Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Frying · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Quick Answer
These crispy apple fritters are a delightful fall treat that brings the warmth of spices and sweet apples right to your holiday table.
As the crisp air of fall sweeps through New York City, I find myself enchanted by the vibrant hues of autumn leaves and the inviting aromas filling the streets. This time of year stirs a sense of nostalgia within me, especially as we gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. One treat that always brightens my seasonal celebrations is homemade apple fritters. This delightful dessert embodies the comfort of warm spices and the sweetness of fresh apples, making it a perfect addition to your festive spread.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making it a delightful treat for all ages.
- Easy to follow step-by-step instructions for homemade indulgence.
- Great addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
- Fried to golden perfection, with a sweet glaze that takes these fritters over the top.
- Provides a wonderful opportunity to utilize fresh, seasonal apples.
Ingredients
Gather these key ingredients for making your delicious apple fritters:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium apples (I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon (for garnish)
How to Make Apple Fritters (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious apple fritters:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by peeling and coring the medium-sized apples. I like to use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances perfectly with the sweet glaze. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. As I work, the aroma of fresh apples fills my kitchen, evoking memories of crisp fall days.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. I recommend using a whisk to ensure the ingredients are well combined-this will ensure each fritter has a consistent flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency. I always take a moment to enjoy the sweet vanilla scent wafting through the air-it's truly uplifting!
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It's important not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy. Now, fold in the chopped apples, ensuring that each piece is coated in that lovely batter.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a cast-iron skillet (a 10-inch skillet is ideal), heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. I recommend using a deep-fry thermometer to achieve a temperature of 350°F. Patience is key here; you'll want to wait until the oil shimmers and is ready for frying.
Step 6: Fry the Fritters
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil-be cautious of splatters! As they fry, I watch as they puff up and turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they are lightly browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: Glaze the Fritters
While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to create the glaze. Drizzle this sweet mixture over the fritters, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The transformation is always stunning, and the smell is just divine!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough fritters instead of the light and fluffy ones we want!
- Frying at the wrong temperature: Oil that is too hot will burn the fritters while leaving them raw inside, while oil that's not hot enough will make them greasy.
- Not allowing them to drain: Avoid skipping the draining step on paper towels; it helps preserve the fritters' crispiness.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use a combination of apples for varied flavors; Honeycrisp and Fuji add a lovely sweetness.
- Experiment with spices in the glaze-add a hint of nutmeg for an extra warming note.
- Serve warm for the ultimate experience, especially perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
Variations
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Incorporate dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for an added sweetness.
- Try using different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
How to Serve
- Drizzle with warm glaze just before serving.
- Serve dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate for a cozy drink option.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Storage: These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back their delightful crispness.
- Freezing: Fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven to restore texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Throughout my journey of crafting these apple fritters, I discovered the importance of allowing each ingredient to shine while harmonizing together. The delightful transformation during frying always leaves me in awe, reminding me of the simple joys of baking in the heart of the season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 fritters · Serving Size: 1 fritter
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 2g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Delightful Crispy Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by peeling and coring the medium-sized apples. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Fold in the chopped apples.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat to 350°F. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled fritters and garnish with cinnamon.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can use any type of apple, I recommend using tart varieties like Granny Smith or a combination of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Fuji for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover apple fritters?
Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil for frying?
You can use other oils with high smoke points, such as canola oil or peanut oil, for frying your apple fritters if you prefer.
