There are certain recipes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly morning, and Easy Apple Fritters are one of them. If you’ve ever craved a sweet, crispy, cinnamon-spiced bite that tastes like fall itself, you’re in for a treat. The best part? These homemade fritters are surprisingly simple, making them perfect for busy mornings, spontaneous dessert cravings, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Now, I’ll be honest—I love a fancy dessert as much as the next girl, but there’s something magical about frying up a batch of fritters in your own kitchen. The smell alone—apples mingling with cinnamon and nutmeg—could make even the crankiest teenager come downstairs with a smile. And when you drizzle that glossy glaze over the still-warm fritters? Pure bliss.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why cooking at home is so rewarding: simple ingredients, quick steps, and a final result that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re making them as a breakfast treat, a fall recipe to celebrate the season, or an indulgent apple dessert after dinner, these fritters will win you over in one bite.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Fritters
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Quick & Simple: Just 20 minutes from start to finish.
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Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The perfect texture contrast.
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Versatile: A great breakfast treat or apple dessert.
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Fall in Every Bite: Warm spices + sweet apples = autumn perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp kosher salt
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup whole milk, room temperature
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2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups diced apples (about 2 large apples)
For the glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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4 Tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot (about 1 ½ inches deep) to 350℉.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
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Slowly combine wet and dry mixtures—don’t overmix!
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Fold in diced apples so every bite has a sweet surprise.
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Scoop ¼–⅓ cup of batter into the hot oil. Fry 3–5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
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Drain fritters on paper towels.
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Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over warm fritters.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Fritters
Here’s the deal—frying can feel intimidating, but trust me, once you make these once, you’ll feel like a pro.
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Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer. Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside. Too cool = greasy fritters.
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Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches. Your fritters deserve breathing room!
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The Right Apple: Granny Smiths add a tart kick, but Honeycrisp or Fuji bring extra sweetness.
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The Glaze Trick: Dip fritters while they’re warm so the glaze sets beautifully.
And if one turns out a little wonky? Don’t sweat it. The “ugly” fritters usually taste the best.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made apple fritters at home, my kitchen smelled like a county fair—minus the long lines and overpriced tickets. I set the plate on the counter, and within minutes, my family started circling like hawks. My husband claimed he was just “checking to see if the glaze set.” Spoiler: he was sneaking one.
Now, they’ve become a Sunday tradition in my house. Sometimes we eat them for breakfast with coffee; sometimes they sneak their way into dessert territory. My kids even call them “apple doughnut pancakes,” which I think is adorable. Recipes like this remind me why I love cooking—it’s not just about food, but about those little shared moments that stick with you.
What to Serve with Apple Fritters
These glazed fritters can hold their own, but pairing them with the right side makes them extra special.
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Breakfast Combo: Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon for balance.
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Coffee Break: A strong cup of coffee or spiced chai latte is their perfect match.
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Dessert Time: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
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Autumn Vibes: A warm mug of apple cider makes it feel like a Hallmark movie.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong—these fritters play well with just about everything.
How to Store Leftover Fritters
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Fridge: They’ll last 3–4 days, but reheat before eating for best texture.
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Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating Tip: Pop them in a 350℉ oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they’ll lose some crunch.
FAQs About Easy Apple Fritters
Can I substitute the apples?
Yes! Pears work beautifully, and even bananas if you want a tropical twist.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose that irresistible crispy edge. If baking, use a muffin tin and call them “apple fritter muffins.”
What apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Avoid Red Delicious—they get mushy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the batter and refrigerate it, but fry it fresh for the best texture.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Add more powdered sugar for thickness, more milk for a thinner drizzle.
Bringing It All Together
There you have it—Easy Apple Fritters that are crispy, sweet, and dripping with glaze. Whether you serve them as a cozy breakfast treat, a festive fall recipe, or a comforting apple dessert after dinner, they’ll win hearts (and stomachs) every time.
Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes—the ones that make your kitchen smell amazing and bring everyone running—that leave the biggest impact. So grab those apples, heat up your oil, and let’s fry up some joy together.
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Easy Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Apple Fritters are a quick, cozy fall treat—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want that comforting taste of apples and warm spices.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp kosher salt
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup whole milk, room temperature
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups diced apples (about 2 large apples)
For the glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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4 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot (about 1 ½ inches deep) to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine wet and dry mixtures gently (do not overmix).
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Fold in diced apples.
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Scoop ¼–⅓ cup of batter into the hot oil. Fry 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain fritters on paper towels.
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Whisk glaze ingredients together, then drizzle over warm fritters.
Notes
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F—too hot burns the outside, too cool makes them greasy.
Fry in small batches to keep oil temp stable.
Granny Smith apples add tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji bring sweetness.
Dip fritters in glaze while warm for the best finish.
Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American