I love how quickly these come together. The recipe is super easy, so even on busy mornings, you can have warm, fluffy apple fritters on the table.
My family can’t get enough of them, and honestly, they vanish as soon as they hit the plate. If you’re anything like us, expect requests for seconds!
What’s great about these easy apple fritters is that they don’t need any yeast, so you get that perfect crispy exterior without waiting.
I always imagine those crisp autumn mornings when the kitchen fills with the smell of fried apples and cinnamon.
It’s the kind of warm, cozy moment that makes me slow down and appreciate a simple homemade treat. Trust me, this is the best apple fritter recipe you’ll make all season.
Apples are my absolute favorite, and I love sharing easy and delicious apple recipes! Whether it’s a cozy Cinnamon Apple Bread, a comforting Apple Crisp, or fun Puff Pastry Apple Donuts, these treats are all super quick to whip up and bring the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
There’s something about the warm, spiced flavor of apples that makes them a go-to ingredient in my kitchen, especially when I’m in the mood for comfort food.
What Are Apple Fritters?
Apple fritters are deep-fried pastries packed with fresh apple chunks and a simple, cinnamon-spiced batter. They’re fried until golden and crispy, then finished with a sweet glaze. Think of them as doughnuts, but with an easy twist—no yeast or long wait times required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal here. They offer that perfect sweet-tart balance, holding their shape well during frying.
- Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also adds a fresh, subtle tang that brightens the whole dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use sifted all-purpose flour to keep the batter light and ensure there are no lumps. This helps give the fritters that soft, fluffy texture we all love.
- Sugar: Both brown or white sugar work here. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel-like depth, while white sugar keeps things classic and straightforward.
- Baking Powder: This is what makes the fritters rise, giving them a light and airy texture without the need for yeast.
- Salt & Cinnamon: Just a little salt enhances all the flavors, and cinnamon brings that cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture to the batter, making it smooth and easy to work with.
- Eggs: The eggs bind everything together, giving the fritters structure and softness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and depth, making every bite even more delicious.
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
How To Make Apple Fritters
- Prepare the apples: Peel and dice your apples, then toss them in lemon juice to keep them fresh.
- Mix the batter: Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apples.
- Fry the fritters: Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Glaze the fritters: While still warm, dip each fritter in the glaze or drizzle it on top.
- Enjoy: Serve them warm for the best flavor!
Storing & Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness!
Easy Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe – Just Like Grandma Used to Make
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples peeled and diced, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup whole milk +more if needed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 cups canola oil for frying
- For the Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup each) into the hot oil.
- Fry for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- While the fritters are still warm, dip each one in the glaze or drizzle it on top.
- Serve the fritters warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the Batter Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk. This will help ensure the fritters are light and fluffy rather than dense.
- Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy fritters. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they can become greasy.
- Fry in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the fritters soggy. Frying a few at a time ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Spice It Up: While cinnamon is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices! A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg brings a bold, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with apples. You can also try ground ginger, cardamom, or a spice blend like apple or pumpkin pie spice for an extra layer of fall-inspired flavor.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: For an extra layer of sweetness and a bit of crunch, roll the warm fritters in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of the glaze. Simply mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon, then roll the fritters while they’re still warm.
Nutrition Information
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