Make bakery-style apple fritters that are crispy outside and tender inside. This recipe uses fresh apples and a simple vanilla glaze for a comforting, classic treat.
Author:emilyharrison
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:10-12 fritters 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
Vegetable oil, for 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, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar.
In a separate small bowl, mix the egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pot. You are aiming for irregular, rustic shapes, like traditional apple fritters.
Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the fritters are deep golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon 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 milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a drop at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Dip or drizzle the warm apple fritters generously with the vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
For the crispiest apple fritters, ensure your oil temperature stays steady at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture, as they hold their shape well during frying.
If you want apple fritter bites, use a small cookie scoop to drop the batter.