Apple Fritters Recipe

This Apple Fritters Recipe is a fluffy and easy recipe, which is made with tart Granny Smith apples and ground cinnamon. It’s the perfect fall treat, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Apple Fritters Ingredients

For the Fritters:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

For the Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. whole milk

How To Make Apple Fritters

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine the Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the diced apples.
Heat the Oil: Pour a couple of inches of canola oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Heat the oil to about 350°F.
Fry the Fritters: Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, cooking 6 to 8 at a time. Fry for about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and Glaze: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. While they are still warm, either dip them in the glaze or dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Make the Glaze: While the fritters are frying, whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth.

Recipe Tips

How to get fluffy fritters? The most important rule is not to overmix the batter. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together only until you no longer see streaks of flour. A few lumps are okay and will result in a more tender fritter.
What are the best apples to use? Tart, firm Granny Smith apples are perfect because their flavor balances the sweetness of the glaze and they hold their shape well without getting mushy.
How do I know the oil is ready without a thermometer? Drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and rises to the top, the oil is ready. If it browns too quickly, the heat is too high.
Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes. For a less traditional but healthier version, spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place spoonfuls of the batter in a single layer, spray the tops with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What To Serve With Apple Fritters

These warm, sweet treats are perfect on their own, but they are also delicious with:

A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk
A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce

How To Store Apple Fritters

Room Temperature: Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. If you have leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will soften over time.
Reheating: The best way to reheat fritters and bring back some of their crispiness is in a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer for a few minutes.

Apple Fritters Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180-220 kcal
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why are my fritters soggy or greasy?

This is usually a sign that the oil temperature was too low. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fritters will absorb the oil instead of quickly crisping up on the outside.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, this recipe would also be delicious with finely diced firm pears or peaches.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s not recommended. The baking powder in the batter will start to lose its leavening power over time, which means your fritters won’t be as light and fluffy if the batter sits for too long.

Try More Recipes:

Recipe by MarryCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Warm, fluffy doughnuts are studded with tender chunks of apple and spiced with cinnamon, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

Fritters: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 1/4 tsp salt, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 2 Tbsp melted butter, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled & diced).
Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp vanilla, 3 Tbsp whole milk.

Directions

Whisk the dry fritter ingredients in one bowl and the wet fritter ingredients in another.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, then fold in the diced apples.
Heat a few inches of canola oil in a pot to 350°F.
Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil and fry for about 2.5 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown.
Drain the hot fritters on a paper towel.
Whisk all the glaze ingredients together until smooth.
Dip the warm fritters in the glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to ensure the fritters are light and fluffy, not tough.
A firm, tart apple like Granny Smith provides the best flavor and texture contrast.
For the best results, use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of 350°F.
These are best eaten fresh and warm on the day they are made.