I recently tried The Best Apple Fritter Recipe and was charmed by its blend of 2 cups all-purpose flour, diced apples, and a pinch of cinnamon. I whisked eggs, milk, and vanilla extract into a light batter and topped everything with a powdered sugar and cinnamon glaze. It is wonderfully simple.

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I love whipping up new twists on classic treats and this is definitely one of my favorites. My version of The BEST Homemade Apple Fritters never fails to impress.

I started by mixing together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Then I stirred in 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until I had a smooth batter perfect for our apple fritters with pancake batter.

Fresh diced apples (2 medim ones for about 2 cups) add a juicy burst of fall flavor. I fry them in vegetable oil until golden and then top them off with a cinnamon-vanilla glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

If you’re looking for an easy apple fritters recipe that delivers a fun twist to your breakfast sweets or fruit dips you will not be disappointed. Enjoy experimenting.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this apple fritter recipe for so many reasons. First off, I really dig how the apples mix in with the cinnamon and vanilla in the glaze, giving me a burst of cozy fall flavor that reminds me of chill autumn days. Another thing is that the recipe is super simple – I mean, breaking the recipe into dry and wet parts and then just throwing in the apples makes it easy for me to get cooking without feeling overwhelmed. Also, I enjoy how the crispy fried batter with soft apple bits gives me that awesome texture and taste mix in every bite. Lastly, it feels like a treat that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or technology, so it’s perfect when I want to whip up something delicious quickly.

Ingredients

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Flour is the base ingredient, giving the fritters structure and plenty of carbohydrates.
Eggs help stick all ingredients together while addin a good dose of protein.
Apples bring natural fiber and a yummy tang, balancing the sweet batter perfectly.
Sugar adds sweetness that makes the fritters delightfully tasty and dessert-like.
Milk moistens the mix and adds a creamy twist, making every bite soft.
The glaze, with powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon, gives a sweet finish.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medim apples)

Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pan)

For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar

For the glaze: 2 tablespoons milk

For the glaze: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make this

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1. In a big bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

2. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs and then stir in 1/2 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined, but be careful not to overmix.

4. Fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

5. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan (about 1-2 inches deep) to 350°F; if you dont have a thermometer, test a small drop and if it sizzles fast, it’s ready.

6. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil, and let them drain on paper towels.

8. For the glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and enjoy immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. A big mixing bowl for all the dry ingredients
2. Another bowl for beating and mixing the wet ingredients
3. A whisk or fork to beat the eggs and combine the liquids
4. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts
5. A stirring spoon or spatula to mix the dry and wet ingredients
6. A knife to peel and dice the apples
7. A deep pan for frying, with enough oil for a 1-2 inch depth
8. A deep-fry thermometer (optional) to check oil temperature
9. A slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil
10. Paper towels for draining excess oil
11. A small bowl to prepare the glaze

FAQ

Q: What type of apples should I use?

A: I usually go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they hold up well during frying and give a good balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Q: How do I know when the fritters are done?

A: The fritters should be a nice golden-brown color on both sides and feel firm when you gently press them. If you're unsure, you can always pop one out to check the texture inside.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?

A: Yep, you can bake them if you prefer a healthier version. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes, but keep in mind they wont be as crispy.

Q: Any tips to get a smooth glaze?

A: The key is to whisk all the glaze ingredients together until they're completely combined and free of lumps. And if you find it too thick, just add a little more milk.

Q: Can these fritters be made ahead of time?

A: They taste best fresh, but if you need to, you can prepare the batter ahead and fry just before serving. Alternatively, fry them and keep them warm in an oven set to a low temperature and cover loosely with foil.

The BEST Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten free 1-to-1 baking blend or even whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor
If you dont have granulated sugar, try using coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener
Instead of regular milk, almond milk or oat milk works well for a dairy free option
You can swap vegetable oil with canola oil since they behave similarly when frying
If you dont have vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract might work but will give the fritters a slightly different taste

Pro Tips

1. Be sure not to overmix the batter even if its tempting cause a few lumps is totally ok and keeps your fritters light and fluffy.
2. When frying, dont crowd the pan; letting enough space between each fritter helps them cook evenly and not get soggy.
3. Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and wait for it to recover between batches; this avoids soggy fritters and makes sure they crisp up nice.
4. Drizzle your glaze on while the fritters are still warm so it melts into little pockets of flavor, making each bite super tasty.