Warm, cinnamon-kissed apple fritters are the cozy treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. This simple, no-fuss recipe delivers bakery-style fritters with a tender apple center and a light, crackly glaze—without complicated steps. Ready for a little fall magic? Mix, drop, fry, glaze… and try not to eat them all at once. Keep scrolling for helpful tips, smart swaps, and fun twists you’ll want to pin for later!
Apple Fritters Recipe (Quick, Simple & Crowd-Pleasing)
Yields: 12–16 fritters | Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) milk (buttermilk works too)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (about 260 g) peeled, finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Neutral oil for frying (2–3 inches in a deep skillet or pot)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla (pinch cinnamon optional)
Instructions
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix dry: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix wet: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine: Add wet to dry; stir just until no dry streaks remain (thick, scoopable batter). Fold in diced apples.
- Heat oil: Bring to 350°F / 175°C over medium heat.
- Fry: Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through.
- Drain: Place on a rack or paper towels.
- Glaze: While warm, dunk or drizzle with glaze. Let set 2–3 minutes. Serve immediately!
Pro Tip: Test-fry one fritter first. If it browns too fast, lower the heat; if it takes too long and gets greasy, raise the heat slightly.
Apple Fritters Variations: Baked, Air-Fryer & Gluten-Free
Baked Apple Fritters
- Preheat to 425°F / 220°C.
- Spoon batter onto a parchment-lined sheet (flatten slightly).
- Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden; broil 1–2 minutes for extra color.
- Glaze while warm.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Preheat to 375°F / 190°C.
- Lightly oil or spray basket; spoon small mounds of batter in, leaving space.
- Air-fry 4–5 minutes; flip; air-fry 3–5 minutes more until golden and set.
- Glaze immediately.
Gluten-Free Apple Fritters
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- If your blend lacks xanthan gum, add ¼ tsp.
- Let batter rest 10 minutes before frying for best texture.
Practical Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters
Keep oil at a steady 350°F that’s the secret to fritters that are crisp outside, fluffy inside. Dice apples small (pea-to-corn size) so they soften quickly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; frying in batches keeps the temperature stable. If your batter feels too loose, stir in a spoonful of flour; too thick, add a splash of milk. Hold cooked fritters on a rack in a 250°F / 120°C oven while you finish the batch.
Bonus Ideas to Elevate Your Apple Fritters
Stir in a handful of raisins, chopped pecans, or a pinch of chai spice for a cozy twist. Swap 1–2 tbsp milk in the glaze for maple syrup for a luxurious maple finish. Prefer cinnamon sugar? Skip the glaze and toss warm fritters in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with warm salted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. So many delightful options!
Apple Fritters FAQ
Which apples are best for apple fritters?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Can I use a dairy-free milk?
Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk work well. Start with the same amount, then adjust by a tablespoon if your batter seems too thick or thin.
How thick should the batter be?
Think thick pancake batter: it should mound on a spoon, then slowly fall. If it spreads too quickly, add a bit more flour.
Why are my apple fritters greasy or soggy?
The oil wasn’t hot enough or the pan was overcrowded. Aim for 350°F and fry in small batches. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
Are apple fritters freezer-friendly?
Yes freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F / 175°C for 8–10 minutes, then glaze or dust with sugar.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut the batter sugar to 2–3 tbsp; the glaze adds plenty of sweetness. Taste and adjust to your preference.
Apple Fritters: Pin, Share & Enjoy
If this easy, amazing apple fritter recipe made your heart (and kitchen) happy, pin it for later, share it with a friend who loves cozy bakes, and try it this week. Snap a pic, tag your bake buddy, and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-scented bite!
