Description
These Baked Apple Fritters are a delectable and easy-to-make treat featuring tender apple pieces coated in a lightly spiced batter and fried until golden brown. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these fritters offer a perfect balance of warm spices and crispy texture, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 3-4 cups
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the apples evenly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Small lumps are fine; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the spiced apple pieces into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overly mashed.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, enough to fully submerge fritters. Heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C), monitoring with a deep-fry thermometer.
- Fry the Fritters: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying in small batches of 3-4 to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping with a slotted spoon.
- Drain: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying remaining batter in batches, maintaining oil temperature at 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Glaze (Optional): In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it is thick yet drizzleable.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to avoid lowering the temperature and greasy fritters.
- Fritters are best served fresh and warm for optimal crispiness.
- The glaze is optional but adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spiced apples.
- Substitute apples with pears for a different fruity twist.
