of apples to make fried apple rings. Different varieties of apples have slightly different flavors, textures, and levels of sweetness. Some varieties of apples, like Granny Smith apples, are more tart and firm, while others, like Honeycrisp apples, are sweeter and softer. You can choose the type of apple based on your personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the finished dish. Just be aware that different types of apples may cook at different rates and may require slightly different cooking times.
Some for apple varieties for Apfelradln include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Breaeburn. The best apples to use are those that hold their shape and don't turn to mush when cooked.
Baking in grams
I share my recipes in grams and by weight since baking by weight is the most accurate way to bake. Digital Scales are very affordable and very affordable. You can purchase them on Amazon for less than a set of measuring cups. Measuring cups are very inaccurate and can cause significant errors when it comes to gluten-free baking or baking in general. Especially since I bake with gluten-free flours which weigh differently than “regular” flours. I do provide some ingredients like spices and leavening agents in measuring spoons. To learn more about Baking with a digital scale, make sure to check out my post about Baking by weight.
Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures
All my recipes are tested and developed with a conventional oven. I always bake my baked goods on the rack placed in the MIDDLE of my oven. This way the heat coming from the bottom will not burn my baked goods.
If you are baking with convection (fan-forced), please adjust the recipes accordingly. Be also prepared that the convection oven can cause your baked goods to dry out quickly and still be raw inside. Be aware that it takes at least 15-20 minutes for a standard American Oven to be fully preheated. I highly recommend investing in an Oven Thermometer.
Substitutions and Modifications
Any dietary or ingredient modifications/substitutions to this recipe may alter the end result in appearance and taste. I test my recipes several times as published in this post and The Gluten Free Austrian Blog is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you find on our website.

More Austrian Recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Apfelringe (Fried Apple Rings)

Gluten Free Fried Apple Rings, also known as apfelringe or apfelradln, is a delightful dessert or snack that is perfect for any occasion. Made by coating fresh apple slices in a batter, frying them to a golden brown, and dusting them with cinnamon sugar, these crispy treats are a beloved dish in Austria.
Ingredients
Gluten Free Fried Apple Rings
- 2-3 large, firm apples
- lemon juice as needed
- 2 large eggs
- 125 grams milk, any percentage
- 20 grams rum (if using)
- generous teaspoon vanilla extract
- 125 grams gluten free multipurpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or other high smoke point oil as needed
For Serving
- powdered sugar
- ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
How to make Gluten Free Apfelringe Batter
I use a 10" cast iron skillet and an electric hand mixer to make my gluten-free fried apple rings recipe.
- Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them evenly into about 1 cm (⅓ inch) thickness. If you don't have an apple corer, use a cookie cutter or knife to remove the core.
- Drizzle the sliced apple rings with some lemon juice and set aside.
- Separate the eggs and place the egg whites in the bowl of your stand mixer or mixing bowl. Add the egg yolks to a separate mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk them together for a couple of minutes until they form stiff, glossy peaks that are almost creamy in texture.
- Get the bowl with the egg yolks and add milk, rum (if using), and a generous teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand whisk, whisk the ingredients until they are fully combined. Add the gluten-free flour and kosher salt, and continue whisking until the mixture becomes a smooth batter.
- Fold ⅓ of the beaten egg whites into the batter to loosen it. Then, carefully fold in the rest of the egg whites until the batter is light and airy. Streaks of egg whites in the batter are normal.
How to fry Apfelringe
- Line a sheet tray or platter with some paper towels and set aside. This will help to remove some of the excess oil from the fried apple rings.
- In a large pan or deep skillet with high sides, heat around 2 inches of neutral-tasting oil slowly to 360F.
- Dip 2-3 apple rings in the batter when the oil is hot. Allow excess batter to drip off using chopsticks or a fork.
- Fry apple rings in hot oil at medium heat for 2-3 mins until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry until both sides are golden brown. Fry time depends on size/thickness. Watch the oil temperature and try to keep it at 355-365F.
- Carefully transfer the fried apple rings to the prepared sheet tray or a paper towel-lined plate. Allow them to drain on paper towels before transferring them to a serving platter. Repeat frying with the remaining apple rings.
- Once the Apfelringe are fried, sprinkle confectioners' sugar and some cinnamon on top for a sweet and simple treat.
Notes
Apples: Some for apple varieties to use for Apfelradln include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Breaeburn. The best apples to use are those that hold their shape and don't turn to mush when cooked.
Flour: If a gluten free diet is not required, this recipe can be made with 115 grams of "regular" all-purpose flour.
Crispyness: Please be aware that the fried apple rings will soften the longer they sit. This is totally normal.
Frying Oil: Do not pour the oil down the sink or toilet as it can clog the pipes.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 223
Calories are a guestimate and randomly generated.
Sean says
I loved these. I had never thought of frying apple rings before and they were amazing.
Daniela says
Thank you, Sean. So glad you enjoyed these fried apple rings
Coni says
I just made this for my son and his friends and they where soo happy with this special treat after a football game! Loved the recipe ❤️
Daniela says
Oh I love hearing this! What a treat after a football game
veenaazmanov says
This is surely my first attempt to trying Apple Rings. Sounds very interesting and tasty too. Best as a party snack as well. Quick,easy and unique.
sophie says
You've crafted a culinary masterpiece with your Apfelringe recipe – tasty and gluten-free, it's sure to be enjoyed by all!
Jessica says
My kids are going to love these "apple donuts" lol! Such a cute idea, and relatively easy for a snack....can't wait to try them!!
Kathryn says
These were so delicious and made such a delicious sweet treat!! We loved them for breakfast and the apple center was our favorite!
Colleen says
These fried apple rings are amazing. Better than an apple fritter. I highly recommend this recipe.
Sharon says
These fried apple rings were so easy to make. I loved the crunchy apples inside and crunchy fried dough outside.
Cathleen says
I am so excited to make this!! Pinned to make this weekend, thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
Sangeetha S says
These gluten-free Apfelringe look absolutely delicious and perfect for a cozy afternoon snack! I love that they're fried to perfection and the combination of cinnamon and sugar is making my mouth water. Can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Tristin says
Made these apple rings to serve at brunch this weekend, they were the highlight of the meal! Delicious!