Apple Fritters

When apple season rolls around, I can’t be the only one who comes home from the you-pick orchard with more apples than I know what to do with. While my go-to recipes are always a few batches of applesauce and plenty of apple desserts, when it comes to indulgent treats, I can’t resist making a batch or two of apple fritters. These fluffy and tender fried pastries are packed full of apples and warm cinnamon flavor. A generous dip in a sweet vanilla glaze takes these apple treats to the next level.

What is an apple fritter?

An apple fritter is pastry made from a simple batter that’s packed with chopped apples, deep-fried until golden brown and then slathered in a sweet vanilla-flavored glaze.

Apple Fritter Ingredients

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• Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the apple fritter batter. For gluten-free apple fritters, use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and complements the apples’ tart flavor.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavener that helps the apple fritters to rise, giving them a light and airy texture. The key to a good rise is using fresh baking powder, so consider testing your baking powder for freshness beforehand.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm, sweet and woody flavor of cinnamon is the perfect partner for apples.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the apple fritters.
• Whole milk: The richness of whole milk adds moisture to the batter and contributes to its tender texture. For a little tang, substitute buttermilk.
• Eggs: Eggs bind together the batter. We recommend using room temperature eggs, because they add more volume and combine more easily with the other ingredients than cold eggs do. If you forget to set out your eggs in advance, you can put whole eggs in a bowl of warm water and you’ll cut the time needed for them to warm up in half.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce in the batter ensures the fritters have an apple-forward flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter adds a bit of buttery flavor to the apple fritters.
• Vanilla extract: Try one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite vanilla extracts or make your own homemade vanilla extract from scratch.
• Apples: Peeled and chopped apples are the star of the show in any apple fritter recipe. When it comes to apple varieties, there are a lot to choose from. A few of our favorite types to use in this recipe include Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Braeburn apples.
• Oil for deep-fat frying: The best oils for frying have a high smoking point. Canola oil, peanut oil and safflower oil are all great options for this recipe for apple fritters.
• Glaze: Confectioners’ sugar, whole milk and vanilla extract combine to make a sweet glaze that takes these apple fritters over the top.

Directions

Step 1: Make the glaze

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In a large bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Set the bowl aside.

Editor’s Tip: For a thicker glaze, add more confectioners’ sugar. If you prefer a thinner glaze, use a bit more milk.

Step 2: Make the batter

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In another large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Create a well in the center.

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Add the milk, eggs, applesauce, melted butter and vanilla extract. Use a fork to stir everything together until the batter is just combined.

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Fold in the apples. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Fry the fritters

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Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet to 375°F. Working in batches, use a 1/4 cup measure to drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for two to three minutes per side or until they’re golden brown.

Editor’s Tip: A candy thermometer (just one of the candy making tools that you should have on hand) or a deep-fry thermometer will take all the guesswork out of getting the oil temperature right.

Step 4: Blot and glaze the fritters

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Transfer the fritters to paper towel-lined plates and blot them dry with paper towels. Dip the hot fritters into the glaze and flip to fully coat them. Transfer the fritters to a wire rack or sheet pan to cool.

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Apple Fritter Variations

• Spice it up: In addition to (or instead of) the ground cinnamon, use ground ginger, ground cardamom or ground nutmeg. To really pack in the flavor, use a pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend.
• Get nutty: For a little crunch, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Skip the glaze: Instead of a glaze, dust the fritters with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
• Dip ’em: Make a salted caramel sauce to serve on the side as a dipping sauce.

How to Store Apple Fritters

After the apple fritters have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re making the apple fritters ahead of time, wait to glaze them until right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How long do apple fritters last?

Leftover apple fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, one week in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.

Can you freeze apple fritters?

Absolutely! For the best texture, freeze the fritters before glazing them. After frying the fritters, allow them to cool completely. Then, set them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until they’re solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature. Then, reheat them in the oven or air fryer before glazing them and serving them warm.

Should you reheat apple fritters?

Apple fritters are perfectly fine when eaten at room temperature. If you prefer them to be warm, your best bet is to reheat them in the oven. To do so, place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven at 350° for five to eight minutes or until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat the apple fritters in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

Apple Fritter Tips

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What is the best type of apple to use for apple fritters?

The best type of apples to use for apple fritters is a variety that’s not too sweet and not too tart. You also want an apple with a firm flesh, so that it doesn’t turn to mush when it’s cooked. You can’t go wrong with the sweet flavor and firm texture of Honeycrisp apples. Braeburns, Granny Smith or Fuji apples are also great choices. And, of course, you can always use a mix of apple varieties.

Can you make apple fritters in the air fryer?

For a lighter take on this apple fritter recipe, you can make the fritters in your air fryer. To do so, preheat the air fryer to 410°. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and lightly spritz it with cooking spray. After letting the batter rest, drop it in 1/4-cup portions onto the parchment paper, spaced about two inches apart. Spritz the tops with cooking spray. Air-fry the fritters for five to six minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip the fritters, then continue to air fry for an additional one to two minutes or until the other side is golden brown.

What can you serve with apple fritters?

While apple fritters make a great fall dessert, they would also be a tasty way to end a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon or as an addition to your next brunch spread. After all, most apple desserts make for delicious breakfasts too—and apple fritters are one of them!

How do you prevent soggy fritters?

Soggy fritters often result from oil that’s not hot enough. A thermometer is truly your best friend here, and will help to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can also decrease the oil temperature. Make sure the oil returns to 375° between batches.