Apple Fritters

These Apple Fritters are soft and fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside! Each fritter is loaded with bites of fresh apple and cinnamon spice and coated in a rich vanilla glaze! 

 

Is there anything as satisfying as a hot, fresh apple fritter covered in a sweet and sticky glaze? I don’t think so! These fritters are light as air and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with fresh apple, vanilla, and cinnamon. This is one of my all-time favorite desserts, and I’ve documented every single step so you can make them at home, too!

Fritter Ingredients

As always, this is an overview of the ingredients needed to make these perfect apple fritters. For the complete, printable recipe, scroll to the recipe card below.

• Flour: Our family is gluten-free, so we use Cup 4 Cup; however, it will work with traditional all-purpose flour. If you are gluten-free, it is important to note that the only flour I can recommend to you is Cup 4 Cup. I tested this recipe with other gluten-free brands, and none worked as well. 
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work. If you are reducing your carbs, you can also use brown sugar monkfruit. 
• Powdered Sugar: this is an optional ingredient if you want to make the glaze, which I highly recommend! 
• Baking powder and salt: leavening agents that provide lift and rise.
• Apple Pie Spice: this provides a rich, complex flavor. Alternatively, you can use cinnamon if you prefer. 
• Eggs: size large
• Milk: almond milk or another milk substitute, such as oat or cashew milk, will work as well.
• Vanilla extract: pure vanilla extract is best.
• Fresh Apples: your favorite variety will work, or you can use a mixture of different apples. I use Fiji and it has great sweet flavor, but the apple doesn’t get mushy as it cooks.
• Cooking oil: use your preferred neutral oil. 

How to Make Classic Apple Fritters

To make this recipe, you will need a mixing bowl, spatula, and pan for frying. It is also helpful to have a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, but it isn’t required. To make the best fruit fritters follow the step-by-step guide below: 

Combine the Batter

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spice. Then gently stir in your wet ingredients: beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Don’t overmix, just stir until you see no visible streaks of flour or other ingredients. Carefully fold in the apples until well-distributed.

Make the Glaze

Combine the powdered sweetener with vanilla and small amounts of milk at a time, stirring in between, to form a smooth glaze. Set this aside for now. It is important to do this before you fry the fritters so you can dip them in the glaze while they are hot and fresh. 

Fry 

Add your preferred cooking oil to a large fry pan, enough that it’s about 1 1/2 inches deep. Line a plate with paper towels and set it aside for now. Heat the pan over medium heat, and let the oil reach 350-375 degrees.* Using a 1/4 cup measuring spoon, drop fritters into the oil (probably 3-6 at a time, depending on the size of your pan). Gently spread or flatten them out a little as you go. Leave space between them, otherwise they’ll stick together. Cook for about 2 1/2 minutes, then flip and continue cooking another 2-3 minutes until the fritter is golden brown.

Glaze

Once you remove the fritter from the hot oil allow it to sit on the paper towels for a minute to capture any excess oil. Carefully dip the warm fritter in the glaze and place on a cooling rack. 

Serve

Serve the fritters immediately while they are hot and fresh! This dish is perfect with your favorite latte or cold brew! As with any fried fritter, the texture dimensions over time, and these are best eaten hot and fresh. 

Tips and Tricks

• If your oil is not hot enough, your fritters will be soggy and oily. If it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the inside is cooked through. To check, drop a small bit of your batter into the oil–It should immediately sizzle and begin to float to the top, achieving a nice golden brown color. If you are working in batches, continue monitoring the temperature and adjusting the heat if necessary.
• Make sure the apples are cut into very small pieces so each fritter is studded with flavorful bites of apple. 
• Use your favorite kind of apple. If you enjoy tart apples using something similar to Granny Smith Apples provides a unique tart and sweet flavor combination. If you love sweet opt for something like a Fiji apple. 

Recipe FAQ

Other Apple Recipes

• The Best Apple Butter is an essential that is much easier than expected!
• Apple Cider Sangria: an essential for Fall get-togethers.
• Easy Apple Pico: sweet and savory at its best!
• Apple Butter Bars: delightful bars that can be made with homemade or store-bought apple butter.