There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a freshly fried apple fritter. The crackly exterior gives way to a tender, cinnamon-spiced interior dotted with sweet apples, delivering a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, apple fritters offer an approachable, satisfying project that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples, sugar, and spice. Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history behind donuts and fritters, explore the best oils for deep-frying, and learn how to keep these treats tasting fresh for as long as possible.
When we talk about donuts, many of us think of the classic ring shape crowned with a glossy glaze. However, donuts come in countless varieties, from holes to crullers and everything in between. In fact, donuts can trace their roots back to ancient civilizations who fried dough in rendered fat or oil—a tradition that has spanned continents and centuries. As global trade routes expanded, so did the creativity in dough-based treats, leading to a myriad of sweet confections worldwide. It’s this spirit of culinary exploration that paved the way for the evolution of fritters, which often incorporate fruit, vegetables, or meat into the batter.
Fritters, in general, have a rich international heritage. Many cultures have their own version of a fritter, such as Italy’s zeppole, India’s pakoras, or New Orleans’ beignets. Apple fritters specifically gained popularity in American kitchens, where apples were plentiful, and cooks loved finding new ways to incorporate them into pies, cakes, and pastries. Today, apple fritters remain a beloved treat at family gatherings, bakery counters, and autumn festivals, reminding us of a slower time when the best flavors came from fresh produce and homemade comfort foods.
O
f course, achieving a perfectly golden exterior and fluffy interior for apple fritters hinges on choosing the right oil for frying. Oils like vegetable, peanut, or even no-GMO canola oil are preferred by many home cooks because of their high smoke points and neutral flavor profiles. These oils allow the subtle sweetness of the apples and the warm spices to shine through rather than competing with them. Always use fresh oil – if it sits too long, especially after being heated and cooled repeatedly, it will oxidize and taste very off, ruining your treats. Maintaining a consistent frying temperature—typically around 375°F (175°C)—is also important, so consider investing in a reliable kitchen thermometer to ensure each batch comes out beautifully cooked.
Lastly, preserving the freshness of your fried desserts is key to enjoying them at their best. Fried treats like donuts and fritters are always best enjoyed the same day you make them; however, you can prolong their life by storing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. If you live in a humid climate, pop them in the fridge to help maintain their texture, then warm them gently in the oven before serving. Whether you’re whipping up a big batch for a brunch spread or hoping to surprise loved ones with a special sweet treat, these storage tips will help you savor every last crumb of your homemade apple fritters.
Apple Fritters
Equipment
- Digital Food Thermometer
- Deep Fryer
- Medium Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 3-5 litres peanut or other fryer oil approximate, depending on fryer needs
- 2 cups flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs large
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted, melted
- 3 apples medium, peeled, and grated*
- 1 apple medium, peeled, and chopped small*
Glaze
- 1½ cups confectioner's (powdered) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Add oil to deep fryer, if needed, and turn on to 375°F
- While fryer heats, in a medium bowl mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another medium bowl, mix sugar and eggs together until well blended, then add milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a silicone spatula.
- Mix in both grated and diced apples*.
- Working quickly and using a medium cookie scoop, carefully drop balls of batter directly into the hot oil, as closely as possible to the oil to avoid splashing, and to allow them to stay formed. Use a fork (I like using a meat fork) to flip them a few times. Cook 3-5 minutes until internal temperature is 200°F using a digital cooking thermometer.
- Remove fritters from deep fryer onto paper towel lined plate.
- Cook in batches to avoid over crowding the deep fryer.
- To glaze: In a medium bowl mix confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make the glaze thin. Add several bites at a time and rotate with fork to coat, and place on a rack over a cookie sheet to drip. Or serve immediately if you're like us and can't wait :)
Notes
Nutrition
Authentic Recipes
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