Easy Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe – Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Homemade apple fritters stacked on a plate with a sugar glaze

Easy Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe – Just Like Grandma Used to Make

These homemade old-fashioned apple fritters, ready in just 30 minutes, taste just like grandma’s! With golden, crispy edges and fresh apples, they’re the perfect fall treat for breakfast or dessert. Cinnamon and a sweet glaze make them irresistible and sure to be a family favorite.

Cuisine American, comfort food

Keyword Apple fritters

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 330kcal

Author Ioana

Cost $5

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.

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