Y’all can’t tell me nothing about apple fritters. Every fall I would eat my weight in them from a local donut shop in Chicago, then grab some more when we went apple picking. I realized I had to start making them at home, and these hit hard! I fry up dough filled with warm spices and apples until crisp on the outside and soft inside, then top each fritter with a bomb apple cider glaze. Get at it boos!
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They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:
“First time making apple fritters and they turned out perfect! The apple cider really gave it that apple flavor throughout. Thank you for a delicious and easy recipe!”
—FELICIA
How to Make Apple Fritters
These step-by-step photos show how to make apple fritters, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Easy Apple Fritters Recipe
1. Mix the dry ingredients with the apples
Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped apples until they’re evenly coated.
2. Whisk together the wet ingredients
Add the apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla to a separate bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined.
PRO TIP: Keep your apple pieces small, about ¼ inch. If they’re too large, they may not soften completely while the fritters fry.
3. Make the apple fritter batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the flour disappears and the batter comes together.
4. Fry your homemade apple fritters
Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven. Drop portions of batter into the oil and gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain and cool the fritters
Transfer the fried apple fritters to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter, then let all the fritters cool slightly.
6. Spoon on the apple cider glaze
Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until smooth. Spoon the glaze over the fritters and let it set before serving.
PRO TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan! I found that for a regular sized Dutch oven you can cook about five fritters at a time. If the diameter of your pot is smaller you may need to cook fewer at a time.
Full Apple Fritters Recipe
Apple Fritters Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 granny apples peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Add all dry ingredients (flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in apples.
- Next add wet ingredients (cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract) to a separate bowl and whisk together then pour mixture into dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
- Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in dutch oven over medium-high heat to around 350°F to 375°F. Use 1/3-cup measure to transfer 5 heaping portions of batter into the hot oil. Press batter lightly with the back of spoon to flatten somewhat. Fry until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes each side). Once all fritters are fried, remove fritters and transfer fritters to wire rack set inside rimmed baking sheet or to a paper towel to dry. Bring oil back to around 350°F and repeat with remaining batter. Let fritters cool 5 minutes.
- Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl until smooth. Spoon over fritters and let set for 10 minutes then serve.
Notes
How to Store
- Room Temp: Loosely cover the fritters with foil and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Place the fritters in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. - Reheating: Reheat the fritters in a 350°F air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes or in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The air fryer is best for bringing back some of that crisp texture.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Fry the batter as soon as it’s mixed. The baking powder starts working right away, and the apples will release moisture as the batter sits.
- Fry one test fritter first. Cut it open to check the center before adding a full batch. If it browns before the middle cooks, lower the heat or flatten the remaining fritters a little more.
- Skim loose batter from the oil. Those small pieces can burn and stick to the next batch, giving the fritters a bitter taste.
- Bring the oil back to 350°F between batches. The temperature drops when you add the batter, and frying in oil that’s too cool can make the fritters greasy.
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I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe Help
Your oil probably wasn’t hot enough boo. Keep it between 350°F and 375°F, and let it heat back up between batches. Also, don’t add too many fritters to the pot at once.
They may be too large or too thick. Use about ⅓ cup of batter for each fritter and flatten it slightly before frying. If the outside is browning too quickly, your oil is too hot.
Chop the apple pieces small and let the first side cook until golden before flipping. Turning the fritters too early can make them break apart.
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I love apple fritters and this is a must try, so delicious!
Wow, your pictures are mouth-watering! I originally found this recipe when I signed up for a free two week trial subscription to http://www.cookscountry.com, and just made these today….just wanted to vouch that these are AMAZING!!!!!!!! I admire that you gave it a try despite not digging apples; hey, at least you know what flavors you like and don’t 🙂 I do love apple desserts and this one was particularly wonderful.
Thanks so much Sonya! They are really yummy indeed!
You’re welcome! I’ve been thinking of making them again soon 🙂
Wow very testy fitters….would love to make it soon on t time.
Joint Replacement India
Thanks so much!
Have you ever tried an apple picked from a tree? They’re super crunchy and juicy. I grew up on an orchard and for years couldn’t eat an apple bought in a store.
These apple fitters look so decedent. Will have to try them for sure!
Kristen you are so right!! The best apples are when ripe off the tree if not bought in stores early in Fall after that they lose their taste and all taste much the same. When using them for baking their flavor seems to revive. Also living in parts where only apples and oranges are available we don’t have much choice. when it comes to baking with fruit apples are the best!!
How dare you disrespect apples in this manner?
One of my favorite fruits and so versstile. This is one of my favorite ways to use them too.
Can’t believe you’re not into apples! Oh man. They are so good in desserts. These would be great with a bit of fresh cream. So good.
I am a huge apple fan and these look fabulous! Nothing like grandma’s inspiration.
I totally am with you, I don’t like eating apples BUT I am a huge fan of apple desserts…weird I know. I would definitely gobble this up!