Old Fashioned Apple Fritter

Warm apple fritters are one of those bakery treats that disappear almost as fast as they hit the plate. These homemade fritters are filled with tender apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon, fried until golden brown, and coated in a sweet glaze. They have crisp edges, soft centers, and plenty of old-fashioned flavor that makes them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee.

Bite taken out of a an apple fritter in a basket showing the fluffy texture with green and white checked paper.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.
Quick Look at This Recipe

🍽️ Recipe Name: Old Fashioned Apple Fritters
Ready In: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
👥 Serves: 10 fritters
🥕Main Ingredients: Flour, sugar, milk, applesauce, apples and spices
🍳 Special Equipment: Cast iron skillet or deep fryer
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: 

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👇 Full measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.

These homemade apple fritters couldn’t be easier. They have tart-sweet chunks of apples that brighten up these oil-fried treats.

What You Need

  • Flour: Gives the fritters structure and helps hold everything together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the fritters brown while frying.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters puff up and stay light.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that pairs well with apples.
  • Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
  • Eggs: Help bind the batter together and add richness.
  • Applesauce: Adds moisture and extra apple flavor.
  • Apples: The star ingredient. They add texture and fresh flavor.

For the Glaze

  • Powdered Sugar: Creates the sweet glaze coating.
  • Milk: Thins the glaze so it coats evenly.
  • Vanilla: Adds extra flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Them

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.

Make a well in the center and add the milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing the batter or the fritters can become dense and tough.

Peel and slice the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Fold them gently into the batter.

Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F. A cast-iron skillet works especially well for frying fritters.

Drop about ¼ cup of batter carefully into the hot oil. Gently spread the batter slightly so the fritters cook evenly and are not too thick in the center.

Cook until golden brown on the first side, then flip with tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry the second side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together in a medium bowl until smooth. Dip each fritter into the glaze while the fritters are still warm.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Apple frittes in a basket with green and white checked paper.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

What Are the Best Apples to Use?

Many apple varieties can be used. Choose a tart variety for the best flavor.

  • Granny Smith Apples
  • Fuji Apples
  • Honey Crisp Apples
  • Gala Apples

Pro Tips

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter
    • Mix just until combined to keep the fritters light and tender.
  • Watch the Oil Temperature Carefully
    • Use a candy thermometer if possible. The oil temperature drops as fritters are added and rises again once they are removed.
  • Drain Well After Frying
    • Place the fritters on paper towels or a wire rack to help remove excess oil and keep them crisp.

How to Store Them

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container, on the counter, at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They taste best within the first 1–2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or air fryer before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can apple fritters be frozen?

Yes. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can these be made without glaze?

Absolutely. They are still delicious, dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

What oil works best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point work best, including vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

More Sweet Treats

Tools That Make This Recipe Work

Apple fritters stacked in a basket with green and white checked paper.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These apple fritters are best eaten warm while the glaze is still fresh. They make a great breakfast treat or afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. If you have leftovers, just warm them up for a few seconds before serving.

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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.

Enjoy. And have fun cooking!

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Golden apple fritters stacked with one with a bite taken out.Pin

Old Fashioned Apple Fritters

Warm apple fritters are one of those bakery treats that disappear almost as fast as they hit the plate. These homemade fritters are filled with tender apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon, fried until golden brown, and coated in a sweet vanilla glaze. 
See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!
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Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10 fritters
Author: Beth Neels
Cost: $5

Ingredients

For the Glaze

Instructions

  • Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
  • Make a well in the center and add the milk, eggs, and applesauce. Stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing the batter or the fritters can become dense and tough.
  • Peel and slice the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Fold them gently into the batter.
  • Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F. A cast-iron skillet works especially well for frying fritters.
  • Drop about ¼ cup of batter carefully into the hot oil. Gently spread the batter slightly so the fritters cook evenly and are not too thick in the center.
  • Cook until golden brown on the first side, then flip with tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry the second side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or wire rack to drain excess oil.
  • Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together in a medium bowl until smooth. Dip each fritter into the glaze while the fritters are still warm.
  • Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
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Notes

Pro Tips
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter
    • Mix just until combined to keep the fritters light and tender.
  • Watch the Oil Temperature Carefully
    • Use a candy thermometer if possible. The oil temperature drops as fritters are added and rises again once they are removed.
  • Drain Well After Frying
    • Place the fritters on paper towels or a wire rack to help remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
How to Store Them
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container, on the counter, at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They taste best within the first 1–2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or air fryer before serving.
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