Big Apple Fritters Recipe

The Best Big Apple Fritters Recipe: Golden & Crispy Joy

Crispy, golden big apple fritters dance with sweet nostalgia and comfort.

Street vendor memories flood back when sugar-dusted treats emerge from hot oil.

Apples picked from local orchards bring delightful farmhouse charm to this classic dessert.

Cinnamon whispers warmth through each delectable bite.

Bakery windows rarely showcase such magnificent pastry perfection.

Generous chunks of fruit nestled inside light, airy batter create irresistible texture.

Come taste magic that connects generations through one magnificent recipe.

Big Apple Fritters That Hit the Spot

  • Craft Quick Comfort: Whip up these apple fritters in minimal steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These fritters bring smiles to faces of all ages, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding nuts, changing spices, or adjusting glaze sweetness to match personal taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
  • Seasonal Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a crispy, golden dessert that captures the warmth of the season.

Ingredients for Apple Fritters from Scratch

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the fritters.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and helps with golden browning.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.
  • Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness to the fritters.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
  • Vanilla: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the fritters.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a tender texture.
Fruit and Flavoring:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the fritters.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a slight tangy note.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Combine to create a sweet, smooth glaze for topping the fritters.
Frying Ingredient:
  • Oil: Used for deep-frying the fritters to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.

Cooking Apple Fritters That Stay Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Dry Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything is evenly distributed and looks like a soft, light mixture.

Step 2: Create Wet Blend

In a separate bowl, crack eggs and combine with milk, vanilla, and melted butter.

Whisk thoroughly until the liquid looks smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Combine Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

The batter should look slightly lumpy – don’t overmix.

Step 4: Add Apples

  • Dice fresh apples
  • Sprinkle lemon juice over apple pieces
  • Fold apple chunks into the batter, ensuring even distribution

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Use a deep pan or fryer and heat oil to 350°F.

Ensure oil is consistently hot before adding batter.

Step 6: Fry Fritters

Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil.

Fry each fritter until deep golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried fritters onto paper towels to absorb extra oil and help them become crispy.

Step 8: Create Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and slightly runny.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze generously over warm fritters.

Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Apple Fritter Tips That Help Every Time

  • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
  • Maintain consistent 350F oil to ensure crispy, golden-brown fritters without absorbing excess grease.
  • Stir ingredients just until combined to keep fritters light and tender, preventing tough, dense results.
  • Let fritters rest on paper towels to remove extra oil and maintain a crisp exterior.
  • Enjoy fritters warm with glaze for maximum flavor and optimal texture, as they tend to lose crispness when cooled.

Add-Ins That Work with Big Apple Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete gluten elimination.
  • Vegan Apple Fritters: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter. Replace dairy milk in glaze with almond or oat milk.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Fritters: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free glaze made with sugar-free powdered sweetener and almond milk. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.

What to Enjoy with Big Apple Fritters

  • Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these warm apple fritters with freshly brewed coffee or hot tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Dessert Transformation: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert that elevates the fritters.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging fritters on a rustic wooden board with additional powdered sugar dusting and fresh apple slices for garnish.
  • Weekend Gathering Delight: Pack these fritters in a picnic basket or share with friends during casual weekend gatherings for a memorable shared experience.

How to Store Apple Fritters After Baking

  • Store cooled fritters in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring no air pockets.
  • Warm fritters at 350F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet, which helps restore crispiness and prevents sogginess.
  • Briefly heat fritters for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining their soft texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Choose firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape during frying.

  • How do I know the oil is the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of batter into oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

  • Why add lemon juice to apples?

Lemon juice prevents apple browning and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the fritters. It helps maintain the apple’s fresh color and texture.

Print
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Big Apple Fritters Recipe

Big Apple Fritters Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade big apple fritters showcase classic American dessert magic with crispy golden exteriors and tender apple-studded centers. Sweet simplicity beckons pastry enthusiasts to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, melted
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Blend dry pantry staples (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon) thoroughly in a spacious mixing vessel.
  2. Whisk liquid components (eggs, milk, vanilla, melted butter) in a separate container until smooth and integrated.
  3. Gently incorporate wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing.
  4. Coat apple pieces with citrus juice to prevent browning, then delicately fold into batter.
  5. Prepare deep frying station by heating petroleum-based cooking liquid to precise 350F temperature.
  6. Carefully dispense batter clusters into simmering oil, maintaining consistent temperature.
  7. Monitor fritters, rotating once to achieve uniform caramel-brown exterior (approximately 2-3 minutes per surface).
  8. Extract golden delicacies using slotted utensil, transferring to absorbent paper for excess oil drainage.
  9. Craft silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until glossy and pourable.
  10. Generously cascade glaze over warm fritters, allowing sweet coating to cascade and set momentarily.
  11. Serve immediately while crisp exterior and tender interior remain at peak deliciousness.

Notes

  • Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness in your fritters.
  • Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350F to prevent greasy or undercooked fritters.
  • Pat apples dry after tossing with lemon juice to help batter adhere better and reduce oil splattering.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add an extra teaspoon of baking powder.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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