Name: Apple Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487693H51M48S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Apple Fritters:; 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or similar), peeled, cored, and chopped; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp butter, melted; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Tender: The outside is crispy while the inside is soft and filled with delicious apple pieces.
Quick & Easy: A simple batter and easy frying process make these fritters a breeze to prepare.
Perfect Fall Treat: The combination of apples and cinnamon is a perfect match for cozy autumn days.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Fritters:

2 medium apples (preferably tart like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.

2. Make the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix – it’s okay if there are some lumps.
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly incorporated.

3. Heat the Oil:

In a deep skillet or heavy pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it bubbles and rises, the oil is ready.

4. Fry the Fritters:

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as the fritters need space to cook evenly.
Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Glaze (Optional):

While the fritters are cooling slightly, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters, or dip the fritters into the glaze for a sweet finish.

6. Serve:

Serve the apple fritters warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or with the glaze for extra sweetness. Enjoy them as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Apple Fritters: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or cloves to the batter for extra warmth and spice.
Maple Glaze: Swap the milk for maple syrup in the glaze for a fall-inspired flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fritters for a decadent touch.
Stuffed Fritters: For a fun twist, stuff the fritters with small pieces of cream cheese or caramelized apples before frying.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the fritters, you can use any apples you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if your apples are particularly sweet.

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying. Frying them fresh will give you the best texture.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives these fritters their signature crispy exterior, you could try baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I freeze the fritters?

Yes! Let the fritters cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Conclusion

These Apple Fritters are a delightful, comforting treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a crispy batter and a touch of cinnamon. Whether you drizzle them with a sweet glaze or serve them as-is, they make a perfect fall dessert or snack. Enjoy these homemade fritters warm, with a cup of coffee or tea, for a cozy treat that’s sure to satisfy!

Apple Fritters Recipe