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Close-up of apple fritters with white glaze on a plate, with two whole apples in the background.
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Homemade Apple Fritters

These homemade apple fritters are crispy outside and soft inside, packed with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, pumpkin pie spice, and lemon zest. This easy apple fritters recipe is finished with a tangy buttermilk glaze for a bakery-style fall treat.
Keyword apple fritters, apple fritters recipe, homemade apple fritters
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

  • 1 cup Granny Smith apple peeled and diced small
  • 1 cup Honeycrisp apple peeled and diced small
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk instead of milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Squeeze of lemon juice to toss with apples
  • avocado Oil for frying

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tbsp buttermilk or apple cider for extra flavor
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of lemon zest optional

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.

Notes

Apples: A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives the best flavor balance.
Oil Temperature: Keep the oil around 350°F so the fritters cook through without soggy centers.
Batter: Mix just until combined and fry right away, since the baking powder starts working as soon as it is mixed.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.2g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 7.8g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 36.5mg | Sodium: 195.4mg | Potassium: 78.6mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 21.2g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67.7mg | Iron: 1.3mg