Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The combination of fresh apples and warm cinnamon is always a winner.
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Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: Each bite gives you a satisfying crunch followed by the softness of the apple and dough.
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Easy to Make: No special equipment needed, and it comes together quickly.
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Versatile: Serve with a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a variety of flavors.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, these fritters fit the bill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 large apples, peeled and diced
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze (optional):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tablespoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Set them aside.
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Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The batter should be thick, but not dry.
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Add the Apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The batter will be thick enough to coat the apples well.
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Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when a small amount of batter dropped into it sizzles immediately.
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Fry the Fritters: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into the hot oil for each fritter, spacing them a bit apart. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them.
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Drain and Cool: Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Glaze (Optional): For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fritters for added sweetness.
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Serve: Serve the fritters warm, either with the glaze or simply dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 12 fritters
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, toss the fritters in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, extra crunchy coating.
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Apple Pie Spice: For a deeper spice flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the dry ingredients in place of cinnamon.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
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Dipped in Chocolate: For a chocolate twist, melt some dark or milk chocolate and dip the fritters into it instead of using glaze.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top the fritters with caramel sauce for an even richer flavor experience.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze fritters by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven for the best texture.
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Reheating: To reheat, place fritters on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for these fritters?
You can use any type of apple you like, but tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the batter. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work great for a milder flavor.
Do I have to glaze the fritters?
No, glazing is optional. You can enjoy the fritters plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a cinnamon-sugar coating instead of the glaze.
Can I make the fritters in advance?
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them in advance and store them. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
How can I make the fritters even crispier?
For extra crispy fritters, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F or 175°C). Also, do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Frying in batches ensures each fritter gets a nice crispy texture.
Can I make these fritters without frying them?
If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the fritters in the oven at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep in mind they may not be as crispy as the fried version.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. However, it’s best to add the apples just before frying to prevent them from releasing too much moisture into the batter.
How do I keep the fritters warm for a party?
Keep the fritters warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. You can also cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
How do I prevent the fritters from being too greasy?
Make sure to drain the fritters on paper towels after frying. This will help remove any excess oil. Also, make sure the oil is at the right temperature – too low and the fritters will absorb more oil.
Can I use other fruits in the fritters?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger or softer fruits.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings you need. Simply adjust the ingredients proportionally.
Conclusion
Homemade Apple Fritters are the perfect way to indulge in a warm, comforting treat. With their crispy exterior, soft and flavorful interior, and delightful sweetness, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them with a glaze, a dusting of sugar, or just as they are, these fritters are the ideal balance of flavor and texture that make them irresistible every time!
Homemade Apple Fritters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Apple Fritters are a delicious and comforting treat made with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a crispy golden exterior. These fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack and can be topped with a sweet glaze, dusted with powdered sugar, or coated in cinnamon sugar. Simple to make and irresistible, they bring a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
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2 large apples, peeled and diced
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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½ cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the glaze (optional):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Prepare the apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Set them aside.
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Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter should be thick, but not dry.
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Add the apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
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Heat the oil: In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is hot enough when a small amount of batter dropped into it sizzles immediately.
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Fry the fritters: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into the hot oil for each fritter, spacing them a bit apart. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Flip with tongs or a slotted spoon.
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Drain and cool: Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Glaze (optional): For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fritters.
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Serve: Serve the fritters warm, either with the glaze or simply dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
Cinnamon sugar: After frying, toss the fritters in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra crunchy coating.Apple pie spice: Swap cinnamon with ½ teaspoon apple pie spice for a deeper spice flavor.Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.Dipped in chocolate: For a chocolate twist, melt some dark or milk chocolate and dip the fritters instead of using the glaze.
