These easy to make apple fritters can be whipped up in just 30 minutes and are the perfect way to start your morning! Mix in a handful of pecans for an added crunch and top with a quick glaze for a bakery-style breakfast you won’t forget!
originally published 8.19.2020
Warm apple fritters and a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day — is there anything dreamier? For me, these little delights always evoke images of colorful leaves and cozy mornings, as well as memories of my grandpa misnaming his preferred donut as an apple critter. With so many happy and memorable associations, these are always one of the first recipes I make when the seasons begin to change!
the apples!
If you’re not familiar with the American version of apple fritters, they’re made by frying donut batter mixed with chopped apples and cinnamon. While most apples will work with this recipe, I recommend granny smith or honeycrisp — both will keep their shape pretty well while frying!
After you’ve chosen your apples, you’ll need to peel and core them before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. I usually try to chop the apples into cubes of about ½ inch or 12 mm. The goal is to have apple pieces large enough to make the characteristic chunky look, but small enough that they will become tender while frying.
frying apple fritters
There are various methods of making apple fritters — some recipes involve baking and others involve frying a yeast dough to make the fritter puff up. This version calls for baking powder instead of yeast, which results in a batter that doesn’t need to rise, but still gets a nice and crispy coating!
To fry the fritters, I first place the batter in a thin layer on a spatula and then slide it off into the hot oil. Then they’ll just need about 3 minutes on each side to develop a nice golden color! Once the first fritter is done, I like to cut it open to make sure it’s properly cooked and to adjust the temperature and cook time accordingly. I also recommend enjoying your apple fritters soon after frying — they’ll keep for a few days, but they’re definitely best within the first 24 hours!
the easiest glaze
Covering your apple fritters in this sweet glaze is optional, but highly recommended! It only takes a few minutes and gives the donuts that fresh from the bakery vibe!
To make the glaze, just combine powdered sugar in a bowl with a pinch of salt, a few teaspoons of vanilla extract and a few tablespoons of milk. I also like to add a few tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor, but that’s completely optional! You can then either dip your fritters into the glaze like I did, or drizzle it over the top if you want a lighter glaze-to-donut ratio. The glaze dries pretty quickly, so make sure to mix it right before you’re ready to use it!
For more delicious breakfast ideas, make sure to check out these recipes!
- Jumbo Blueberry Muffins With Streusel Topping
- Brioche Cinnamon Rolls + Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Iced Strawberry Latte (Strawberry Coffee)
- Whole Wheat Blackberry Muffins
apple fritters with pecans
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Ingredients
apple fritters
- 1.5 cups (180 grams) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled*
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- 3 cups (320 grams) apples, peeled, cored and chopped into approximately ½ inch (12 mm) pieces
- ¼ cup (30 grams) pecans, chopped
- vegetable oil for frying
glaze
- 1.5 cups (170 grams) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–5 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- Whisk together the eggs and milk in a separate bowl.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.
- Fold in the apples and pecans until fully incorporated. The apples won’t look like they’re fully encased in the batter (the batter will look like it’s just holding the apples together), but it will puff up around them during frying.
- Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a small pot. It should be at about 360-375 F (180-190 C). If not using a thermometer, drop a pinch of flour into the oil. If it starts bubbling the oil is ready for frying.
- Place about ¼ cup of batter on a spatula in an even layer and slide it into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on each side (about 2-3 minutes per side). Use the first fritter to test for doneness and to make sure your oil is at a good temperature. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract and maple syrup (if using). Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is smooth and you’ve reached your desired consistency.
- Once the fritters are cool enough to handle, dip them in the glaze (or drizzle the glaze over the top).
Notes
Measuring Flour: We highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure flour. If measuring by volume, use the spoon and level method to avoid over-measuring the flour. Lightly spoon flour into the measuring cup until it’s completely full. Then run the back of a knife over the cup to gently scrape off any excess.
Apples: I like to use either honeycrisp or granny smith – they both hold their shape well when frying. To get 3 cups or about 320 grams of chopped apples, you’ll need about two large apples. The apples should be cut into bite-sized pieces of about 1/2 inch or 12 mm.
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4 comments
You hit upon one of my most favorite desserts; & its doable??
Emotionally satisfying as well!
Perhaps you’ll agree moving is in one of the top 10 list of stressors,(altho that list was written in the “Awake” magazine some 10 years ago. “Covid 19,” I should think, would be up there just now!)
Anyway, we moved a baby, a 6 y.o., & my husband & I from Brooklyn to N.J. What to serve such dear friends/fam that moves us? Went to my local”Uncle Sams” donut shop, & ordered apple fritters! So satisfying.
Thank you for sharing the actual recipe for a.novice.
Hi Judith! Wow that sounds like a lot of work! I think apple fritters were the perfect thing to serve your helpers! 🙂
I love the Apple fritter recipe. Wonderful!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much, Sandra! 🙂