The Best Homemade Apple Fritter Recipe

I’ve always found apple fritters to be the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. With a crispy exterior and a soft, apple-filled center, they’re a treat that feels both comforting and special. My recipe uses fresh Granny Smith apples for their tartness, paired with warm cinnamon and a light batter. The secret lies in the frying technique and a final drizzle of vanilla glaze. There’s more to uncover about making them just right.

Recipe

I’m just going to say it—these homemade apple fritters are the best you’ll ever make. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and packed with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, they’re the kind of treat that makes you feel like a pastry wizard.

Forget store-bought—these fritters are fried to golden perfection and coated in a sticky, irresistible glaze that seals the deal. And here’s the secret: using fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith keeps the filling balanced and not too sweet.

Trust me, once you bite into one and feel that warm, fluffy center with bursts of juicy apple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these all along.

Bonus? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, even for beginners. Ready to fry? Let’s do this.

Ingredients

For the perfect homemade apple fritters, gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insider tips to guarantee your fritters turn out bakery-worthy every time:

For the Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (essential for structure—don’t skimp!)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adds just the right sweetness to balance the tart apples)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (crucial for that airy, fluffy texture)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (a must-have for that warm, cozy flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt (enhances all the other flavors—don’t omit!)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best, but you can swap in almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 large eggs (they bind the batter and add richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile)

For the Apples:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith is ideal for their tartness, but Honeycrisp works too for a sweeter bite)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang)

For Frying:

– Vegetable oil (for frying—choose one with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (the base of the glaze—don’t substitute with granulated sugar!)
• 2-3 tbsp milk (whole milk is best, but water or almond milk can work in a pinch)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (adds a hint of flavor to the glaze)

Pro Tips:

• Use cold milk and eggs for the batter—it helps keep the oil temperature stable while frying.
• Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay and will result in a lighter fritter.
• Dice the apples small and uniform to secure even cooking throughout.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar over the glaze while it’s still wet.

With these ingredients and tips, you’re ready to whip up apple fritters that are crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor!

How to Make the Best Crispy Apple Fritter Recipe

Prepare the Glaze: While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl.

The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker one).

Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters using a spoon or fork.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top.

Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheat lightly in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Apple fritters are a delicious treat, but they also pack some nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Chef Tips

While indulging in apple fritters, it’s helpful to know a few tricks to make them even better. I always use cold ingredients to keep the dough flaky and fry at 350°F for a golden crust.

Toss your apples in cinnamon sugar before mixing for extra flavor. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes—it makes shaping easier.

Drain fritters on a wire rack to keep them crisp.