Apple Fritters Recipe
Golden, crispy edges, tender apple-studded centers, and a sweet vanilla glaze—this Apple Fritter Recipe tastes just like your favorite bakery treat but is easy to make at home.
Perfectly spiced and generously glazed, these fritters are made with simple pantry staples and fresh apples for a warm, nostalgic bite in every piece.
Key Ingredients That Make These Apple Fritters Shine
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples – Their firm texture and balanced tartness hold up beautifully during frying and offer a bright contrast to the sweet batter.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the sturdy yet fluffy base of the fritter, giving structure without heaviness.
- Cinnamon – Adds a cozy, spiced depth that makes each bite warm and fragrant.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the batter and adding richness to the dough.
- Applesauce – Enhances the apple flavor while keeping the fritters incredibly moist.
- Powdered sugar glaze – A silky, sweet coating that sets into a glossy finish and perfectly complements the fritter’s crunch.
How to Make Apple Fritters: A Sweet Overview
Start by mixing the dry ingredients and then gently folding in the wet components and diced apples. Heat your oil to a steady 375°F before carefully dropping spoonfuls of batter into the pan.
Fry until golden on each side, then transfer to a paper towel to drain. While still slightly warm, dunk each fritter in a vanilla glaze, allowing the excess to drip off as they set on a cooling rack.
Sweet Tips & Apple-Inspired Twists
For the best fritters, avoid over-mixing your batter—doing so can lead to dense or tough donuts. Keep your oil temperature steady with a thermometer, adjusting the heat slightly as needed between batches.
If you love texture, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch. Swap cinnamon with apple pie spice for a more complex flavor, or try using a mix of apple varieties to deepen the fruitiness. Want a richer glaze? Add a touch of browned butter to the mix for a nutty depth.
For an indulgent twist, serve warm fritters with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storing Fritters: Keep That Bakery-Fresh Bite
To preserve their flavor and texture, store cooled apple fritters in a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. This allows air circulation while absorbing excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes before glazing. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy edges.
Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons applesauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Canola or vegetable oil for deep frying
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Form a well in the center of the mixture and incorporate the milk, eggs, and applesauce. Mix gently until just blended. Carefully fold in the diced apples.
- In a deep fryer, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat approximately 1 1/2 inches of oil to 375°F. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter into the hot oil, spreading slightly as it enters. Fry for around 2 minutes per side, or until each fritter is a rich golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- To prepare the glaze, whisk together milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Dip each fritter into the glaze, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Transfer to a wire rack to set and allow any excess glaze to drip off.
Notes
Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
Utilize a candy thermometer for precise heat control.
Opt for a heavy-duty pot to better retain consistent oil temperature.
Maintain the oil at a steady 375°F, adjusting heat as fritters are added or removed.
Let fritters drain thoroughly on paper towels post-frying.
Once cooled, store fritters in paper towels inside a brown paper bag to retain freshness.
