Craving the warm, gooey goodness of bakery-style apple fritters but short on time? You’ve come to the right place. This recipe for Easy Apple Fritters delivers that irresistible, cinnamon-spiced flavor and tender-crisp texture with minimal effort. Forget complicated steps; this is the simplest way to get golden, delicious fritters on your table in under 30 minutes.
These fritters are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a delightful dessert. They strike the perfect balance between a fluffy, cake-like interior and a beautifully crisp, glazed exterior. Every bite is packed with sweet, tender apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Fritters
- Incredibly Fast: From mixing the batter to the final glaze, the entire process takes about 25 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need—flour, sugar, apples, and spices—in your pantry right now.
- No Yeast Required: We use baking powder for a quick and reliable rise, so there’s no waiting for dough to proof.
- Perfectly Glazed: A simple two-ingredient vanilla glaze provides that classic, sweet finish.
Key Ingredients
The magic of these fritters comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Fritters
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural base for our fritter batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent that makes the fritters light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are essential for that classic apple fritter flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: Binds the ingredients and creates a smooth, rich batter.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
- Melted Butter: Provides flavor and ensures a tender crumb.
- Apples: The star of the show! Use a firm, crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best.
For the Simple Glaze
- Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily to create a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk or Cream: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. A splash of vanilla extract is a great addition, too!

How to Make Easy Apple Fritters (Step-by-Step)
Making these homemade apple fritters is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple stages for perfect results every time.
1. Prep the Apples & Batter
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, ¼-inch pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, then add the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix! Gently fold in the diced apples.
2. Fry to Golden Perfection
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the fritters cook through without burning. Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack to drain.
3. Glaze and Serve
While the fritters are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker one). Dip the top of each warm fritter into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving warm.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Fritters
- Maintain Oil Temperature: This is the most crucial tip. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much and gives the fritters space to cook evenly.
- Small Apple Pieces: Cutting the apples into small, uniform pieces ensures they cook through and distribute evenly in the batter.
- Serve Immediately: For the absolute best texture, enjoy these easy apple fritters while they are still warm.
The Best Apples for Fritters
The best apples for fritters are firm-crisp varieties that hold their shape well during cooking and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith is a classic choice for its tartness, which cuts through the sweetness of the glaze. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are also excellent options that provide a sweeter, yet still firm, bite.
For more delicious and simple dessert ideas, check out our recipes for easy dessert recipes or these incredible no-bake mini cheesecakes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore some of their crispiness, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them tough.
Easy Apple Fritters: Your Questions Answered
The best apples are firm and hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith is a popular choice for its tartness, which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are also excellent, sweeter options.
The key to preventing soggy fritters is maintaining the correct oil temperature (350°F / 175°C). If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb it. Also, be sure to drain them on a wire rack, not paper towels.
While traditional fritters are deep-fried for a crispy texture, you can make a version in the air fryer. Spray the basket and the fritters with cooking spray and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They will have a texture closer to a baked donut.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness.
A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best for frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices for making easy apple fritters.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved these easy apple fritters, you’re sure to enjoy our classic cinnamon rolls recipe. It’s another comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
We hope you love this simple and delicious recipe! It’s a testament to how easy it can be to create amazing flavors right in your own kitchen. If you try it, please leave a comment below or share a picture with us on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your creations!

Easy Apple Fritters Recipe

Easy Apple Fritters (Ready in 25 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, then stir in the milk and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples. Do not overmix the batter.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches of 3-4 at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Dip the top of each warm fritter into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Best Apples: Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestion: These are best enjoyed warm, right after they've been glazed.












