Cinnamon Apple Fritters

$To make cinnamon apple fritters, gather these ingredients: - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup milk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Vegetable oil (for frying) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) Using fresh apples is key. Look for crisp and juicy varieties. I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tartness. They hold up well during frying. Use high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture. Also, choose a good vanilla extract. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference in flavor. You can swap the apples for pears if you want a different taste. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If you need a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk works well in place of regular milk. For added sweetness, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling, coring, and dicing two large apples. I love using sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the apples release their natural juices. The juices will add flavor to your fritters. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mix gives your fritters a nice rise and flavor. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in the diced apples and their juices. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the fritters and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once the fritters cool slightly, dust them with powdered sugar. They look beautiful and taste great! You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These treats are perfect for any time of day! To fry your fritters just right, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy. If the oil is too cool, your fritters will soak up oil and become greasy. If it's too hot, they will burn. Drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil to check. It should sizzle and float. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. This helps them cook evenly and stay crisp. One common mistake is not letting your apples sit long enough. This step allows the apples to release their juices. If you skip this, your fritters may turn out too wet. Another mistake is adding too much batter to the oil. This can lower the oil temperature. Lastly, don’t skip the dusting of powdered sugar. It adds sweetness and looks great! To make your fritters even more special, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. Want a fun twist? Add a splash of lemon juice to the apples for a bright flavor. For a richer taste, drizzle caramel sauce over the fritters before serving. These small changes can elevate your Cinnamon Apple Fritters to a whole new level! Pro Tips Use Firm Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your fritters. Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying; too low and they'll absorb oil, too high and they may burn. Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure light and fluffy fritters. Keep Warm: If frying in batches, keep finished fritters warm in a low oven while you cook the rest for optimal serving temperature. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this recipe for fun. Try using pears for a sweeter taste. They add a nice flavor when mixed with cinnamon. You can also use diced peaches or berries. Each fruit gives a unique twist to the fritters. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Many brands work well for frying. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Just make sure to mix it with a starch, like cornstarch or tapioca flour. This mix helps keep the texture light and fluffy. You can add spices to change the flavor. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A dash of allspice can also be nice. For a fun twist, add a bit of orange zest for brightness. Vanilla extract adds sweetness, but you can also try almond extract for a different taste. Be creative and find what you love! To keep your cinnamon apple fritters fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb extra moisture. This helps keep them crisp. Place the container in a cool, dry spot. They stay good for up to two days on the counter. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is an option. When you're ready to enjoy your fritters again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to save some fritters for later, freezing works great. Let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each fritter in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fritters in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. You can tell fritters are done when they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to check their color. If they look nice and brown, they are ready to come out. Remember, frying too long can make them dry. Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Mix all the dry ingredients and store them in a bowl. Keep the wet ingredients in another bowl. When you are ready to fry, just combine them. This can save you time and make cooking easier. The best apples for fritters are firm and sweet. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape when cooked. They also add a nice sweet and tart flavor. You can experiment with other apples too. Just choose ones that you enjoy eating! Our journey through making apple fritters covered all key points. We learned about essential ingredients, quality, and smart substitutes. You now have a clear step-by-step guide to fritter-making. We discussed tips for perfect frying and common mistakes to avoid. Variations offered creative twists to the classic recipe. You also learned how to store and reheat them properly. In the end, making apple fritters is fun and rewarding. Enjoy sharing your tasty fritters with friends and family.$

Deliciously sweet and spiced apple fritters, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
as needed none vegetable oil (for frying)
as needed none powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples with their juices.
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the fritters from the oil and allow them to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Once slightly cooled, dust the fritters with powdered sugar for serving.

Notes

Serve warm dusted with powdered sugar.

Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, fritters