Apple fritters are one of my favorite cozy-time treats—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with sweet, spiced apples. They’re golden, lightly crunchy, and incredibly satisfying when served warm, especially with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. These are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet indulgent this apple fritter recipe is. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and the batter comes together quickly. I get that perfect apple-cinnamon flavor in every bite, with a tender texture and crisp golden crust. The best part? I can fry up a batch in just minutes and enjoy them fresh and warm. Whether I want to impress guests or just treat myself, these fritters always deliver.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced apples
Oil for frying
Directions
I start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then, I pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined.
Next, I fold in the diced apples. The batter will be thick and chunky.
I heat the oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Using a spoon or small scoop, I drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. I fry them for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
I drain the fritters on paper towels before serving them warm—sometimes with a simple glaze or powdered sugar on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10 to 12 apple fritters, depending on the size I scoop. It takes me around 15 minutes to prep everything and another 15–20 minutes to cook. In total, I’m enjoying hot fritters in just 30–35 minutes.
Variations
Glazed fritters: I mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla to make a quick glaze. Once the fritters cool slightly, I drizzle or dip them in it.
Spiced upgrade: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a deeper fall flavor.
Chunkier apples: I like my apples diced small, but if I want more texture, I cut them into larger chunks.
Apple mix-ins: A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives a richer flavor.
Oven option: For a lighter version, I’ve baked spoonfuls at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or use an air fryer for a crispier texture. Microwaving works too, but they soften up a bit more.
FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for apple fritters?
I usually go for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the batter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I prefer to make the batter fresh, but I can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before frying.
Why are my fritters soggy?
Soggy fritters usually mean the oil wasn’t hot enough. I always make sure it’s at 350°F before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I freeze apple fritters?
Yes, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer so they crisp back up.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but I usually do it to keep the texture smooth. If I’m short on time, I leave the peels on—it still tastes great.
Conclusion
These apple fritters are everything I want in a quick homemade treat—crispy, tender, loaded with apple flavor, and warmly spiced. Whether I enjoy them plain, glazed, or dusted with sugar, they’re always a hit. I love how easy they are to make and how comforting they feel, especially when served warm right out of the fryer.
Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples. These easy, homemade fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced apples (peeled if preferred)
Oil for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in diced apples. Batter will be thick.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, frying 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or glazed.
Notes
Make a glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, and a splash of vanilla.
Add nutmeg or allspice for deeper spice flavor.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more complexity.
Try baking at 375°F for 20–25 minutes as a lighter option.
Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
