Golden Spiced Apple Fritters

When the crisp air of fall calls for comforting treats, few things satisfy quite like a batch of freshly made, deep-fried apple fritters. These golden, irregularly shaped delights are more than just a sweet indulgence; they’re a celebration of seasonal flavors, packed with tender chunks of real apple, infused with the warm embrace of cinnamon, and crowned with a luscious, sticky-sweet glaze. Forget the often oversized and sometimes underwhelming versions you might find at commercial donut shops; our homemade glazed apple fritters offer a superior experience – a perfect balance of crisp exterior and fluffy, fruit-filled interior, ready to be enjoyed in just minutes. Once you experience the magic of a warm, glazed fritter straight from your kitchen, your perception of this classic pastry will be forever changed.

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Fritters

The success of perfect deep fried apple fritters hinges significantly on your choice of apples. For the ideal texture and flavor balance, I highly recommend using a combination of two distinct apple varieties. Opt for something tart and firm, like Granny Smith apples, which maintain their structure beautifully during frying, preventing the fritters from becoming mushy. Their acidity also provides a welcome counterpoint to the sweetness of the glaze and other ingredients. Pair these with a sweeter, slightly softer apple such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These varieties will melt just enough to create delightful pockets of juicy, concentrated apple flavor within the fritter, offering a wonderful contrast to the firmer Granny Smiths.

Using this combination ensures a complex flavor profile – a pleasant tang from the tart apples balanced by the natural sugars of the others – and a varied texture that makes each bite more interesting. While you can certainly use a single type of apple (such as all Gala for a sweeter fritter or all Granny Smith for a tarter one), a blend elevates these homemade treats to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Make sure to peel, core, and dice your apples into consistent, small chunks (around ½-inch is ideal) to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the batter. Larger chunks might not cook as thoroughly, while smaller pieces could disintegrate.

5 from 1 vote

Glazed Apple Fritters Recipe

These warm, delicious fried apple fritters are generously filled with real apple chunks and fragrant cinnamon, all enrobed in a captivating sticky-sweet glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent dessert.

Prep:
15 minutes

Cook:
20 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Servings:
15 fritters

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2¼ medium apples, see note on apple varieties)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4-6 cups, or enough to fill your Dutch oven with 2 inches)

For the Glaze (optional)

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water (add more if needed for desired consistency)

Equipment

• Dutch Oven or deep, heavy-bottomed pot
• Deep Frying Thermometer
• Spider tool or slotted spoon
• Large bowl, medium bowl, whisk, rubber spatula
• Wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels
• 1-Tablespoon Cookie Portion Scoop (optional, for uniform fritters)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
• In a separate medium bowl, combine the large eggs, brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
• Add the egg mixture to the dry flour mixture. Stir gently with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Then, pour in the milk and stir briefly until fully incorporated.
• Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples until they are just coated by the batter. Overmixing here can lead to tough fritters, so handle with care.
• Prepare for frying: Fill a Dutch oven or a deep, heavy pot with at least 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) on your deep frying thermometer.
• Fry the fritters: Using a tablespoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, carefully drop dollops of the apple fritter batter into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry 3-4 fritters at a time to maintain oil temperature. Cook the fritters for about 2 minutes per side, turning them gently with a spider tool or tongs, until they are beautifully deep golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C).
• Drain: Once golden, remove the fritters from the oil using a spider tool or slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip off. Transfer them to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain further.
• Glaze (optional): While the fritters are still warm (but not piping hot), prepare the glaze. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Dip each warm fritter into the glaze, turning to coat evenly, then return them to the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters

*Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the glaze; it makes a remarkable difference compared to bottled alternatives!

Essential Tips:

• These fritters are specifically designed for deep-frying, which creates their characteristic crisp exterior and tender interior. Baking them in the oven is not recommended as it will yield a different texture.
• Temperature Control is Key: Accurately monitor your oil temperature with a deep-frying thermometer. If the oil is too hot (above 350°F/175°C), the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If it’s too cool (below 350°F/175°C), the fritters will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy, soggy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying too many fritters at once will drastically lower the oil’s temperature, leading to greasy and poorly cooked fritters. Work in small batches.
• Glaze Warm, Not Hot: For the perfect glaze adherence and a beautiful, shiny finish, dip the fritters while they are still warm but have cooled slightly from their piping hot state. This allows the glaze to set without melting completely off.
• Flavor Enhancements: For an extra autumnal touch, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg to your fritter batter or mixing a dash of cinnamon into the glaze. A maple glaze (using maple syrup instead of some water) is also a fantastic seasonal variation.

Air Fryer Alternative: For a lighter option, these fritters can be adapted for the air fryer. Dollop 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the lined basket of your air fryer, ensuring ample space between each fritter. Spritz them lightly with oil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping and spritzing with more oil halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Storage & Reheating: Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. See the dedicated section below for detailed freezing and reheating instructions.

Nutrition Facts

Glazed Apple Fritters Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 fritter)

Calories 146
Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 0.03g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 25mg8%

Sodium 108mg5%

Potassium 58mg2%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 17g19%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 58IU1%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 47mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

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How to Make Delicious Deep Fried Apple Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these irresistible deep fried apple fritters is a rewarding experience, and following these steps will ensure perfect results every time. Read through the full recipe card above for exact measurements, and remember that precision with oil temperature is your best friend when frying.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you begin mixing, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This includes measuring out your dry components and meticulously preparing your apples. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, consistent ½-inch chunks. Uniformity in size is paramount for even cooking, ensuring that every apple piece becomes tender without overcooking the surrounding batter. While smaller pieces integrate seamlessly into the fritter batter, you can opt for slightly larger chunks if you prefer a more pronounced apple bite in your final product. Having everything prepped makes the rest of the recipe a breeze.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder (your reliable leavening agent for that wonderfully fluffy texture!), ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt (critical for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors), and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (the essential warming spice that gives fritters their classic aroma). Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly mixed and there are no visible lumps. This crucial step ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout your batter, leading to perfectly risen and consistently flavored apple fritters. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet components.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, crack 2 large eggs. Add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, which not only provides sweetness but also adds a lovely depth of caramel-like flavor compared to white sugar. Finish with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that irresistible aromatic touch that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved into the mixture. The goal is a smooth, slightly pale liquid base that will provide moisture and richness to your homemade apple fritters.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Milk

Carefully pour the prepared wet egg mixture into the large bowl containing your dry flour mixture. Begin to stir these two components together gently until they are just combined and appear smooth. It’s absolutely crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, gummy fritters instead of the desired light and airy ones. A rubber spatula can be a helpful tool here to ensure you’re not overworking the batter. Next, add ¼ cup of milk to the mixture and stir just enough to incorporate it, ensuring a consistent, slightly thick but pourable batter. Remember, light handling is key to tender fritters.

Step 5: Gently Fold in the Apples

Now for the star of the show – the apples! Add your 3 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples to the batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the apples into the batter until they are just coated. The objective here is to distribute the apple pieces evenly throughout the mixture without crushing them or, once again, overworking the batter. This gentle folding motion ensures that your apple fritters will be packed with juicy apple goodness in every bite, maintaining a tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of the cooked apples. Take your time with this step; it pays off in the final texture.

Step 6: Fry Your Apple Fritters to Golden Perfection

This is where the magic happens! Fill a sturdy Dutch oven or a similarly deep, heavy-bottomed pot with at least 2 inches of neutral-flavored vegetable oil (such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil). Place the pot over medium-high heat and attach a deep-frying thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil until it reaches a steady temperature of 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this precise temperature is absolutely crucial for achieving non-greasy, perfectly cooked fritters with a crisp exterior and a soft interior. Using a tablespoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop (for more uniform and professional-looking fritters), carefully drop dollops of the apple batter into the hot oil. Fry only 3-4 fritters at a time to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the oil temperature to drop significantly and lead to soggy fritters.

Cook each batch for approximately 2 minutes per side, gently turning them with a spider tool or tongs, until they achieve a beautiful deep golden brown color on all sides. If you’re unsure about doneness, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a fritter should read 200°F (93°C). Consistent temperature monitoring and working in small batches are the undeniable keys to perfectly fried apple fritters.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

As each batch of fritters finishes frying and reaches that perfect golden hue, carefully remove them from the hot oil using a spider tool or a slotted spoon. Lift them out, allowing any excess oil to drip back into the pot, then transfer them immediately to a wire rack. This wire rack should be placed over a baking sheet lined with several layers of paper towels. The wire rack allows air to circulate freely around the entire surface of the fritters, preventing them from getting soggy on the bottom, while the absorbent paper towels efficiently wick away any remaining oil. This critical draining step ensures your fried apple fritters are delightfully crisp, light, and not greasy.

Step 8: Glaze Your Warm Fritters (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

While the fritters are still warm (this is important, as a piping hot fritter will cause the glaze to simply melt and slide off, and a cold one won’t absorb it as well), it’s time to apply that irresistible glaze. In a shallow bowl that’s wide enough to comfortably dip a fritter, whisk together 1½ cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice is vital here; its subtle tang beautifully cuts through the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor of your glazed apple fritters. If the glaze appears too thick, add a tiny bit more water (½ teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Dip each warm fritter into the glaze, turning to coat all sides evenly. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before returning the glazed fritters to the wire rack to allow the glaze to set into a delicious, slightly firm and shiny coating. Serve these homemade delights immediately for the ultimate treat!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Apple Fritters

Proper storage ensures your delicious homemade apple fritters stay fresh for as long as possible, and knowing how to freeze and reheat them means you can enjoy these delightful treats even later, minimizing waste and maximizing enjoyment.

Storage: To keep their best texture, store any leftover glazed apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a particularly humid climate, or if your kitchen tends to be warm, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they are undeniably best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, they still make a wonderful treat a day or two later, especially after a quick refresh.

Freezing: If you’re planning to make a larger batch or wish to prepare them ahead of time for future indulgence, fritters freeze beautifully. For optimal results and ease of future glazing, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they have been thawed and reheated. To freeze, arrange the completely cooled (unglazed) fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until they are solid (this process, known as flash freezing, prevents them from sticking together). Once solid, transfer the frozen fritters to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziplock bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat frozen fritters, first transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet (you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup) and reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crisp again. If you prefer an even crisper exterior, a quick minute or two in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) can also crisp them up beautifully. Once reheated and warm, you can then prepare and apply a fresh batch of glaze as described in the recipe for that perfect finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritters

Here are answers to some common questions about making delicious homemade apple fritters:

Can I use different fruits in this fritter recipe?

Absolutely! While apple fritters are a timeless classic, the base batter is quite versatile and works wonderfully with other fruits. Consider swapping apples for finely diced peaches, a mix of fresh or frozen berries (though frozen berries might add more moisture, so adjust flour slightly if needed), or even mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. Remember to adjust spices accordingly; nutmeg or ginger might pair wonderfully with peaches, for example, creating exciting new variations of your fried fritters.

Why are my apple fritters greasy?

Greasy fritters are almost always a result of incorrect oil temperature. If the oil isn’t hot enough (below 350°F/175°C), the fritters will absorb too much oil instead of quickly forming a crisp crust. Ensure your oil reaches and consistently maintains 350°F (175°C) before frying and throughout the entire process, adjusting the heat as necessary. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pot, as this causes a significant drop in oil temperature, further contributing to greasy results.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

This recipe is specifically formulated for deep-frying to achieve its signature crisp exterior and wonderfully tender interior. While you can certainly attempt to bake them, the texture will be significantly different – more akin to a dense muffin or scone than a light and airy traditional fritter. For the authentic deep fried apple fritters experience with their characteristic chewiness and crispness, frying is strongly recommended.

What kind of oil is best for frying apple fritters?

For deep frying, it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all excellent choices. They can be heated to the necessary 350°F (175°C) without burning or imparting any unwanted flavors that might interfere with the delicious taste of your apple fritters.

How do I know when the fritters are cooked through?

They should achieve a beautiful, deep golden brown color on both sides. Visually, they will look puffed up and firm. For absolute certainty, especially if you’re new to deep-frying, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of a fritter. It should read around 200°F (93°C). If the outside is browning too quickly while the inside seems undercooked, your oil might be too hot, or you might need to adjust the heat slightly downwards.