Name: Apple Fritter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/3 cup milk; 2 eggs; 3 tablespoons applesauce; 2 large Granny Smith apples or Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced; Canola oil or vegetable oil for frying; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, warm fritter—each tender bite bursting with juicy apple and a dusting of sweet glaze. This Apple Fritter Recipe puts a homemade twist on a classic favorite, making it easy to recreate those beloved bakery-style donuts right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re gathering loved ones for a leisurely weekend breakfast, or just want to treat yourself to a nostalgic sweet, this recipe delivers on comfort and flavor, every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Apple Fritter Recipe is its simple, everyday ingredients—each chosen for a reason. Every component plays a role in building flavor, creating a golden exterior, or infusing just the right amount of moisture and sweetness throughout the fritters.

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the batter, yielding a tender, fluffy fritter.
Sugar: Delivers subtle sweetness and helps the outsides caramelize to a beautiful golden brown.
Baking powder: This is the lift your batter needs to keep fritters light and airy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors of both apples and spices.
Cinnamon: Warms every bite with classic apple pie flavor.
Milk (for batter and glaze): Brings moisture and richness, and ensures a silky smooth glaze.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the fritters.
Applesauce: Adds extra apple flavor and makes each bite moist and tender.
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples: Choose tart Granny Smith for pop and structure, or sweet Honeycrisp for a balanced bite—be sure to peel, core, and dice them.
Canola or vegetable oil: Neutral oils are best for crisping up the fritters without adding extra flavor.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Essential for that dreamy glaze that sets perfectly atop each fritter.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Gives the glaze richness and warmth, tying all flavors together.

How to Make Apple Fritter Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Batter

Begin by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed—a quick whisk means every fritter tastes just as good as the last. Make a well in the center, then add your milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir gently until just combined (don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy—you want to avoid over-mixing). Finally, gently fold in those diced apples so each spoonful is loaded with fruit.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about 1 1/2 inches of canola or vegetable oil into a heavy skillet, deep fryer, or Dutch oven. Set it over medium-high heat and bring the oil up to 375°F. If you have a candy thermometer, now’s the time to put it to work! Keeping a steady temperature is key for golden, crisp fritters every time.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Using a 1/4 cup measure, gently drop dollops of batter into the hot oil. Give each fritter enough space so they can cook evenly—crowding the pan can cause the temperature to drop. Fry about two minutes on each side, carefully flipping with a spatula or fork, until both sides are deliciously golden brown. Once done, transfer your fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 4: Mix the Glaze

While the fritters are still a bit warm, whisk together powdered sugar, remaining milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. You want it to coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick—a little extra milk can loosen it up if needed.

Step 5: Glaze and Dry

Dip each fritter in the glaze, using a fork to turn them so all sides are generously coated. Place your glazed fritters on a wire rack set over parchment or a baking sheet to catch drips and let them air dry. The glaze will set into a shiny, slightly crackly finish that’s absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Apple Fritter Recipe

Garnishes

A classic glaze is all these fritters need, but for something extra special, dust warm fritters lightly with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of caramel sauce. A little sprinkle of cinnamon or finely grated orange zest adds a beautiful aroma and touch of color.

Side Dishes

Serve your Apple Fritter Recipe with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or brunch. If you’re going for that bakery-café vibe, pair with a rich cup of coffee or hot apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack fritters high on a rustic plate lined with parchment for a cozy, family-style breakfast. For a festive treat, slice them in half and fill with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Turn leftover fritters into mini “bread puddings,” or cut into bite-size pieces for a sweet brunch platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Apple Fritter Recipe cool completely. Gently wrap each fritter in paper towels and place them in a brown paper bag or loosely covered container. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps preserve their signature texture for up to two days at room temperature.

Freezing

These fritters freeze beautifully! Wrap individual fritters in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer bag. Store for up to two months. For best results, freeze without glaze, adding it freshly after reheating.

Reheating

To relive that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, warm fritters in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating gives that perfect crisp edge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples bring the best texture and flavor for this Apple Fritter Recipe, you can opt for Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious in a pinch. Firmer apples hold up better during frying.

Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?

Not at all—a sturdy Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet works perfectly. Just make sure to use enough oil so the fritters float and cook evenly, and use a thermometer if you have one to monitor the oil’s temperature.

What if I don’t have applesauce?

No worries! You can swap in an extra egg or a few tablespoons of yogurt, but the applesauce does add a little extra apple flavor and moistness. If you love that depth, a finely grated apple mixed into the batter also works in a pinch.

How do I keep the glaze from being too runny or too thick?

Start with the recommended amounts, then adjust by whisking in a tablespoon of powdered sugar if it’s too thin, or a splash of milk if it’s too thick. The glaze should smoothly coat the fritters without dripping off entirely.

Can I make Apple Fritter Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the flour in the Apple Fritter Recipe. Double-check your baking powder is gluten-free as well and proceed as directed—the results are still deliciously fluffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about homemade fritters cooling on the counter, their sweet scent filling the kitchen and promising a treat that’s both comforting and celebratory. I hope you’ll give this Apple Fritter Recipe a spot in your weekend breakfast routine and share the joy with your favorite people. Trust me—once you taste one, it’s hard to stop at just one fritter!