Is an apple fritter a donut or a pastry?

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.

Are apple fritters fried?

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.

What kind of apples do you use for apple fritters?

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.

What happens if you don't add baking powder?

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.

Does baking powder make fritters crispy?

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.

How do you make apple fritters without batter?

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.

Are you supposed to heat up apple fritters?

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.

Are apple fritters better hot or cold?

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.

Is it possible to make apple fritters without frying?

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.

What to eat with apple fritters?

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.

Old Fashioned Apple Fritters

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

Scale

For the apple fritters:

1 2/3 cups (200 grams) all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup (120 grams) whole milk
1/4 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

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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