Introduction

Apple fritters are a delightful treat with tender, cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in a lightly fried batter. This simple recipe creates warm, golden fritters perfect for a comforting snack or breakfast.

The image shows a close-up of three golden brown, crispy pancakes stacked unevenly on a white plate. The pancakes have a rough and slightly bubbly texture on top. To the side of the plate, there are two bright red raspberries with a soft, bumpy surface. Next to the raspberries is a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white yogurt dusted with some brown spices. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup milk (whole or breast milk)
1 cup finely chopped apples (peeled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by measuring the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the wet mixture.
Step 5: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
Step 7: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small rounds of batter into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 8: Fry each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, taking care as the oil will be hot.
Step 9: Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 10: If desired, dust the warm fritters lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several golden brown, crispy-fried fritters stacked slightly overlapping on a white plate, with the fritters' rough, textured surfaces showing small air pockets and uneven edges. To the side of the fritters, there is a small white ramekin filled with smooth, white creamy sauce sprinkled lightly with black pepper. Behind the ramekin, two fresh, bright red raspberries add a pop of color against the white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake apple fritters instead of frying?

Yes, to bake, place spoonfuls of batter on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until golden. The texture will be less crispy than fried.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to use the batter immediately to ensure the fritters are light and fluffy. If needed, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 1 hour before frying, but give it a gentle stir before cooking.