Big Apple Fritters are a perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of fresh apples wrapped in a crispy fried batter. This easy-to-make dessert or snack is best enjoyed warm, either rolled in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. The fritters are soft and fluffy on the inside, with golden brown edges on the outside, creating a delicious contrast of textures. Fry them in small batches to ensure even cooking and serve them fresh for the ultimate indulgent treat. Whether you're enjoying them with your morning coffee or as a dessert, these apple fritters are sure to be a hit.
Big Apple Fritters are the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and fruity flavors, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. With chunks of fresh apples mixed into a lightly spiced batter and fried to golden perfection, these fritters offer a delightful contrast of soft, tender fruit and crispy edges. Whether you roll them in cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with a vanilla glaze, these fritters are best served warm for maximum indulgence.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these fritters so delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- Apples: 2-3 peeled and diced apples (about 1 1/2 cups) bring a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor to the fritters. The apples soften during frying, creating a tender bite inside the crispy batter.
- Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour provides the base for the fritter batter, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness to the batter, perfectly balancing the flavors of the apples and spices.
- Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder gives the fritters a light and airy texture, helping them puff up during frying.
- Milk and Egg: 1/3 cup of milk and 1 egg are the wet ingredients that help bind the batter together and give it structure.
- Cinnamon and Sugar Mixture: 2 tablespoons of sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon coat the apples before adding them to the batter, enhancing the warm, spiced flavor of the fritters.
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying. The oil should be heated to 370°F to ensure the fritters cook evenly and turn golden brown.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of milk and 1 egg until smooth. Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 3: Add the Apples
- Toss 1 1/2 cups of diced apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cinnamon-sugar-coated apple chunks into the batter and gently stir to incorporate them into the mixture.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet to 370°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the fritters for even cooking.
- Step 5: Fry the Fritters
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, ensuring each scoop includes apple chunks. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Fry in small batches for best results.
- Step 6: Drain and Cool
- Once the fritters are golden brown and fully cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath to catch any excess oil.
- Step 7: Glaze or Sugar Coating (Optional)
- For a glaze, mix 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla and 1-1 1/2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the fritters or dip them into the glaze. If rolling in cinnamon sugar, do so while the fritters are still warm.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy the fritters while warm for the best texture and flavor. They are crispy on the outside with a soft, apple-filled interior.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These Big Apple Fritters are best served warm, right after frying, when the outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and tender.
- If you want to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy.
- If you need to store leftovers, keep the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a short time.
Helpful Notes
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too low, and the fritters will absorb too much oil; too high, and they may burn on the outside before cooking through.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it. The batter should sizzle and rise to the top within seconds.
- Customize the flavor of your fritters by experimenting with other fruits like pears or peaches, or add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Martha Stewart: For an extra crispy texture, try double-frying your fritters—fry them once until they’re golden, let them cool, and fry again for a few seconds before serving.
- Gordon Ramsay: Make sure to use a high-quality neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, to avoid off flavors during frying.
- Giada De Laurentiis: For a more decadent glaze, add a touch of lemon zest or orange zest to the powdered sugar glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.