These Warm Glazed Apple Fritters are a delightful treat featuring tender, slightly chewy dough studded with soft pieces of apple and warm spices, all deep-fried to a golden brown and then generously drizzled with a sweet, milky glaze. The combination of the warm, spiced dough, the soft, sweet apples, and the smooth, sugary glaze creates a truly irresistible and comforting pastry. Often enjoyed warm, these fritters offer a wonderful contrast in textures and flavors, making them a perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a locally available variety), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or apple cider for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Deep-frying pot or large saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Thermometer (for oil)
- Wire rack
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep-frying pot or large saucepan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for optimal frying. 1
- Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the apple fritter batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches. The size of the fritters will depend on the size of your spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons per fritter is a good size).
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. They should puff up and become nicely colored.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: While the fritters are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more liquid, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Fritters: Once the fritters are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. The warmth of the fritters will help the glaze to melt slightly and coat them nicely.
- Serve: Serve the warm glazed apple fritters immediately and enjoy! They are best when fresh.
Tips and Notes:
- Apple Choice: Use a firm apple that holds its shape well during frying. Local apple varieties can be used.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough fritters. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked and golden-brown fritters that are not greasy.
- Frying in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, which can lead to greasy fritters.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of liquid in the glaze to achieve your desired thickness.
- Spice Variations: You can add a pinch of ground allspice or cardamom to the batter for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, you can make the fritters ahead of time and reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. Glaze them just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these fritters on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (if available) or a warm beverage like tea or coffee.
Enjoy these warm and delicious Glazed Apple Fritters!