The first bite of these Apple Fritters sends warm notes of cinnamon and juicy apple dancing across your taste buds. After testing this recipe five times—tweaking the apple dice size and oil temperature each round—I landed on a tender interior with a crisp exterior that still holds its glaze. These Apple Fritters have quickly become a weekend ritual in my kitchen, right alongside my favorite Fried Apple Rings.
About Apple Fritters
Apple Fritters are a beloved fried pastry, studded with tender apple pieces and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. I first adapted this recipe from Cambrea Bakes, then refined it over several trials to balance a light batter with plenty of apple texture. They’re perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast or an indulgent snack shared with friends.
- Quick prep and fry—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Inexpensive pantry staples plus seasonal apples.
- A crowd-pleasing treat for brunches or gatherings.
- Apples add natural sweetness and tender bites.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Apple (1 large, peeled & diced): provides juicy bites and natural sweetness; use firm varieties like Honeycrisp.
- Milk & Egg: bind the batter and create a tender crumb; whole milk adds richness.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups) & Baking Powder (2 tsp): gives structure and lift; sift together for even mixing.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) & Sugar (2 Tbsp): infuse warm spice and sweetness right in the batter.
- Vegetable Oil: for frying; maintain 350°F for a golden crust without absorbing excess oil.
How to Make Apple Fritters
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 8 fritters
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, stir 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until there are no streaks of flour. Gently fold in the diced apple.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
- Using a ¼-cup measure, drop scoops of batter into the hot oil—fry 3–4 fritters at a time without overcrowding.
- Cook each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
- Transfer fritters with a slotted spoon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
- Dip the warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle generously on top. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- On my second trial, I diced apples too small—keeping ½-inch chunks preserves texture.
- If oil smokes, lower the heat; maintaining 350°F prevents burnt outsides and raw centers.
- Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall.
- To halve the recipe, simply halve all ingredients; batter holds up well for smaller batches.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 3 days. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp. (Note: I froze a batch and was delighted at how the oven revival restored their crunch.)
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Apple Fritters with a steaming mug of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of Apple Crisp for a true apple-themed dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I keep my Apple Fritters from getting soggy? Drain them well on paper towels and don’t stack while hot—airflow keeps them crisp.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but reduce liquid slightly if batter seems too thin.
- What oil is best for frying? Neutral oils like vegetable or canola maintain a clean flavor and high smoke point.
- How do I test the oil temperature without a thermometer? Drop a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises steadily, it’s ready.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes—store it in a jar at room temperature and whisk before using if it thickens.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Fritters showcase the simple magic of fried dough and fresh fruit—each bite a balance of crisp edge and tender center. Testing this recipe over multiple mornings taught me that small tweaks yield big rewards, and now I can’t imagine breakfast without them. Do try them and let me know how you glaze yours!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Fried Apple Rings – similar fried fruit treat
- Apple Crisp – classic baked apple dessert
- Apple Chips – crispy apple snack
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups – cinnamon-spiced apple breakfast option
Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins & Frying
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced about 1½ cups diced
- 2 inches vegetable oil for frying
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, stir 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
Mix & Fry
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until there are no streaks of flour. Gently fold in the diced apple.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.
- Using a ¼-cup measure, drop scoops of batter into the hot oil — fry 3–4 fritters at a time without overcrowding.
- Cook each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.
- Transfer fritters with a slotted spoon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
Glaze
- Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle generously on top. Serve immediately.