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The Best Classic Deep-Fried Apple Fritters with a Perfect Cinnamon Glaze

A pile of golden brown, freshly fried apple fritter pieces drizzled with a sweet white glaze, served on a white plate.

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Make these homemade apple fritters for a treat that is crispy outside and tender inside, filled with warm apples and cinnamon. This easy recipe delivers old-fashioned flavor with a simple vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 3 tablespoons milk
  • For the Glaze: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture forms the base for your fritter dough.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  4. Fold in the diced apples gently. You want the apples evenly distributed in the batter.
  5. Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
  6. Carefully drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid crowding the pot. This step is key for crispy apple fritters.
  7. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through. They should be light, not greasy.
  8. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable consistency.
  10. Dip or drizzle the warm apple fritters generously with the cinnamon glaze. Let the glaze set before serving your sweet apple snacks.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your oil temperature stays near 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the fritters absorb too much oil and become heavy.
  • Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the best results, as they hold their shape well during frying.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk used in the glaze mixture.
  • These old fashioned apple fritters are best eaten the day they are made for maximum crispness.

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