There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly fried apple fritters filling the kitchen. The crisp, golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, cinnamon-spiced interior bursting with tender apple pieces. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making these Big Apple Fritters an irresistible treat.
I first discovered the magic of homemade apple fritters when visiting a small-town bakery during a fall road trip. Their warm, sugary aroma drew me in, and one bite was all it took to know I had to recreate them at home. Now, these fritters have become a cherished weekend tradition in my family.
Why You'll Love These Big Apple Fritters
Get ready to fall in love with a homemade treat that's as comforting as it is delicious. These Big Apple Fritters are everything you want in a sweet, fried indulgence.
First, they're incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a deep fryer—just a simple pan and some hot oil, and you're ready to go.
They’re also packed with flavor. The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and vanilla gives them a warm, cozy taste that’s perfect for any time of year.
Not to mention, they’re wonderfully crispy on the outside yet pillowy soft on the inside. The contrast of textures makes each bite an absolute delight.
And the best part? They’re versatile! Enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or serve them as a dessert drizzled with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to perfect apple fritters lies in using high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the best texture and flavor.
Apples are the star of the show. Choose a variety like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best balance of sweetness and tartness. Chop them into small, even pieces so they cook evenly within the batter.
Flour and baking powder work together to create a light, fluffy batter. Using fresh baking powder ensures your fritters puff up beautifully when fried.
Cinnamon and nutmeg add that signature warm spice that makes apple fritters so irresistible. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the depth of flavor, complementing the apples perfectly.
Milk, eggs, and vanilla extract bind everything together, creating a rich, smooth batter. Use whole milk for the best consistency.
Lastly, you’ll need oil for frying. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best, providing a crisp, golden-brown exterior without overpowering the flavor.
How To Make These Big Apple Fritters

Making apple fritters from scratch is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a batch of warm, crispy fritters in no time.
Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly inside the fritters, giving you a perfectly soft and sweet apple bite in every piece.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped apples. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not overly dry. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, drop small mounds of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown and crisp—this should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Once done, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While they're still warm, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, or dust them with cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
Storage Options
These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.
To keep them fresh, store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze them, arrange the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or warm them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to put your own spin on it.
If you love nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy twist.
For a caramel-flavored upgrade, swap regular sugar for brown sugar, which adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Want a different fruit? Substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a unique take on the classic fritter.
To make these fritters dairy-free, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg or mashed banana.
For a baked version, scoop the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be deliciously soft and flavorful.
No matter how you make them, these Big Apple Fritters are sure to become a favorite. Experiment with different variations and enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness in every bite!
PrintBig Apple Fritters Recipe
Make delicious Big Apple Fritters at home with fresh apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze. These crispy, golden treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Oil for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined. Gently stir in diced apples.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove fritters and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm fritters and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature for even cooking.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
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