Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe

Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe saved me on a rainy Sunday when I wanted something cozy fast and didn’t want to fuss with a full pie. These fritters come out craggy and crisp on the outside with soft pockets of cinnamon apples inside and a sweet vanilla glaze that drips into every nook. If you love the idea of warm apple donuts without fancy equipment, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through the batter, the frying, and a few tricks so you get that bakery style bite at home. Grab a couple apples and a mixing bowl, and let’s make your kitchen smell like a country fair.

Why this recipe works!

There are lots of fritter recipes out there, but this Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe hits the sweet spot between simple and impressive. The batter is quick, and it’s thick enough to hold generous chunks of apple without getting greasy. A mix of baking powder and a touch of milk keeps each fritter light so it doesn’t feel heavy after one bite. Chopped apples are tossed with sugar and cinnamon first, which means the flavor runs through the whole fritter instead of just pockets. And the glaze? Thin enough to set shiny, sweet enough to make you smile.

The Story Behind This Recipe

Here’s why I love this Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe: it bakes up beautifully and it tastes like home. Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe saved me on a rainy Sunday when I wanted something cozy fast and didn’t want to fuss with a full pie.…

Cuts Food

Use firm apples that keep their shape, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady. I like a blend for sweet tart balance. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking. Aim for 350 F. Anything much hotter turns the outside too dark before the inside cooks through. Working in small scoops gives you those classic bumpy edges that fry up ultra crisp. That is the magic of a great fritter. If you want a savory snack to pair with these for a fun weekend spread, try these crunchy air fryer fried pickles. They’re a party hit.

“This recipe gave me the exact old school apple fritter taste I grew up with. Crispy edges, chunky apples, and a glaze that sets perfectly. My family asked for a second batch right away.”

How to make Apple Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced apples, peeled if you prefer
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for the batter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk, plus 1 to 2 tablespoons if needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Neutral oil for frying, like canola or vegetable
• Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Step by step

Prep the apples first. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the cinnamon. Set aside to sit for 5 minutes while you gather everything else. This quick step helps the apples release a little juice, which blends into the batter for extra flavor.

In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk egg, milk, and vanilla. Pour wet into dry and stir just until most streaks disappear. Fold in the apples and any juices. The batter should be thick and scoopable. If it looks dry, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time. Do not overmix.

Heat 1 to 1.5 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot over medium heat. When a small drop of batter sizzles immediately, you’re close to 350 F. Carefully drop batter by heaping tablespoons or a small scoop into the oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until deep golden brown. Keep the oil at an even temperature for consistent texture.

Transfer fritters to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze. Dip each fritter or spoon the glaze over the top while they’re still warm. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Hungry for more cozy bakes? This old fashioned style blackberry cobbler is simple and always gets polished off.

Can you bake these fritters?

Yes, you can bake fritters if you want to skip standing at the stove. The texture won’t be exactly the same since baking gives a softer exterior, but it’s still very good. Spoon the batter onto a parchment lined sheet in mounds and lightly flatten. Brush the tops with a little melted butter or spray with oil, then bake at 400 F for 12 to 15 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Broil for 1 minute to add a deeper color if you like. Glaze while warm.

You can also air fry them. Line the basket with parchment cut to fit, add small mounds of batter, and cook at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once. Lightly misting with oil helps crisp the outside. If you already love quick air fryer dinners, you might enjoy this juicy air fryer chicken. For a sweet bake to serve alongside, this buttery baked pineapple casserole brings a fun retro vibe to dessert night.

Tips for making perfect apple fritters

• Use crisp apples. Soft apples can turn mushy. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are reliable favorites.
• Keep the batter thick. It should hold a mound. If it spreads like pancake batter, add a tablespoon of flour.
• Maintain 350 F oil. Too cool gives greasy fritters. Too hot browns them before the center cooks.
• Fry in small batches. Crowding drops the oil temp and changes the texture.
• Let the fritters drain on a wire rack, not paper towels. Airflow keeps them crisp while the glaze sets.
• Adjust sweetness with the glaze. Thicker glaze for a sweeter finish, thinner glaze if you want just a hint.
• Store leftovers in a paper towel lined container at room temp for one day. Reheat in the oven at 325 F for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh the edges.
• Want a cozy dinner before dessert? Warm up with this hearty bowl of lasagna soup. It’s a reader favorite here.

Variations of apple fritters

I love playing with the base batter. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice for a different aroma. Swap vanilla for maple extract for a fall twist. If you like texture, stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. For extra apple punch, fold in a few tablespoons of diced dried apples with the fresh ones. Try a caramel glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a spoonful of caramel sauce and just enough milk to thin. A maple glaze is also lovely at breakfast time. You can even swap half of the apples for diced pears for a delicate floral sweetness.

If you enjoy cozy casseroles and vintage style desserts, you might also love this comforting tuna casserole pasta bake on busy weeknights. It pairs nicely with a sweet weekend treat like these fritters.

Common Questions

What oil works best? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable. Peanut oil also fries beautifully if no one has allergies.

How do I keep fritters from getting soggy? Keep the oil hot, fry in small batches, and cool on a wire rack. Glaze while warm, then let them set.

Can I make the batter ahead? Mix the dry and wet separately and dice the apples. Combine right before frying. Sitting batter can lose lift and the apples may release too much juice.

What apples are best? Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonathan, or Braeburn. You want firm apples with bright flavor.

How many times can I reuse oil? Strain cooled oil through a fine mesh sieve into a jar and store chilled. I reuse oil for similar sweets up to two times. If it smells off or darkens, discard.

Your next cozy bite is waiting

This Easy Big Apple Fritters Recipe is all about quick rewards. A few pantry staples, a couple apples, and you get crisp edges, soft centers, and a shiny glaze that sets like a dream. If you crave a little more background or want to compare techniques, I found this helpful guide at Old Fashioned Apple Fritters | Small Town Woman, and these big, bakery style beauties at BIG APPLE FRITTERS – From Gate To Plate. Go ahead and make a batch today, brew some coffee, and call a friend over. You might want to double the batter because one round disappears fast.

Big Apple Fritters

These Easy Big Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with cinnamon apples and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Fritters

• 2 cups diced apples, peeled if you prefer Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For tossing with apples.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For the batter.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk Plus 1 to 2 tablespoons if needed.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Neutral oil for frying, like canola or vegetable Oil needs to be at 350 F.

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired glaze consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Method

 

Preparation

1. Toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the cinnamon. Set aside for 5 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, folding in the apples and any released juices. The batter should be thick and scoopable.

Frying

1. Heat 1 to 1.5 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Carefully drop in the batter by heaping tablespoons or small scoops into the oil, flattening slightly. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
3. Transfer fritters to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.

Glazing

1. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together into a smooth glaze.
2. Dip each fritter or spoon the glaze over them while still warm. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

For best results, fry in small batches and maintain the oil temperature. You can also bake or air fry these fritters for a different texture. Store leftovers in a paper towel lined container at room temperature for one day.