There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade apple fritters—golden, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with juicy apple goodness. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a nostalgic dessert, these fritters are pure joy in every bite.
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Picture this: warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pieces wrapped in a lightly sweet batter, fried to perfection, and drizzled with a simple glaze. Trust me, once you make these, your kitchen will smell like an autumn dream, and you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, fry, and enjoy.
Crispy & Fluffy: A perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, doughy centers.
Bursting with Apples: Fresh apples in every bite add natural sweetness and a delicious texture.
Customizable: Prefer more spice? Add nutmeg or a touch of cardamom. Love extra crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts.
Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly made fritters taste infinitely better than anything from the bakery!
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Apples: The heart of these fritters! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
Flour: Gives the batter structure, creating a light yet sturdy texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that golden-brown crust.
Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Baking Powder: Ensures the fritters puff up and stay light and airy.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter for a smooth consistency.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the fritters structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the crispiest results.
Powdered Sugar Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar and milk for a light, sweet finish.
Instructions
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly inside the fritters.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature ensures crispy, non-greasy fritters.
Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain & Cool: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly before glazing.
Glaze the Fritters: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fritters for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Apple Fritters
With a Cup of Coffee: These fritters pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Topped with Ice Cream: Serve warm fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze and roll them in cinnamon sugar for an extra crunch.
With Maple Syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for a cozy breakfast twist.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the fritters light and airy.
Use the Right Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crispy texture.
Work in Batches: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy fritters.
Make Them Ahead: You can mix the batter in advance and fry when ready for fresh, warm fritters.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden.
Q2: What’s the best apple variety to use?
A2: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix for balance.
Q3: Can I freeze apple fritters?
A3: Yes! Freeze after frying (before glazing) and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Q4: How do I keep fritters crispy?
A4: Serve immediately or reheat in the oven. Avoid covering them, as trapped steam makes them soft.
Q5: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, and raisins bring a touch of sweetness.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A6: Pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Q7: Can I make mini fritters?
A7: Yes! Use a teaspoon to drop smaller portions into the oil for bite-sized treats.
Q8: Can I use a different glaze?
A8: Try a caramel drizzle, maple glaze, or even a honey glaze for a fun twist.
Q9: Do I need a thermometer for frying?
A9: It helps! If you don’t have one, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready.
Q10: Are these like doughnuts?
A10: Similar, but fritters have a more rustic texture with chunks of apples in every bite!
Final Thoughts
Classic apple fritters are the perfect treat crispy, fluffy, and filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or save them for later, they’re always a delight. Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out!
Print
Classic Apple Fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–15 fritters 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Classic Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and coated with a sweet glaze. A perfect breakfast treat or dessert, they come together in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
To Soften the Apples:
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 large Crisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced (1/4-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon White sugar
For the Batter:
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Ginger powder
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup White sugar
- 1 tablespoon Melted butter
- 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar*
For the Sugar Glaze:
- 1/2 cup Icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon Milk (adjust as needed)
Instructions
Cook the Apples:
- In a frying pan, melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
- Add diced apples and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon sugar and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat, drain apples, and let them cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Batter & Fry the Fritters:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger powder until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Add cooled apples and apple cider vinegar, followed by the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the hot oil, flattening slightly. Fry for 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Glaze & Enjoy!
- In a small bowl, whisk together icing sugar and milk (adjust milk as needed) until smooth and runny.
- Drizzle over warm fritters and serve immediately.
Notes
- Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang, but you can substitute with buttermilk or milk.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an air fryer or oven for crispiness.
- Try serving with vanilla ice cream or cinnamon sugar dusting for extra indulgence!
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg