These apple fritters are warm, sweet, and super easy to make! They are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with tasty apple pieces that make every bite delicious.
Whenever I make these, the smell fills the house, and it’s hard to wait for them to cool down! I love drizzling a little icing on top for extra sweetness. They’re perfect with coffee, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works great in most recipes.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar adds sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Apples: Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape. If you can’t find fresh apples, you can use canned apple pie filling in a pinch, just drain it well!
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic buttermilk perfectly.
Vegetable Oil: Use any neutral oil for frying, like canola or sunflower oil. If you prefer a healthier option, you can try air frying the fritters, though they may not be as crispy.
How Do I Fry Fritters Without Burning Them?
Getting the frying temperature right is crucial for perfect fritters. Here’s how you can get it right:
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil temperature; it should be around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains raw.
- Fry only a few fritters at a time. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures an even cook.
- Watch closely while frying. They usually take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Flip them when golden brown.
- Drain them well on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, which helps keep them crispy.
With these tips, your apple fritters will turn out beautifully golden and tasty! Enjoy making and sharing them warm!
How to Make Delicious Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples, use a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
- Powdered sugar for dusting or glaze (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for frying. You’ll be enjoying delicious apple fritters in about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until everything is well-combined. This will create the foundation of your fritters!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully blended. This will add moisture and flavor to your batter.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix! Then, fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to allow the fritters to float freely. This will give them that signature crispy texture!
5. Fry the Fritters:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the batter into the hot oil. Fry only a few fritters at a time to keep the oil temperature steady and prevent overcrowding.
6. Cook Until Golden:
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them once. They should be golden brown all over. Keep an eye on their color to ensure they don’t burn!
7. Drain the Fritters:
Once golden and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the fritters from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. Make the Glaze (Optional):
If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this over your warm fritters, or simply dust them with powdered sugar.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your apple fritters warm, and enjoy the delightful fluffy, crispy goodness with family and friends!
These apple fritters are perfect for sharing and will surely bring smiles to everyone around!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices for their crisp texture, you can use any apple variety you enjoy. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Gala apples work well too, but keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a slight reduction in sugar.
Can I Prepare the Batter in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time! Just cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. Give it a gentle stir before using, as it may thicken a bit while chilled.
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven to restore some crispiness!
Can I Make These Fritters Without Frying?
Yes! If you’d like a healthier option, you can bake the fritters. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place spoonfuls of batter on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as fried fritters, but they’ll still be delicious!
