Crispy Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk whole milk, egg, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth.
- 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.
- Add Apples: Fold diced Granny Smith apples into the batter evenly without overmixing.
- 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.
- Drain: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared tray to cool slightly before glazing.
- 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.
- Glaze Fritters: Dip each warm fritter into the glaze, coating both sides, then place back on the wire rack to set and harden.
- 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
