Homemade Apple Fritters are the perfect cozy treat that combines the comforting taste of apples with a crispy golden-brown crust and a sweet vanilla glaze. These fritters are quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for fall mornings, weekend brunches, or when you’re simply craving something sweet. Using fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith gives the fritters a burst of tartness, while warm spices and a light glaze add that signature bakery-style flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a guaranteed winner!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe
There’s so much to love about these apple fritters! They’re:
- Crunchy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside.
- Packed with fresh, juicy apple chunks.
- Warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Finished with a luscious vanilla glaze for the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Ideal for sharing during holidays, brunches, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Apple Fritter:
- 3-4 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2-3 Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (183g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice
- Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-5 teaspoons milk or water
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Fritters
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add milk, vanilla, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and optional ginger.
- Make the Batter: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick batter forms. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. Use a candy or instant-read thermometer, or do the wooden spoon test (oil bubbles around the handle).
- Fry the Fritters: Drop 1/4 or 1/3 cup scoops of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined rack.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk or water until thick but drizzly.
- Glaze the Fritters: Allow the fritters to cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Helpful Tips
- Keep fritter size consistent for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Use a thermometer to maintain 375°F for ideal frying.
- Allow the fritters to cool a bit before applying the glaze to avoid it melting off.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour blends or almond flour for a different texture.
- Milk: Substitute with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy.
- Vanilla Extract: Swap in almond extract for a delicious nutty flavor.
- Spices: Add more warmth with allspice or cardamom.
- Glaze Flavor: Add cinnamon or apple pie spice to the glaze for extra depth.
Storage Instructions
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh within 24 hours. To store:
- Lightly cover with a paper towel and keep at room temperature.
- Avoid sealing in an airtight container to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Potassium: 89mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 89IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 73mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of spiced chai or coffee.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish.
- Add a drizzle of caramel for indulgence.
- Great for brunch platters or holiday breakfast spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Homemade Apple Fritters
Can I bake these instead of frying?
These are best fried for the traditional crisp texture, but you can bake them at 375°F on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are ideal due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness. Avoid overly soft apples.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Prep the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 6 hours. Fry just before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep them crispy?
Place fried fritters on a wire rack to cool. Avoid stacking them and don’t cover tightly.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Absolutely. Freeze individually and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by and trying this Easy Homemade Apple Fritters recipe! These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treats are one of my personal favorites, especially during apple season. Whether you’re sharing them with family or treating yourself, they’re easy to whip up and absolutely packed with comforting flavor. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do. Happy cooking and baking – and thanks for being a part of our cozy, food-loving community!
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Easy Homemade Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
Description
These Easy Homemade Apple Fritters are crisp on the outside, tender and airy inside, and filled with real apple pieces. A light vanilla glaze finishes them off for a classic bakery-style flavor. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Apple Fritter:
3–4 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2–3 Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (183g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice
Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12g)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon melted butter, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
Glaze:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–5 teaspoons milk or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add milk, vanilla, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and optional ginger.
- Make the Batter: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick batter forms. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. Use a candy or instant-read thermometer, or do the wooden spoon test (oil bubbles around the handle).
- Fry the Fritters: Drop 1/4 or 1/3 cup scoops of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined rack.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk or water until thick but drizzly.
- Glaze the Fritters: Allow the fritters to cool slightly before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.
Notes
Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for best flavor.
Maintain oil at 375°F to avoid undercooked centers.
Let fritters cool slightly before glazing.
Gluten-free flour and almond milk work great as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 3g