These Cinnamon Apple Fritters are warm, sweet bites filled with juicy apples and coated in a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They’re like little apple donuts, perfect for any time of day!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t wait to grab one (or three!). They’re delicious fresh from the fryer, and they make your kitchen smell amazing. Get ready for some happy faces! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the fritters. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness to the batter. You can replace it with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or whatever you have on hand! Just make sure they are firm so they hold up when cooked.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, you can use canola, peanut oil, or even coconut oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point.
How Can You Ensure Your Fritters Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the frying just right can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips to help! Start by ensuring the oil is hot enough—350°F (175°C) is ideal. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- When dropping the batter into the oil, be careful not to overcrowd the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and allows the fritters to cook evenly.
- Cook until they turn golden brown on both sides, usually about 2-3 minutes each side. A slotted spoon makes the flipping easy!
- Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them nice and crispy!
Enjoy making these fritters and watching everyone enjoy them even more!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to fry, depending on the size of your fritters. After making the batter and frying the fritters, enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure your fritters have a lovely cinnamon flavor throughout.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they’re fluffy. Then mix in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir the two together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! You want a thick batter.
4. Add the Apples:
Fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter. This makes for delicious fruity bites in every fritter!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough so the fritters can float without touching the bottom of the pan.
6. Fry the Fritters:
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry only a few fritters at a time; this prevents overcrowding the pan.
7. Cook Until Golden:
Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
8. Drain Excess Oil:
Once golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
While they are still warm, dust the fritters generously with powdered sugar. This will add the perfect touch of sweetness!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your cinnamon apple fritters immediately for the best taste and texture. Enjoy these warm, tasty treats with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any other variety you like. Just make sure they are firm so they hold up well in cooking.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
It’s best to use the batter fresh for the best texture. However, if you need to prepare in advance, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them separately from the wet ingredients in the fridge. Combine them just before frying for optimal results.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What Can I Serve with Cinnamon Apple Fritters?
These fritters are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with warm caramel sauce, maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!