Crispy Big Apple Fritters Recipe

The Best Big Apple Fritters Recipe For Homemade Sweet Treats

Crispy golden big apple fritters dance between sweet comfort and irresistible indulgence.

Autumn’s harvest brings incredible flavor to this classic dessert.

Soft apple chunks nestled in a light, airy batter create magical moments of pure delight.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through textures and tastes.

Simple ingredients blend effortlessly, making these fritters a breeze to prepare.

You’ll want to gather friends and savor every delicious morsel right away.

Big Apple Fritters with a Crispy Golden Crust

  • Craft Sweet Family Memories: Gather everyone in the kitchen and create delightful moments while preparing these mouthwatering apple fritters together, perfect for weekend baking adventures.
  • Master Simple Cooking Skills: Learn an approachable dessert technique that builds confidence for beginner cooks, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps.
  • Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Enjoy a warm, crispy treat that combines the classic flavors of cinnamon, apples, and sweet glaze, delivering pure comfort in every delectable bite.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Serve these fritters as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or decadent dessert that impresses guests and family members with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Classic Apple Fritters at Home

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the fritter batter that provides structure and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the fritter dough.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, sweet spice that complements the apples.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth, consistent batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the fritter flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and a subtle buttery taste.
Fruit and Frying Ingredients:
  • Apples: The star ingredient that gives the fritters their signature flavor and texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the fritters to golden brown perfection.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a sweet, smooth glaze that tops the warm fritters.

How to Prepare and Fry Apple Fritters to Perfection

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Fruit Chunks

Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout. The apple pieces will add bursts of sweet, juicy flavor to each fritter.

Step 4: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Bring the oil temperature to 350°F, using a cooking thermometer for precision.

The right temperature ensures crispy, golden-brown fritters.

Step 5: Create Golden Fritters

Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop batter into the hot oil.

Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a rich, golden brown color.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. The towels will absorb any excess oil, keeping the fritters crisp and not greasy.

Step 7: Craft Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and glossy. The glaze should have a silky, pourable consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

While fritters are still warm, drizzle or dip them in the prepared glaze. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Best enjoyed fresh and warm, these fritters are a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.

Tips for Crispy, Tender Fritters Every Time

  • Select crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy results.
  • Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to help ingredients blend and improve fritter structure.
  • Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to create uniform fritter sizes for consistent cooking and appearance.
  • Drain fritters on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispier and prevent soggy bottoms.

Flavor Variations to Customize Your Apple Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour, ensuring a crispy texture for those avoiding gluten.
  • Vegan Apple Fritters: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free version.
  • Spiced Autumn Fritters: Add nutmeg and ginger to the batter, use seasonal apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for an enhanced fall flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Fritters: Reduce sugar in the batter, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for a lighter glaze made with sugar-free alternatives.

Serving Ideas to Enjoy with Apple Fritters

  • Breakfast Bliss: Serve these warm fritters alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a hearty morning feast.
  • Dessert Delight: Top the fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange fritters on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair the fritters with a hot cup of cinnamon tea or coffee for a cozy midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings.

Storing Apple Fritters to Maintain Freshness and Flavor

  • Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Refrigerate fritters in a sealed container for 3-4 days, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze fritters by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, ensuring they are completely cooled before freezing.

FAQs

  • What type of apples work best for these fritters?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter just before frying. Preparing it too far in advance can make the baking powder less effective and result in dense fritters.

  • How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check that the oil is precisely at 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the top immediately.

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Crispy Big Apple Fritters Recipe

Crispy Big Apple Fritters Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Classic big apple fritters showcase New York’s sweet culinary spirit with crispy golden exteriors and tender apple centers. Homemade comfort beckons with each delightful bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, blending flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly integrated.
  2. In a separate container, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
  4. Delicately fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  5. Prepare a deep skillet or Dutch oven by heating vegetable oil to precisely 350°F, using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of apple-studded batter into the sizzling oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature.
  7. Fry fritters for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
  8. Transfer fried fritters to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and allow slight cooling.
  9. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  10. While fritters remain warm, generously drizzle or elegantly dip each piece into the prepared glaze.
  11. Allow glazed fritters to rest momentarily, permitting the sweet coating to set and create a delectable crisp finish before serving.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350F to prevent greasy or undercooked fritters, using a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels before adding to batter to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispier results.
  • Make fritters gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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