Apple Fritters are a deliciously sweet, soft, and slightly crisp treat that combines tender chunks of apple with a fluffy dough, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet glaze. This indulgent pastry is reminiscent of a warm, comforting bakery favorite and makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples, light dough, and a sweet glaze creates a treat that’s hard to resist.
This recipe brings homemade apple fritters to your kitchen with ease. Unlike store-bought versions, these fritters are fresh, flavorful, and can be customized to your taste. They are perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or anytime you want a cozy, comforting dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s comforting, sweet, and has that perfect balance of soft inside and slightly crisp outside. The aroma of cinnamon and fried apples fills the kitchen and brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Homemade apple fritters are far superior to store-bought ones because you can control the sweetness, spice, and texture exactly how you like it.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Soft and fluffy with a slightly crisp exterior
- Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Can be customized with glaze, powdered sugar, or caramel drizzle
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
Time, Servings and Nutrition
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 fritters
Approximate Calories:
- 250–300 calories per fritter
Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Directions
- Prepare the dough by mixing dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in diced apples.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 180°C (350°F).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove fritters and drain on paper towels.
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm fritters before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
- Fry Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain: Remove fritters using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Fritters: Drizzle glaze over warm fritters or dip them directly into the glaze. Serve immediately.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve apple fritters warm for the best flavor and texture. They can be enjoyed on their own, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Recipe Tips
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Keep fritters warm in a low oven while frying the rest of the batch.
- Stir the batter gently to avoid dense fritters.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Variations (Detailed)
- Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of glaze.
- Apple Cinnamon Sugar Fritters: Toss warm fritters in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon instead of glazing.
- Apple and Nut Fritters: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Baked Apple Fritters: For a lighter version, bake in a muffin tin at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes.
- Mini Fritters: Use a teaspoon to drop smaller fritters for bite-sized treats, ideal for parties or brunch.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before glazing.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Special Equipment Needed
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels for draining
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Conclusion
Apple Fritters are a sweet, comforting, and indulgent treat that combine tender apples, fluffy dough, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this recipe delivers warm, homemade goodness that’s far superior to store-bought versions. With easy preparation, flexible variations, and delicious results, apple fritters are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful treats.
Apple Fritters
Apple Fritters are a deliciously sweet, soft, and slightly crisp treat that combines tender chunks of apple with a fluffy dough, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet glaze. This indulgent pastry is reminiscent of a warm, comforting bakery favorite and makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
For the Glaze:
Instructions
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
-
Heat Oil: Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
-
Fry Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Drain: Remove fritters using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Glaze Fritters: Drizzle glaze over warm fritters or dip them directly into the glaze. Serve immediately.

