There’s nothing quite like the aroma of apple fritters hot out of the oil. Crispy and golden brown on the outside, soft and cakey within, these old-fashioned doughnuts are the ultimate apple dessert. My recipe for big apple fritters yields light, tender fritters bursting with sweet cider flavor. They make a cheerful treat for breakfast, snack, or anytime you need a pick-me-up. Keep reading for my tips on making apple fritteting perfection!
What’s the Best Apple for Fritters?
I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Their firm, tart flesh holds up well during frying without turning mushy. The tartness also balances the sweetness of the dough. Stay away from mealy varieties like Red Delicious. Dice the apples small so they cook through.
What About the Batter?
You must use a homemade batter to achieve the ideal crisp-yet-cakey texture. My batter contains flour, sugar, eggs, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. The keys are not overmixing, which can make fritters tough, and letting the batter rest before frying.
How Long Should I Fry Them?
I fry the fritters in 2-3 batches at 375°F for 2-3 minutes per side. If the oil is too hot, they brown too quickly without cooking through. Too low, and they absorb oil and turn greasy. Use a thermometer and adjust the heat to maintain even frying.
What Glaze Goes Well with Apple Fritters?
I love dipping my fritters in a simple vanilla glaze. Just mix powdered sugar and milk to drizzling consistency and add a touch of vanilla. The sweet icing highlights the warmth of cinnamon and apples. For an extra decadent topping, melt caramel or chocolate sauce.
How Soon Should Fritters Be Eaten?
Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer when they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. The apples hold moisture, so fritters lose their texture after a few hours. I recommend frying them shortly before serving so guests can experience these hot, apple-y treats at their very best!
Big Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- Apples: 2 large Granny Smith, peeled and diced
- Flour: 1 ½ cups
- Sugar: ¼ cup
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: ⅓ cup
- Applesauce: 3 tablespoons
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
- Milk: ¼ cup
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in applesauce, eggs, and milk until the mixture is just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet until it reaches 375°F.
- Carefully drop ¼ cup portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain the cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For the glaze, blend powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip each fritter in the glaze and let it set before serving.
Enjoy these golden, apple-filled fritters, a delightful treat that combines the classic taste of apples with the convenience of an air fryer!
