Apple Fritter
on Sep 09, 2023, Updated Jan 26, 2024
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It’s no surprise that Apple Fritters have become a staple in bakeries, cafes, and breakfast joints. The satisfying crunch of the golden-brown crust gives way to a soft, almost creamy center where the apples have infused their flavor. This play of textures is irresistible and keeps you coming back for more.
Apples, the star of the show, lend a natural sweetness and a satisfying texture to the fritter. When these juicy fruit slices are encased in a fluffy, spiced batter and fried to perfection, they create a delightful contrast that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Apple Fritter Recipe
The satisfying crunch of the golden-brown crust gives way to a soft, almost creamy center where the apples have infused their flavor. This play of textures is irresistible and keeps you coming back for more.
While the classic apple fritter is hard to beat, there are numerous creative variations that cater to different tastes. From adding caramel drizzles to incorporating cinnamon or even experimenting with different apple varieties, the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Butter
- Granny Smith apples
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.
Recipe Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Prepare Wet Mix: Beat eggs, add milk, vanilla, and melted butter in another bowl.
- Combine Mixes: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients.
- Add Apples: Fold in diced apples.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry Batter: Drop spoonfuls into oil, avoid overcrowding.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook 2-2½ minutes per side.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon, cool on paper towels.
- Add Topping: Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith are commonly used for apple fritters. Their texture holds up well during frying, and their tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the batter.
While apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the batter ahead of time and fry them just before serving. This ensures they retain their crispiness and flavor.
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, are ideal for frying apple fritters. They won’t impart unwanted flavors to the fritters and can withstand the high frying temperature.
If you have leftover apple fritters, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature to prevent them from becoming soggy.
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Apple Fritter Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- Oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil recommended
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
- Add the milk, pure vanilla extract, and melted butter to the beaten eggs. Stir until these wet ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two together until they’re just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold the peeled, diced Granny Smith apples into the batter. There should be enough apples to create a very chunky batter.
- Heat about two inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches about 375°F (190°C).
- Once the oil is heated, carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple batter into the oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the apple fritters for about 2-2 1/2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack.
- Dust the warm apple fritters with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture before serving.
Notes
- You can make a simple glaze by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and then adding 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add enough cream or milk to the mixture so that it makes a thin glaze. Dip the hot fritters in the glaze if you’d like instead of the powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar. They are all good so just pick your favorite.
- Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tart contrast to the sweet fritter batter, but you can use any type of apple you prefer.
- Be sure to monitor the oil temperature as you’re frying the fritters. If it’s too hot, the fritters may burn on the outside before they’re cooked on the inside. If it’s too low, the fritters may become too oily.
- The batter should be chunky with apples, but still have enough batter to hold the fritters together. If it seems too dry, you can add a bit more milk.
- These apple fritters are best served warm, but they can be reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven if needed.
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, but they are best when fresh.
These are more like an apple donut, not fritters. The photo shows a fritter with glaze and this recipe has you roll them in sugar cinnamon
The glaze recipe is in the notes section if you prefer to use it.
The apple fritters, look delicious, but could they possibly be made in an air fryer?