Name: Apple Fritter Donut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups peeled & finely diced apples; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams); ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams); 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup milk (177 ml); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying, 946 ml); 3 cups powdered sugar (340 grams); ½ cup milk (118 ml); ½ tsp vanilla extract

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My apple fritters recipe will never let you down. I tested every part of this recipe, down to the size of the chopped apples, until it was not only perfect in flavor and texture, but foolproof even for the most inexperienced home cook.

apple fritters scattered around on a piece of brown paper, surrounded by cinnamon sticks, green apples and green apple slices

You will love this recipe for Apple Fritters!

Just the thought of eating warm apple fritters, or even just smelling them, makes my mouth water. But apple fritters can get ruined easily, if the apples come out too hard (or too soft) or the dough isn’t cooked right. That’s why I dedicated focused time and attention to perfecting my apple fritter recipe.

I wanted to be sure that I considered every element and step for the best possible fritters, and I did it! These come out with just enough crisp on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside, with tons of apple flavor and just the right amount of cinnamon.

apple fritters lined in rows on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet lined with paper towels

To get it right, I experimented with the apple size first. I found that making them smaller (½ inch by ½ inch) helps the apples to soften while frying, and allows the dough around them to cook properly (and not turn out doughy).

I did find that using a candy thermometer (or deep fry thermometer) is key for this recipe because it is critical to know the exact temperature of the oil. This allows you to cook the fritter correctly, inside and out.

Drizzled with a simple glaze, these fritters are the definition of “finger-licking good”. Keep reading for all my best tips!

two apple fritters stacked on brown paper, surrounded by green apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and more fritters and whole green apples in the background

What is an apple fritter?

An apple fritter is a pastry (some consider it a donut) made by folding pieces of diced or sliced apples into a batter, which is then deep-fried to a golden brown in hot oil. The fritter is often sweetened with cinnamon sugar, and sometimes drizzled with a glaze for extra sweetness.

over head view of the ingredients for apple fritters, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, apples, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, vegetable oil, and powdered sugar

Homemade Apple Fritters Ingredients

You may be surprised to know that these tasty little pastries are made with basic ingredients. Get the full recipe with measurements and instructions in the recipe card below. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apples: I recommend Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady.
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Vegetable oil: for frying

Glaze

Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

apple fritters piled on a plate covered in brown paper with three fresh apple slices

How to make Apple Fritters

These are perfect for apple picking season, but honestly, they are one of my favorite things to make year-round. Once you see how easy it is to make your own fried apple fritters at home, you’ll never go back to storebought! Here are the simple steps to fritter perfection:

Prep apples. Peel and finely dice the apples into ½ inch x ½ inch pieces. Set aside.

dry ingredients for apple fritters, not yet mixed together, in a clear glass bowl

dry ingredients for apple fritters in a clear glass bowl with a whisk

Mix dry ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

wet ingredients for apple fritters in a clear glass bowl with a whisk

chopped apples and the dry and wet ingredients for apple fritter, not yet combined, in a large clear glass bowl

Mix wet ingredients, then combine with dry ingredients. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and diced apples to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Heat oil. Begin by heating 1 ½ inches of oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190.5°C). I recommend a candy or deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Prep cooling rack. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top of the towels.

apple fritter batter in a clear glass bowl with a red spatula

a cookie scoop dropping apple fritter batter into a pot of hot oil with a thermometer in it

Begin frying fritters. When the oil reaches temperature, carefully drop ¼ cup dollops of batter into the oil. I recommend 3-4 fritters at a time. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the other side is also golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining apple fritter batter, increasing the heat as needed to maintain the temperature at 375ºF. If the temperature is too low. Maintaining a frying temperature of 375°F ensures the fritters cook evenly, with a golden, crisp exterior and a soft interior. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb excess oil, making them greasy and undercooked. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is done. The right temperature also gives the fritters their ideal texture and color.

apple fritters frying in a pot of hot oil with a thermometer in it

apple fritters on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet lined with paper towels

Cool and glaze. While the fritters cool, make the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. The glaze should be on the runnier side. Dip the fritters into the glaze, one at a time, and place on a wire rack to set.