If you’ve ever wandered past a bakery and caught that sweet, cinnamon-kissed aroma drifting out the door, you know the siren call of apple fritters. These little golden clouds are part doughnut, part apple pie, and 100% irresistible. And the best part? You can whip them up at home without needing a degree in pastry arts—or even a stand mixer.
I’ll be honest, this recipe is my personal rainy-day cure-all. The kind of treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall, even if it’s July. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend breakfast, a quick dessert for unexpected guests, or something sweet for after school, these apple fritters are the answer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritters
- They’re quick. From whisk to glaze, you’re about 20 minutes away from your first bite.
- They’re cozy. Cinnamon, tender apples, and warm glaze? It’s like a hug for your taste buds.
- They’re forgiving. No perfect shapes needed—these fritters embrace their rustic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp applesauce
- 2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Fritters
- Mix the dry crew. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the wet team. Make a little well in the center, then add milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir just until combined—no need to overthink it.
- Fold in the stars. Gently mix in your diced apples. They’ll look chunky in the batter, but that’s exactly what you want.
- Heat things up. Pour about 1½ inches of oil into a heavy skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer. Bring to 375°F.
- Drop and sizzle. Scoop roughly ¼ cup batter per fritter into the oil, spreading slightly as you drop it in. Fry each side about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain the goods. Use a slotted spoon to move fritters onto paper towels.
- Glaze time. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Dunk each fritter into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides. Place on a wire rack to drip and set.
Aneta’s Tips for Fritter Success
- Apple choice matters. Granny Smiths give you that tart bite, while Honeycrisp brings a sweeter crunch.
- Oil temperature is key. Too cool and they’ll soak up oil; too hot and they’ll burn before the center cooks.
- Mess = flavor. Don’t worry if the fritters aren’t perfectly round—they’re supposed to look rustic.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made apple fritters, I underestimated how fast they cook. I walked away for “just a second” (to check my phone, of course) and came back to what I lovingly refer to as “extra-caramelized” fritters. The moral? Stay close, enjoy the sizzle, and you’ll be rewarded with golden perfection.
FAQs About Apple Fritters
Can I make apple fritters ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them briefly in the oven to revive that crispiness.
Can I bake apple fritters instead of frying?
Technically yes, but you won’t get the same texture. If you do, bake at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes and glaze while still warm.
What’s the best oil for frying fritters?
Canola or vegetable oil works best because of their neutral flavor and high smoke point.
The Sweet Ending
These apple fritters are proof that simple ingredients can create something downright magical. With crispy edges, tender apple chunks, and a sweet glaze that cracks just slightly when you bite in, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to make “just because.” And really, no one needs a special occasion for a plate of warm fritters—just a craving and 20 spare minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love After Apple Fritters
If these warm, cinnamon-scented apple fritters have you in the mood for more kitchen magic, here are a few recipes from my collection that pair perfectly with your next sweet or savory craving:
- Serve your fritters alongside a savory dinner like my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for the ultimate comfort food spread.
- Keep the cozy vibes going with a heartwarming Indian Butter Pot Roast that’s perfect for Sunday dinners.
- If you’re feeling fancy, whip up Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken for a beautiful holiday-worthy main dish.
- For a quick weekday favorite, try my cheesy and satisfying Pesto Chicken Flatbread—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 fritters 1x
Description
Crispy, golden apple fritters loaded with fresh apple chunks and drizzled in a sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
⅓ cup milk
2 large eggs
3 tbsp applesauce
2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Make a well in the center and add milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir just until combined.
Fold in diced apples.
Heat 1½ inches of oil in a heavy skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer to 375°F.
Drop about ¼ cup batter per fritter into the oil, gently spreading it out.
Cook each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
Dip each fritter into the glaze, coating both sides.
Place on a wire rack to drip and set before serving.
Notes
Granny Smith apples give a tart bite, while Honey-crisp adds sweetness—either works beautifully.
For best texture, enjoy fritters the same day they’re made.
Keep oil at a steady 375°F for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg