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The Ultimate Crispy & Tender Homemade Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze

Close-up of a stack of three golden brown apple fritter bites drizzled generously with white vanilla glaze.
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Make classic apple fritters that achieve the perfect texture: crispy on the outside and soft inside. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and finishes with a sweet vanilla glaze for a comforting fall dessert or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

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  • 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 diced small
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 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 until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  6. Carefully drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  7. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the fritters are deep golden brown and cooked through. They should be crispy outside and tender inside.
  8. Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a half teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  10. Dip or drizzle the warm apple fritters generously with the vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For an easy baked apple fritter version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a donut or muffin tin well. Drop batter into the tins and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Brush with melted butter after baking and then glaze.
  • If you prefer an air fryer apple fritter method, prepare the batter as directed. Place fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Glaze after cooling slightly.
  • For a caramel apple fritter variation, substitute the vanilla glaze with a simple caramel sauce made from melted butter, brown sugar, and cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/best-apple-fritter-crispy-tender-recipe/