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Homemade Apple Fritters

Homemade Apple Fritters

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These easy homemade apple fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with sweet, spiced apples. Whether glazed or rolled in cinnamon-sugar, this classic treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, these fritters are sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters:

  • 1 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple (or Fuji/Gala), grated or diced into ½-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (4 tbsp)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon salt
  • 2½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk (roughly ⅕ cup)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2 inches deep)

Optional Ingredients:

  • Lemon zest or juice (to balance sweetness)
  • Apple cider vinegar (if apples are too sweet)
  • Pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for extra spice

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • Splash of vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoons milk

For Cinnamon-Sugar Coating (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Grate or dice your apple into small pieces. Grated apples will blend into the batter for a smoother texture, while diced apples will create chunkier bites.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add some of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Add the rest of the flour mixture and stir until smooth.
  3. Add Apples: Fold in your grated or diced apples gently. If your apples are too sweet, add a bit of lemon zest or juice to balance out the flavors.
  4. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Make sure there’s enough oil so that the fritters float while frying.
  5. Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Flip using tongs or a slotted spoon.
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove fritters from the oil and place them on a baking rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Glaze or Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar:
    • For glaze: Combine powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters.
    • For cinnamon-sugar coating: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and roll warm fritters in this mixture.
  8. Serve Fresh: Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh while still warm! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.

Notes

  • You can make the batter an hour ahead of time and fry when ready.
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan when frying—fry in small batches for best results.
  • Fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature.