Method

• 1.
  Peel and core the apples and cut crossways into 1cm-thick rings. Toss with the lemon juice and set aside.
• 2.
  Place flour, bicarbonate of soda, caster sugar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Slowly whisk in up to 1/3 cup (80ml) chilled water until you have a smooth, thickish batter, then set aside.
• 3.
  Half-fill a deep-fryer or large, heavy-based saucepan with oil and heat to 190°C. (If you don't have a thermometer, test a cube of bread - it will turn golden in 30 seconds if the oil is hot enough.)
• 4.
  Dip the apple rings in batter, a few at a time, until completely coated, shake off excess, then carefully drop into the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden on one side, then use tongs to turn them and cook for 30 seconds on the other side. Remove, drain on paper towel then keep warm in a low oven while you fry remaining apple rings.
• 5.
  Dust with icing sugar and serve with ice-cream.