Old-fashioned apple fritters are a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. These golden, crispy fritters are packed with tender apple chunks, lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and fried to perfection. Finished with a sweet glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, they’re the perfect comfort food for chilly mornings, weekend brunches, or cozy afternoons. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe honors tradition while delivering irresistible flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to frying or a seasoned home cook, you’ll love how easy and satisfying these fritters are to make.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 large eggs
– 3/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
– 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in pan)
– Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Set aside. - Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine all dry ingredients evenly. - Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir well until fully blended. - Combine wet and dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined—do not overmix. - Add the apples
Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. - Heat the oil
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. - Fry the fritters
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan—fry in batches. - Cook until golden brown
Fry each side for about 2–3 minutes or until deep golden brown and cooked through. Flip gently with a slotted spoon or tongs. - Drain and cool
Transfer fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving. - Finish with toppings
Dust warm fritters with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tablespoons milk or apple cider. - Serve and enjoy
Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day and reheated in the oven.
These old-fashioned apple fritters are a true delight, combining the crispiness of fried dough with the comforting softness of cooked apples. The warm spices and sweet topping bring everything together, making this an unforgettable homemade treat. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a well-deserved indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.