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.