Sourdough Fried Apples
Crispy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar, sourdough fried apples are a fun and delicious way to use your sourdough discard! These lightly tangy, perfectly spiced apple rings are fried to perfection, giving them a warm, donut-like texture with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or a special fall-inspired treat, these fried apples are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Sourdough discard isn’t just a great way to reduce waste—it adds depth of flavor and crispiness to the batter. The acidity in the starter helps create a light, crispy coating while adding just a hint of tang that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon sugar.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick & easy – No complicated steps or long prep time!
- A unique way to use sourdough discard – Adds flavor and crispness to the batter.
- Like apple donuts! – A crispy outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of sweetness.
If you love crispy, golden fried treats, there are plenty of other sweet fried sourdough recipes to explore! Sourdough beignets offer a pillowy, New Orleans-inspired bite dusted with powdered sugar, while sourdough fry bread can be served sweet or savory, making it a versatile favorite. And if you’re craving a classic, sourdough donuts are a fun, cake-like treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each of these recipes transforms sourdough starter into something warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, proving that sourdough isn’t just for bread—it’s for indulgent fried treats too!
How to make sourdough fried apples
This recipe comes together in no time! For full details, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card, but here’s a quick look at the process:
- Make the batter – In a mixing bowl, whisk together sourdough starter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Heat the oil – In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F.
- Slice the apples – Cut apples into ¼-inch rings, removing the core from each slice.
- Dip & fry – Coat the apple slices in the batter, then carefully fry in the hot oil for 30-45 seconds per side, or until golden brown.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar – While still warm, roll the fried apple rings in cinnamon sugar for that perfect sweet coating.
- Enjoy immediately! These are best served fresh and warm.
Recipe Notes:
- A note on apples: Not all apples fry the same way! A firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady holds up well to frying and balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. If you prefer a softer texture, Fuji or Gala apples work beautifully too.
Serving ideas
- Enjoy them as-is for a sweet snack.
- Serve with a caramel or maple dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a simple but irresistible dessert.
Sourdough is better when shared
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rating below.
Love and links are always appreciated! If you’d like to share this recipe, please link to the post directly for the recipe, please do not copy and paste or screenshot. Thank you so much for supporting me. XOXO – Jenni
Sourdough Fried Apples
Sourdough fried apple rings are crispy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar—like apple donuts! This quick and easy sourdough discard recipe makes the perfect sweet snack, dessert, or fall treat. Enjoy them warm with caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or ice cream!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% hydration sourdough starter discard
- 2 apples sliced thinly and cored
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon and sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the starter, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
-
Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat until hot. You want about 1 inch of canola oil in the pan.
-
Slice the apples about ¼” thick – you should get about 6 slices from each apple. Then you can use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the core. An apple corer works, too!
-
Use a fork to toss the apples into the batter, coating evenly.
-
Carefully place a few apple slices (letting excess batter drip off before placing it into the oil) into the oil and allow to cook for 30 seconds – 1 minutes on each side. When it’s golden, flip and cook on the other side.
-
Place cooked slices on a wire baking rack to cool slightly.
-
While still warm, toss the cooked apple slices in the cinnamon sugar.
-
Enjoy!
