Name: Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 15
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup milk; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced into ½ inch pieces; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are a classic American breakfast or snack treat. These delightful fried pastries are bursting with tender apples and warm spices, all enveloped in a light and fluffy batter.

They are surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. The key to achieving the perfect apple fritter lies in the batter’s consistency – it should be thick yet airy, allowing for a golden brown exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.

For an extra touch of sweetness, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract can be drizzled over the warm fritters. They pair perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Apple fritters are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year. They are a delicious way to showcase seasonal fall apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but any variety that holds its shape well when cooked will work.

So next time you’re looking for a heartwarming and nostalgic treat, give old-fashioned apple fritters a try. With their simple ingredients and delightful flavors, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you like, but some varieties work better than others. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the batter. However, sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala can also be used.

Should I peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is optional, but it will result in a smoother texture in the final fritter. If you leave the skin on, make sure to wash the apples thoroughly.

What temperature should the oil be?
The oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will be greasy. If it’s too hot, they will burn on the outside before they are cooked through.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter up to an hour ahead of time. Just let it sit at room temperature until you are ready to fry the fritters.

My batter seems too thick/thin, can I adjust it?
The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.

How long will leftover apple fritters last?
Leftover apple fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh.

What do you need to make Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters:

For the Fritters:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup milk
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced into ½ inch pieces

For the Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters:

Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Prepare the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.

Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry 2-3 fritters at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain and Glaze (Optional): Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, you can optionally dip the fritters in a glaze made by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Serve: Enjoy your warm apple fritters on their own or with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, substitute brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar in the batter.

If your apples are very juicy, you can toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will be greasy.

Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. This will lower the temperature of the oil and make the fritters greasy.

Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Latest Reviews:

Great Recipe, Buttermilk Makes a Difference!
This recipe is a great base for apple fritters! I followed it exactly, and they turned out good, but not amazing. Then I remembered my grandma always used buttermilk in her fritters. I tried it next time, substituting the milk for buttermilk, and WOW! So much fluffier and tastier. Highly recommend this tweak!

Easy Weeknight Treat
Love that this recipe is so simple, perfect for a quick after-school snack for the kids. I did find the oil splattered a bit while frying, so next time I might try a splatter guard. The glaze is a must, and maybe a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for some extra pizzazz!

Yum! Perfect!
Made these apple fritters for a weekend brunch with friends and they were a HUGE hit! The batter was so easy to whip up and the instructions were clear. I used Granny Smith apples and they gave the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness. The glaze was a delicious finishing touch.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 15 Fritters