Apple Fritters:
A Cozy, Crispy Fall Treat
These Apple Fritters are the perfect sweet and crispy snack that will make your kitchen smell like autumn. Soft, sweet, and slightly spiced with cinnamon, these fritters are full of tender apples and fried to golden perfection. Then, they’re dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze that makes each bite melt in your mouth. They’re the perfect treat for fall, but honestly, they’re so good, you’ll want to make them year-round!
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a special dessert, or just because you deserve a treat, these apple fritters are bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best — these apples hold their shape and offer the right balance of tartness and sweetness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (add more for a thinner glaze if you like)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the dry ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine the wet and dry mixtures
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Do not overmix; you want to avoid developing too much gluten, as this can make the fritters tough. The batter will be thick.
4. Add the apples
- Carefully fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will add moisture and sweetness to the fritters.
5. Heat the oil
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for crispy fritters that are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
6. Fry the fritters
- Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan (about 2-3 fritters at a time).
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once fried, remove the fritters using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Make the glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you get your desired consistency.
8. Glaze the fritters
- While the fritters are still warm, dip them into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm: Serve these fritters warm with a cup of hot coffee or cider. They’re perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
- Add ice cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch, especially if you’re serving them for a special occasion.
- Serve with fruit: Pair these fritters with some fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters
- Choose the right apples: The best apples for fritters are tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold up well when fried and have a nice contrast in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the fritters in small batches to prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping too much, which can result in soggy fritters.
- Test the oil temperature: Before frying a full batch, test the oil by dropping in a small amount of batter. If it rises to the surface and starts to brown in 2-3 minutes, the oil is ready.
- Avoid overmixing the batter: Stir the batter gently and just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense fritters, and we want them light and fluffy!
- Glaze after frying: It’s best to glaze the fritters while they’re still warm, but not too hot. The glaze will set perfectly and add the perfect sweet finish.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover fritters: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze for later: If you have leftovers, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until crispy again.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritters
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside: The perfect balance of crunch and fluffiness.
- Customizable: Add cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, or cloves to change up the flavor profile.
- Perfect for fall: These fritters capture the essence of autumn with the warm, spiced flavor of apples and cinnamon.
- Simple and satisfying: You don’t need any special equipment to make these, and they come together quickly, making them a great option for a weekend breakfast or dessert.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters: After glazing, dip the fritters into a cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon) for a sugary, spiced coating.
- Apple-Cranberry Fritters: Add some fresh or dried cranberries to the batter for a tangy twist that complements the apples beautifully.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of a glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fritters for a richer, sweeter experience.
- Spiced Apple Fritters: For extra warmth, add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the batter along with the cinnamon.