There's something so nostalgic and comforting about Old Fashioned Apple Fritters. Golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside with juicy chunks of apple in every bite, these homemade fritters are glazed to perfection and taste just like they came from your favorite bakery. But the best part? You don't have to wait in line or buy them from a donut shop. You can make them right at home in less than an hour.
Apple fritters are especially perfect in the fall when apples are at their sweetest and juiciest, but honestly, they're delicious all year round. With their cinnamon-sugar flavor and light, airy texture, they're a cozy treat that pairs beautifully with a morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert after dinner. One bite will have you hooked.
This recipe is kind of a mash up of my Apple Cider Donuts and Homemade Glazed Donuts and pairs so well with a warm mug of Homemade Hot Chocolate. If you've never tried making fritters before, this is the one to start with. It's approachable, fun, and unbelievably rewarding.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-style at home. These homemade apple fritters taste just like the ones from a donut shop but fresher and more delicious. You control the ingredients, the glaze, and the frying process, so you'll end up with a batch that rivals anything store-bought. Plus, nothing beats the smell of apples and cinnamon frying in your own kitchen.
- Perfect texture and flavor. The combination of crisp fried edges with soft, fluffy centers and juicy apple chunks is unbeatable. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice notes that complement the natural sweetness of the apples, while the glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness.
- Great use for apples. Got extra apples sitting on your counter? This is one of the best ways to use them up. While Honeycrisp and Gala are favorites for fritters, you can experiment with different varieties depending on what's in season or what you have on hand.
- Fun and versatile treat. Apple fritters are the kind of dessert (or breakfast!) that feels special but not complicated. You can glaze them, dust with powdered sugar, or even drizzle with caramel. Serve them fresh and warm, or reheat them later-they're always a hit.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these easy Old Fashioned Apple Fritters, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- vegetable oil - Used for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Canola oil or peanut oil also work well.
- all-purpose flour - The base of the batter that holds everything together. For a gluten-free version, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
- baking powder - Helps the fritters puff up and turn light and airy. Don't skip this or they'll turn dense.
- kosher salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- cinnamon - A key spice for warmth and that signature apple fritter flavor. You can substitute with apple pie spice for extra depth.
- nutmeg - Just a pinch goes a long way. Freshly grated nutmeg has the best flavor.
- whole milk - Adds richness and moisture to the batter. Use 2% or plant-based milk (like oat or almond) if you prefer.
- white sugar - Sweetens the batter without overpowering the apple flavor. You could also use light brown sugar for a slightly deeper caramel-like note.
- eggs - Bind the ingredients and give structure to the fritters.
- sweet apples - Choose Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape and add natural sweetness. Peel and dice them into small pieces so they distribute evenly in the batter.
- glaze - Made with confectioners' sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. You can swap in maple extract for a twist, or use less milk for a thicker glaze. If you want something different, try drizzling with caramel sauce or dusting with powdered sugar instead.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, slotted spoon, large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for frying, a candy thermometer to check oil temperature, and a wire rack set over a baking sheet for cooling and glazing.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Fritters
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add dry to wet. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined and smooth.
- Add apples. Fold in the diced apples with a rubber spatula.
- Portion the batter. Cut 2 sheets of parchment paper into 10 pieces. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup (or an ice cream scoop), scoop batter onto each piece of parchment to make 10 fritters.
- Heat the oil. Add vegetable oil into a large heavy pot until it's about halfway full. Place over medium heat and bring the oil up to 350°F, as read on a cooking thermometer. Keep the temperature steady at 350°F before and during frying.
- Fry the fritters. Pick up a portion of batter and carefully place it into the hot oil, batter facing up (parchment facing down). After about 20 seconds, use tongs to gently tug the parchment until it releases. Continue frying, flipping halfway through, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and repeat. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining fritters, frying 3-4 at a time.
How to Bake Apple Fritters
You can also bake these apple fritters for a lighter version. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and drop about ¼ cup scoops of batter onto the tray, flattening them slightly. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden delicious and cooked through, then glaze while still warm so it sets beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- Make the glaze. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not runny (think thin cake batter consistency).
- Glaze the fritters. While the fritters are still warm, dunk each one into the glaze, then transfer to a wire rack to let the excess drip off.
- Set. Allow the glaze to harden for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Expert Tip: Keep Your Oil at the Right Temperature
The trick to perfect fritters is maintaining a steady oil temperature of around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside stays raw. Too cool, and your fritters will absorb excess oil and turn greasy. Use a thermometer and adjust the heat as you go to keep your fritters golden, crisp, and evenly cooked.
More Tips and Tricks
- Dice apples evenly. Cut apples into small, uniform cubes so they cook evenly and distribute well in the batter. Oversized chunks can cause soggy centers.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry only 2-3 fritters at a time. Adding too many will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy fritters.
- Drain properly. Place cooked fritters on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Glaze while warm. Dip fritters in glaze while they're still slightly warm. This helps the glaze set nicely and cling to the fritters.
- Serve fresh. Apple fritters are best enjoyed the day they're made. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispness.\
- Make them in the deep fryer. Heat oil to 350°F, drop ¼ cup scoops of batter, and fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Recipe Variations
- Powdered sugar dusting. Instead of glazing, dust fritters generously with confectioners' sugar for a lighter finish.
- Cinnamon sugar coating. Toss warm fritters in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Maple glaze. Swap vanilla for maple extract in the glaze and drizzle extra maple syrup on top for a cozy fall flavor.
- Caramel drizzle. Add warm caramel sauce over the glazed fritters for an indulgent dessert.
- Add nuts. Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Mini fritters. Drop smaller spoonfuls of batter into the oil for bite-sized fritters that are perfect for parties or snacking.
Storage
How to Store
Keep apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They're best the same day but still tasty the next.
How to Reheat
Warm fritters in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop them into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
How to Freeze
Place cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
How to Serve
Apple fritters are delicious all on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other treats and drinks. Enjoy them as a breakfast pastry with coffee or tea, serve as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream and/or a drizzle of caramel sauce, or bring them out as a sweet snack for a gathering.
These are my favorite drinks to serve with these fried apple fritters:
Fall Desserts
Why not create a full autumn dessert spread? Pair these with pumpkin muffins, caramel apple pie, pecan bars, or cinnamon cookies for a cozy, seasonal treat table. These desserts complement each other perfectly with warm fall flavors and a mix of soft, crunchy, and gooey textures.
FAQ
Apple fritters fall into the donut category since they're fried yeast-free dough with glaze, but they can also be considered a pastry. They're basically a hybrid between a donut and a quick bread, offering the best of both worlds: crisp fried edges with a fluffy, cake-like interior.
Yes, apple fritters are traditionally fried in oil, which gives them their signature golden crust and fluffy inside. Frying also helps seal in the moisture from the apples so the inside stays soft. While some baked versions exist, they won't have the same crispy, indulgent texture.
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal because they hold up during frying without turning mushy. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious, which can break down too much. Granny Smith apples also works well if you like a tangy flavor contrast.
Without baking powder, your fritters will turn out heavy, dense, and less flavorful. They won't puff up properly, and the interior texture will feel gummy instead of soft and tender. Always include it for best results.
Baking powder is essential for creating light and airy fritters. While it doesn't directly make them crispy, it helps the batter rise and prevents the fritters from becoming dense. The crispiness comes from the frying process.
If you want a simpler version, you can coat apple slices in a light pancake batter and fry them individually. This creates apple rings rather than chunky fritters, but they still deliver the same crispy, sweet-spiced flavor with less mixing.
Fritters are best enjoyed warm, ideally right after glazing. If you're eating leftovers, reheating in the oven or air fryer brings back their texture. Cold fritters are still tasty, but they lose that fresh bakery feel.
Definitely hot. Freshly fried fritters with warm glaze melting into the cracks are unbeatable. That said, cold fritters still make a satisfying snack, especially with a glass of milk or coffee.
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F until golden, about 15-18 minutes, or use an air fryer for a lighter option. While not as indulgent, these methods still give you sweet apple flavor with less oil.
They pair beautifully with warm drinks like coffee, cider, or hot chocolate. For dessert, add ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. You can also serve them alongside a savory breakfast spread to balance flavors.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Old Fashioned Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old fashioned apple fritters are crispy, fluffy, and packed with juicy apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze. A bakery-style treat at home!
Ingredients
For the apple fritters:
- 1 ⅔ cups (200 grams) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup (120 grams) whole milk
- ¼ cup (50 grams) white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large sweet apples (such as honey crisp), peeled and diced into small pieces
- vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups (240 grams) confectioners' sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons whole milk, to desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Make the Apple Fritters:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined and smooth. Fold in the diced apples with a rubber spatula.
- Cut 2 sheets of parchment paper into 10 pieces. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto each piece of parchment to make 10 fritters.
- Add vegetable oil into a large heavy pot until it's about halfway full. Place over medium heat and bring the oil up to 350°F, as read on a cooking thermometer. Keep the temperature steady at 350°F before and during frying.
- Pick up a portion of batter and carefully place it into the hot oil, batter facing up (parchment facing down). After about 20 seconds, use tongs to gently tug the parchment until it releases. Continue frying, flipping halfway through, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining fritters, frying 3-4 at a time.
Make the Glaze:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not runny (think thin cake batter consistency).
- While the fritters are still warm, dunk each one into the glaze, then transfer to a wire rack to let the excess drip off. Allow the glaze to harden for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
How to store: Keep apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They're best the same day but still tasty the next.
How to reheat: Warm fritters in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop them into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
How to freeze: Place cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: American
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