How to Make Apple Fritters

Warm Apple Fritters are a delightful treat during apple season and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The batter contains a secret ingredient that creates a fluffy and crispy coating on the outside, while remaining soft on the inside. Think of them as glazed donuts filled with an apple ring.

We absolutely adore apple recipes, from the classic Apple Pie to flaky Apple Turnovers. If you’re a fan of apple desserts, you must try this Apple Fritter Recipe!

What are Apple Fritters?

Apple fritters are essentially donuts that are made with apples. The apples are dipped in a simple batter and then deep-fried in oil. If you prefer, you can chop up the apples into small pieces and spoon mounds of the apple fritter batter into the oil to make clusters of apple fritters. We love frying them as apple fritter rings because they resemble donuts – they’re super cute, easier to eat, and less likely to fall apart in the oil.

Ingredients for Apple Fritters

Apples – choose crisp, sweet-tart varieties like golden delicious, Granny Smith, or honey crisp.
Lemon juice – squeeze over the apples to prevent browning.
Flour – all-purpose flour works perfectly.
Sugar – lightly sweetens the batter.
Baking powder – helps the batter rise.
Salt – balances the sweetness of the fritters.
Milk – any fat content, from 1% to whole milk.
Butter – creates a tender dough.
Egg – use 1 egg yolk and then fold in 2 beaten egg whites for an extra fluffy batter.
Oil – any high-heat frying oil like canola, vegetable oil, or peanut oil.

The Best Apple Peeler

If you love apple recipes, we highly recommend using an apple peeler. It will save you a ton of time and effort. The peeler can peel, core, and slice your apples into perfect 1/4″-thick rings, with no waste. It’s a fantastic tool for making Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, and even Apple Sauce quickly.

How to Make the Batter

Whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – in a medium bowl.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – milk, egg yolk, and melted butter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Beat the egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form, but the mixture isn’t overly dry. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula until fully combined.

How to Make Apple Fritter Rings

Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a pot over medium/high heat until it reaches 375˚F.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4″ thick rings (an apple peeler can save you time). Transfer the apple rings to a bowl and toss them with 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Dip each apple ring into the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Fry about 5 fritters at a time for 2 minutes per side, or until they are browned, flipping once.
Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a tray lined with paper towels. Roll them in cinnamon sugar or dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tip: Make sure to keep the oil temperature above 350˚F while frying to prevent the fritters from absorbing too much oil. A clip-on pot thermometer can help maintain the proper oil temperature.

Common Questions

What type of thermometer is best for frying?

You can use an inexpensive clip-on thermometer or opt for a versatile thermometer like the Thermoworks brand, which can be used for various cooking projects, including frying, baking, and grilling.

When are apple fritters done cooking?

Fry the fritters for about 2 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown, ensuring a crispy exterior. If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat; if they are not browning enough, increase the heat.