Apple fritters are warm, sweet treats loaded with tasty apple bits. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, drooling with cinnamon goodness!
They’re so fun to make, especially when the apples are in season. I like to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yum! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just be aware the texture may change slightly!
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is used for sweetness. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples because they add a nice tartness. However, feel free to use any firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch!
Cinnamon: This spice really brings out the apple flavor. If you want a twist, consider using nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend instead.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Apple Fritters?
Frying can be tricky, but following a few simple steps makes it a breeze!
- First, ensure your oil is heated to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps a lot here. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- When dropping the batter into the oil, leave enough space between fritters so they don’t stick together.
- Don’t rush! Give them time to fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If they brown quickly but aren’t cooked inside, turn your heat down a bit!
- Once they’re done, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This step keeps them from getting soggy.
How to Make Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Estimated Time Needed:
This apple fritters recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, with a total time of 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious treats fresh and warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until everything is well blended.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and mixed well.
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are still a few lumps. Then, carefully fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil for frying the fritters without overcrowding.
5. Fry the Fritters
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry a few fritters at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the Fritters
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
8. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your delicious apple fritters warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, feel free to use any firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each will give the fritters a slightly different taste!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a gentle stir before frying, as it may thicken a bit in the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness!
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
If you want to mix things up, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or tossing in some raisins or cranberries for extra flavor! You can also try a different glaze, like chocolate or maple, for a fun twist.
