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There’s something about warm apple fritters coated in cinnamon sugar that feels like a comforting hug on a plate! 🍂 Whether it’s a chilly autumn morning or a spontaneous snack craving, these fritters are the perfect treat to indulge in. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and packed with juicy apples, they offer a taste of nostalgia and comfort. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up!
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritters
These fritters are everything you want in a dessert or snack: they’re sweet, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and have a satisfying crunch from the sugar coating. Oh, and the smell when these are frying? It’s out of this world! 🤤
The best part? You can enjoy them any time of day—breakfast, snack, dessert, or whenever the craving hits. Here are more reasons you’ll fall in love with them:
- Taste: A blend of sweet, warm cinnamon and tart apples, wrapped in a crispy fried dough.
- Texture: Crunchy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, with juicy apple bits in every bite.
- Versatility: You can swap ingredients easily (more on that below!), making these fritters a fantastic recipe base to customize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These fritters come together with simple pantry staples, so there’s no need for any last-minute trips to the store!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups chopped apples (any variety you love—Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil works great!)
Necessary Tools for Preparation
Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need to fry up these scrumptious fritters:
- A large mixing bowl for combining the dry ingredients.
- A whisk and a spoon for mixing the batter.
- A frying pot (cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pot works best).
- A slotted spoon for removing the fritters from the oil.
- Paper towels for draining excess oil.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters
- Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Combine the Mixtures: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix! Then, gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain and Cool: Once done, remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the fritters warm, and watch them disappear!
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Apples: You can experiment with different varieties of apples or even add pears for a twist!
- Cinnamon: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- Glaze Options: Instead of a simple glaze, consider dipping the fritters in maple syrup or a caramel drizzle.
What to Serve with These Fritters
While these apple fritters are delicious on their own, here are a few ways to elevate them even more:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch!
Tips for Perfect Fritters Every Time
- Temperature Check: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the fritters will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, chewy fritters. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
- Batch Frying: Avoid crowding the pot! Fry the fritters in batches so they have enough room to cook evenly.
How to Store Leftover Fritters
If you somehow have leftovers (I know, it’s rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To regain their crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or air-fry for a quick refresh!
- Freezing: Apple fritters freeze beautifully! Just cool them completely, freeze in a single layer, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these apple fritters instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the fritters at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Just keep in mind that they won’t be as crispy as the fried version.
What apples work best for fritters?
Any apple variety will work, but tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the batter beautifully. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also add a delightful flavor.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to make the batter fresh. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time and combine them just before frying.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a warm, freshly fried apple fritter coated in cinnamon sugar. 🍎 Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these fritters are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on Pinterest or leave a review below!
Looking for more apple delights? Check out these other popular apple recipes:
- Cinnamon Apple Bread
- Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
- Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy baking, and happy fritter-making!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters are crispy, sweet, and packed with juicy apples. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups chopped apples
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm fritters and serve!
Notes
- For a tart twist, try using Granny Smith apples.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to ensure even cooking.
- To reheat fritters, place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg