Apple Fritters Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that captures the very essence of fall, then these Apple Fritters are exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, each bite bursts with juicy, cinnamon-kissed apple pieces swirled into a tender batter, finished with a glossy vanilla glaze that ties everything together perfectly. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet snack to brighten your afternoon, these Apple Fritters deliver pure bliss in every single munch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Apple Fritters is easier than you might think because each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the flour that creates a fluffy base to the tart apples that add juiciness, here’s everything you’ll want on hand.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the batter, giving structure without making fritters tough.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Adds subtle sweetness that balances the apple’s natural tartness.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the fritters rise, creating that airy yet tender crumb.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and curbs any bitterness from apples or baking powder.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness for a moist, delicate texture.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Keeps the batter smooth and adds a touch of creaminess.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp): Infuses the batter with buttery flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Peeled, diced apples (2 cups, Granny Smith recommended): The star ingredient, offering tartness and juicy bursts in every bite.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Provides a neutral base for frying, ensuring the fritters crisp up beautifully without overpowering flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): For the sweet glaze that adds shine and an indulgent finish.
- Milk (3 tbsp): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the glaze, complementing the apples perfectly.
How to Make Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning, which is key for balanced flavor and a consistent rise.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the whole milk and melted butter. Mixing the wet ingredients separately allows you to blend them thoroughly before incorporating into the dry mix, resulting in a smoother batter without overmixing.
Step 3: Bring Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overwork the batter — a few lumps are okay as overmixing can produce dense fritters. Then, fold in the peeled and diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed.
Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (177°C). Using a ¼ cup scoop, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the fritters develop a deep golden brown crust.
Step 5: Drain and Glaze
Once fried, transfer the fritters onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze, and drizzle generously over each fritter. The glaze adds luscious sweetness and a lovely sheen that makes these Apple Fritters irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Fritters
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your Apple Fritters with a dusting of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, and a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this sweet treat to a decadent dessert.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic vibe. Want a more complete brunch? Serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance out the sweetness with savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Stack Apple Fritters on a tiered serving tray for a brunch centerpiece, or cut them into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for easy finger food. You could even sandwich a fritter with creamy mascarpone and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and creamy bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 day. To keep fritters fresh without sogginess, add a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze Apple Fritters by letting them cool completely, then wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or leftover fritters, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the crispy exterior and warms up the apple filling beautifully, avoiding the soggy texture you might get from microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith for Apple Fritters?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Gala apples for varying levels of sweetness and texture. Just make sure to choose firm apples that won’t turn mushy while frying.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended because apple skins can be tough and may interfere with the smooth texture of the fritters. That said, if you prefer a bit of rustic chew and extra fiber, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine—just dice them finely.
Can I bake Apple Fritters instead of frying?
While frying creates the signature crispy crust, you can bake fritters on a greased sheet at 400°F (204°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be softer and less crunchy, but still delicious.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?
Using a thermometer is best; oil should be around 350°F (177°C). If you don’t have one, drop a tiny bit of batter in—the batter should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without browning too fast.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze a few hours in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. If it thickens too much, just whisk in a little more milk before drizzling over warm fritters.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade Apple Fritters to bring warmth and sweetness into your kitchen. The perfect balance of crispiness, tender apples, and that decadent glaze makes this recipe a real crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give these a try soon—they’re an absolute joy to make and even more fun to eat!
