Crispy Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Apple fritters are a delightful treat combining tender pieces of apple with a spiced, fluffy batter, fried to golden perfection and coated in a sweet glaze. These crispy, soft pastries make an irresistible snack or dessert that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 cups granny smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into ¼-½ inch pieces, about 2 large apples)
• Canola oil for frying
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5-6 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the canola oil in an electric fryer or heavy-duty pot to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with paper towels and place a wire rack on top. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk the whole milk, egg, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently with a rubber spatula just until combined and no lumps remain. The batter should be thick, like pancake batter.
5. Step 5: Fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop about ⅓ cup of batter into the oil, spreading it slightly to flatten. Fry 2-3 fritters at a time without overcrowding until golden brown, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side, flipping gently.
7. Step 7: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on the prepared baking tray. Let cool slightly before glazing. Repeat with remaining batter.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add the extra tablespoon of milk if needed to reach a maple syrup-like consistency.
9. Step 9: Dip each fritter into the glaze, coating both sides, then return to the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
10. Step 10: Once the glaze has hardened, arrange the apple fritters on a plate and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter.
• If you prefer baked fritters, bake dollops of batter at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.
• Make the glaze thinner or thicker by adjusting the milk quantity to suit your taste.

Storage

Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to refresh crispness. The glaze may soften after reheating but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Avoid very sweet or soft apples as they may turn mushy while frying.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 375°F before frying. You can also drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface quickly without burning.

Crispy Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

These apple fritters are a deliciously spiced treat featuring tender chunks of Granny Smith apples fried in a thick, fluffy batter and coated with a sweet vanilla glaze. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a perfect breakfast or dessert option with a warm cinnamon flavor and a delicate glaze that hardens just right.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Around 12 apple fritters 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Fruit

• 3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and diced into ¼–½ inch pieces, about 2 large apples)

For Frying

• Canola oil (enough for deep frying)

Glaze

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5–6 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Heat canola oil in an electric fryer or heavy-duty pot to 375°F. Prepare a rimmed baking tray lined with paper towels and a wire rack for draining the fritters.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk whole milk, egg, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth.
4. Form Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir with a rubber spatula just until combined with no lumps. The batter should be thick like pancake batter.
5. Add Apples: Fold diced Granny Smith apples into the batter evenly without overmixing.
6. Fry Fritters: Carefully drop ⅓ cup of batter into the hot oil, spreading slightly to flatten for even frying. Fry 2-3 fritters at a time without overcrowding, cooking each side for 1-1 ½ minutes until golden brown.
7. Drain: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared tray to cool slightly before glazing.
8. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add remaining milk if needed to reach a syrupy consistency.
9. Glaze Fritters: Dip each warm fritter into the glaze, coating both sides, then place back on the wire rack to set and harden.
10. Serve: Once the glaze has set, serve the apple fritters in a single layer and enjoy fresh.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Ensure oil temperature is steady at 375°F for crispy fritters without greasiness.
• Do not overmix batter to keep fritters light and fluffy.
• Make sure the melted butter for the glaze is cooled to avoid melting the powdered sugar.
• Fritters are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Keywords: apple fritters, apple dessert, fried dough, cinnamon fritters, glazed fritters, homemade apple fritters, breakfast dessert