Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters are deliciously easy cinnamon apple donuts that your entire family will love. In less time than it takes to run to the local donut shop, you can make homemade apple fritters in your own kitchen. While they taste like the most decadent delight from the pastry case, don’t worry – they are deceptively easy to make!

How To Make Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters are one of those foods that may seem hard to make, yet is surprisingly simple and easy to recreate at home. There is no yeast used, no rising time, it’s just a matter of mixing up your ingredients, giving them a little time in the frying pan, then serving.

Ingredients

The ingredients to make these fritters are ones you likely already have on hand. Let’s go over what you’ll need.

1. Flour – All-purpose flour is what this recipe was created and tested with. If you have a gluten free flour you use, you could try that, but I have not tested it and thus can’t speak to the results.
2. Sugar – Simple granulated sugar.
3. Baking powder – Make sure you are using baking powder, which typically comes in a can, and not baking soda. Also, double check the expiration date!
4. Cinnamon – Whichever ground cinnamon you prefer. I like Ceylon or Saigon varieties.
5. Salt – You can use table salt, Kosher or sea salt. Diamond Kosher is my personal favorite.
6. Eggs – Make sure you have large eggs. Lately the “large” eggs I buy sometimes are more medium in size than expected.
7. Milk – Whichever milk you keep on hand for drinking, that will be fine.
8. Apples – Personally I like Granny Smith in recipes such as this one.
9. Canola oil – A neutral oil, such as canola, is a good choice.

Optional Glaze

• Powdered sugar – Also called confectioners sugar.
• Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract is always the best choice.
• Milk – Again, whichever milk you keep on hand, it will work great.

Directions

Just a reminder that the full printable recipe card is found at the bottom of this post. Here we will walk through the steps, with photos to show you exactly what to do.

To make your apple fritters, begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Then, in a separate small bowl, gently beat the eggs and milk together. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.

Next, Stir in the apple pieces.

Heat the oil in a large pot to 375 degrees. It’s very important to not overheat, or your fritters will be overcooked on the outside and doughy on the inside. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend a thermometer to allow you to monitor temperature.

Drop the batter by heaping spoonfuls into the hot oil. Depending on the thickness of your batter, you may want to flatten it out a little, so the fritter is not too thick. Do not overcrowd the pan, make sure to allow plenty of room for each fritter to cook.

Allow to come to a golden brown color, approximately two minutes, then gently turn with a spatula to brown the other side. Remove each fritter once it reaches golden brown and place on a plate lined with paper towels or a baking rack over a cookie sheet.

Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. For a thicker glaze you can add more milk, a teaspoon at a time. For thicker glaze, use slightly less milk. Remember to add milk in small amounts, it’s always easier to thin out the glaze than it is to thicken it.

Dip or drizzle glaze over each apple fritter then allow them to cool slightly prior to serving.

If you love this recipe, make sure to try my Apple Cider Donuts and Apple Fritter Bread!

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Can I use water instead of milk in the glaze? Yes, you can replace milk with water, or a non dairy milk, in equal amounts. It make impact the taste and consistency, but will still be delicious.

Can different fruits be used? Absolutely! Blueberries and peaches are the best options. Use one to two cups of blueberries or peaches in place of apples.