Apple Fritters Recipe

The Fluffiest Apple Fritters Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Bliss

Crispy golden apple fritters dance with sweet, irresistible charm on plates everywhere.

Maple-scented memories flood back from childhood bakery visits.

Bakers know these delectable treats require simple ingredients and gentle technique.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when fragrant cinnamon and fresh apples mingle in batter.

Soft fruit chunks nestled in light, puffy dough create magic with each bite.

Warm, sugary goodness promises comfort and joy in every single mouthful.

Apple Fritters Overview

  • Burst with Fruity Flavor: Packed with fresh diced apples, these fritters deliver a delightful burst of natural sweetness and texture in every single bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requiring minimal kitchen skills, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks to create a delicious dessert that impresses everyone at the table.
  • Versatile Treat for Any Moment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a midday snack, these apple fritters adapt to any craving or gathering with their irresistible charm.
  • Simple Ingredients, Maximum Satisfaction: Using basic pantry staples and common ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday components into a spectacular treat that feels like a special indulgence.

Ingredients for Apple Fritters

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the fritters.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light and fluffy texture in the fritters.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and consistent batter.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the fritters.
  • Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural apple flavor to the batter.
Fruit Ingredient:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that provides texture and natural sweetness to the fritters.
Frying and Coating Ingredients:
  • Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils used for deep frying the fritters.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze for coating.
  • Milk: Helps thin and smooth out the glaze.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the glaze flavor.

How to Prepare Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare Dry Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour into the well:
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Applesauce

Gently mix until just combined. Softly fold in diced apples, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a heavy skillet, dutch oven, or deep fryer. Pour in canola or vegetable oil to create a 1.5-inch depth. Use a cooking thermometer to heat oil to 375°F.

Step 4: Fry Fritter Batch

Carefully drop about 1/4 cup of batter into hot oil for each fritter. Spread evenly and fry until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Create Smooth Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky and smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Allow fritters to cool slightly. Dunk each fritter into the glaze, coating both sides generously.

Place on wire racks to let excess glaze drip off and set.

Tips for Apple Fritters

  • Select firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your fritters.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375°F to prevent soggy or greasy fritters, using a digital thermometer for accuracy.
  • Pat diced apples dry with paper towels before adding to batter to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy results.
  • Allow fritters to cool slightly before glazing to help the glaze set properly and create a smooth, even coating.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.

Variations of Apple Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free rice flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a crispy texture.
  • Whole Wheat Healthier Fritters: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost fiber content and add a nutty undertone to the apple fritters.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and replace applesauce with mashed ripe bananas to reduce overall sugar content while keeping moisture.
  • Vegan Apple Fritters: Substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture, use non-dairy milk, and replace the milk-based glaze with a coconut milk and powdered sugar glaze for a plant-based rendition.

Pairings for Apple Fritters

  • A warm, spiced apple cider perfectly complements the apple fritters' sweet and cinnamony profile. The drink echoes the fritter's apple flavors while adding a cozy warmth.
  • Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm fritters. The temperature contrast and complementary vanilla notes create a delightful sensory experience.
  • A rich caramel macchiato provides a luxurious coffee companion that highlights the fritters' sweetness. The caramel undertones blend beautifully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.

Storage Tips for Apple Fritters

  • Store glazed apple fritters in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep them chilled for up to 2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place fritters on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, checking frequently to maintain crispness.

FAQs

  • Are apple fritters difficult to make?

Apple fritters are surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The recipe requires basic mixing and frying techniques that anyone can master with a little practice.

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. These varieties hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity to the fritters.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter just before frying. Letting the batter sit too long can cause the baking powder to lose its leavening power, resulting in less fluffy fritters.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Apple Fritters Recipe

Apple Fritters Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade apple fritters deliver a crispy, golden-brown delight that combines sweet fruit with delicate pastry. Cinnamon-spiced batter and fresh apples create a classic dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
  • 3 tbsps applesauce
  • 2 tsps baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • Canola oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel, sifting together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, creating a central depression for wet ingredients.
  2. Pour milk, eggs, and applesauce into the flour mixture, gently blending until a cohesive batter forms. Incorporate diced apples with minimal stirring to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
  3. Select a deep cooking vessel, filling with 1 1/2 inches of oil. Heat to precisely 375°F, monitoring temperature with a culinary thermometer to ensure consistent frying conditions.
  4. Carefully drop batter portions into sizzling oil, spreading to create uniform circular shapes. Fry each fritter for approximately 2 minutes per side, rotating when achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
  5. Extract fritters using a perforated utensil, transferring to absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil and facilitate cooling.
  6. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
  7. Immerse slightly cooled fritters into glaze, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces. Position glazed treats on wire racks, allowing excess coating to gracefully cascade downward and set.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and texture contrast in fritters.
  • Keep oil temperature consistent at 375°F to prevent greasy or undercooked centers while achieving perfect golden exterior.
  • Drain fritters on paper towels and wire racks to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring equal measurements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 236 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star