Make these classic deep-fried apple fritters for a crispy exterior, tender interior, and warm cinnamon flavor. This recipe includes a simple vanilla glaze for a perfect sweet finish.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 cup finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Carefully drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Fry the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a half teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Dip or drizzle the warm fritters with the vanilla glaze. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Notes
For a baked apple fritters alternative, arrange the batter spoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
For air fryer apple fritters, spray the batter mounds lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture that holds up during frying.