Apple Fritters
If you’re craving something cozy, golden, and unapologetically delicious, this Apple Fritters recipe is it. Crispy on the outside, soft and cakey on the inside, with bits of tender apple in every bite, these homemade apple fritters are the ultimate fall treat. A touch of pumpkin pie spice and lemon zest brightens the flavor, while the buttermilk glaze gives this apple fritters recipe that irresistible bakery-style finish.
These fritters taste like a cross between a doughnut and apple pie, perfect with a cup of coffee on a chilly morning or as a warm dessert after dinner. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a pot, some oil, and a love for anything fried and glazed.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Apple Fritters
- Bakery-Style at Home: Crispy golden edges, a soft cakey center, and a sweet glaze, just like your favorite bakery.
- No Special Equipment: A heavy-bottomed pot and a thermometer are all you need.
- Perfect for Fall: Tart and sweet apples with pumpkin pie spice taste like apple pie in doughnut form.
Before You Get Started
- Use a mix of Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp (sweet) apples for balanced flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, it should be thick but spoonable.
- Keep your oil around 350°F for perfectly cooked fritters with no soggy centers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Fritters
Here’s everything that goes into these irresistible apple fritters (exact amounts in the recipe card below):
- Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, peeled and diced small.
- Dry Ingredients: Flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: Buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Lemon: Zest and a squeeze of juice to toss with the apples.
- Oil for Frying: Avocado oil or another neutral oil.
- Glaze: Powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of buttermilk or apple cider to thin it out.
How to Make Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss with lemon juice and zest to keep them bright and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until mixed, then fold in the apples.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Heat about 2 inches of avocado oil (or vegetable oil) in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the oil, frying 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
Whisk powdered sugar, buttermilk (or apple cider), vanilla, and a pinch of lemon zest until smooth. Dip warm fritters or drizzle glaze over the top. Enjoy immediately, they’re best fresh!
What to Serve With Apple Fritters
Serve warm apple fritters with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Want to go all out? Set out a bowl of caramel apple dip for dunking, or round out a fall dessert table with a pan of fudgy pumpkin brownies.
What People Ask About Apple Fritters
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Technically yes, but they won’t have the same crisp texture. Frying gives that signature golden, slightly crunchy exterior.
What apples are best for apple fritters?
A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives the best balance. The Granny Smith holds its shape and adds tang, while the Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
How do I store leftover apple fritters?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Can I make this apple fritters recipe ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh. The baking powder starts reacting right away, so mix and fry for the fluffiest fritters.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Avocado or vegetable oil, anything neutral with a high smoke point.
Homemade Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with a squeeze of lemon juice and the lemon zest. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.?In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.?Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated, then gently fold in the apples.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed ( I used my Dutch pot) pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown.?Remove to a paper-towel–lined tray.
- Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip the warm fritters or drizzle the glaze over them.
- Enjoy warm, dusted with extra lemon zest if desired.
