Cinnamon Apple Fritters are fluffy and sweet bites filled with tender apples, coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
These fritters remind me of fall and cozy mornings. Just fry them up, and your kitchen will smell heavenly! I can’t resist grabbing one (or two!). 😋
Making these fritters is a breeze! Just mix the batter, fold in the apples, and fry until golden. They’re best enjoyed warm, maybe with a cup of coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for a nice sweet-tart flavor. You can substitute with Fuji or Jonagold if you like sweeter apples. For a unique twist, try using pears!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. If you want a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. It works well in making the batter fluffy!
Vegetable Oil: For frying, vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point. You could also use canola oil or peanut oil as alternatives.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Fritters Without Making a Mess?
Frying can seem tricky, but with the right approach, it’s simple! Follow these tips for perfect fritters:
- Use a thermometer to keep your oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb oil.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Fry a few fritters at a time to ensure they cook evenly. This also helps maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters, letting excess oil drip off before placing them on paper towels.
- Adjust the heat as needed while frying. If the oil starts to smoke or the fritters cook too quickly, lower the heat.
With these tips, your fritters will come out golden, crispy, and delicious! Enjoy making these sweet treats!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish. Quick and ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures your dry ingredients are well mixed and ready for the wet ingredients.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined for the best flavor in your fritters!
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little thick and a bit lumpy; this will create those fluffy fritters!
4. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the finely chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing. You want to keep that fluffy texture!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check for accuracy—this is key to perfectly fried fritters!
6. Fry the Fritters:
Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, frying a few fritters at a time without crowding the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and fry the other side until cooked through (another 2-3 minutes).
7. Drain the Oil:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Repeat the Process:
Continue dropping the remaining batter into the oil, adjusting the heat slightly as needed to maintain the oil temperature throughout the frying process.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once all the fritters are cooked and slightly cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar to add a sweet finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm for the best experience! They are perfect on their own or with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
This recipe yields fluffy, tender fritters with pockets of cinnamon-sweet apple inside, all coated with a light, crispy golden crust—the perfect treat for any time of year!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their sweet-tart flavor, you can use any apple you prefer. Fuji or Jonagold can also work well for a sweeter taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, avoid refrigerating them as refrigeration can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. However, for the best texture, try to fry them just before serving. Freshly fried fritters are always best!
What Can I Serve with Cinnamon Apple Fritters?
These fritters are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a side of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
