There’s something so nostalgic about these cinnamon apple fritters—it’s like having a warm hug from grandma in every bite. Plus, they’re the perfect blend of crispy and sweet, making them a must-have at any fall get-together with friends.
These Apple Ring Fritters are so good! With the tartness of Granny Smith apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a fluffy batter made from flour and baking powder, they’re a delightful treat.
Dusted with powdered sugar, these fritters offer the perfect blend of sweetness and spice and are a real anytime snack.
Ingredients
Apples are: High in fiber, have natural sweetness, and add tartness.
All-Purpose Flour: Delivers the backbone, supplies the electrons.
Baking powder: Causes fritters to be airy and fluffy.
Cinnamon, ground: Contributes warmth and spice.
Sugar in Granule Form: Sweetens the batter, helps it brown.
Moisture and batter consistency come from milk.
Binders like the egg hold everything together.
They add protein, which helps to hold the thing together, but also, they keep the mix from falling apart too soon.
Vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and an aromatic note that intensely boosts flavor.
Plant Oil: Cooking at high temperatures guarantees a crunchy output.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Provides sweetness; makes things look pretty when puffs of it are added.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Start by removing the skins from the apples and cutting them into thick rings, approximately 1/4 inch thick. With a small round cutter or knife, cut out the core from each apple slice to form a ring.
2. Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. Make sure it’s well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until they are just combined into a smooth batter. Do not overmix.
5. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or skillet, then heat it over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Ensure that every apple ring is completely coated in the batter by dipping it into the batter. Let any leftover batter drip off before proceeding.
7. Place a few of the battered apple rings into the hot oil very carefully. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, and drain on paper towels. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Using a slotted spoon, take the apple fritters out of the oil and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to eliminate any extra oil.
9. Continue the process with the other apple rings, making sure the oil maintains an even temperature throughout.
10. When all the fritters have been fried and are just cool enough to not burn your fingers, give them a good dusting with powdered sugar. Then serve. To enjoy them as they should be enjoyed—while still warm—make sure you have company to eat with, because otherwise you’ll necessarily have to save some for later, and these are not save-for-later kind of fritters.
Equipment Needed
1. Peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Knife
4. Small round cutter
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Deep frying pan or skillet
8. Thermometer (for measuring oil temperature)
9. Slotted spoon
10. Paper towels
11. Plate
12. Measuring cups
13. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of apple?Q: What are the recommended apple varieties for making this dish?
- Q: How do I prevent the apple rings from becoming soggy?Ensure the apple rings are patted dry before being dipped in the batter to remove extra moisture.
- Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?B: For the best fluffiness, use the batter right after mixing. But if you want to prepare the batter ahead of time, you can mix just the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients just before you’re ready to fry.
- Q: What is the best oil temperature for frying?A: Target an oil temperature of about 350°F (175°C) to guarantee that the fritters are crispy and evenly cooked.
- Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?Q: Can the fritters be baked instead of fried?
A: Yes, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, but they may not be as crispy as when fried.
- Q: How should I store leftover apple fritters?Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in an oven to restore some crispiness.
Substitutions and Variations
For the apples: Use other varieties that are firm, such as Fuji or Pink Lady.
A gluten-free option for all-purpose flour is to use a gluten-free flour blend.
If using granulated sugar, substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
To replace milk: Use almond milk or oat milk when a dairy-free milk alternative is needed.
Use canola oil or coconut oil as alternatives for frying in place of vegetable oil.
Pro Tips
1. Apple Preparation: For best results, pat the apple rings dry with a paper towel after cutting them. This will help the batter stick better and prevent excess moisture from causing splattering during frying.
2. Batter Consistency: Aim for a pancake-like consistency with the batter. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you achieve the right thickness. A batter that is too thick may not coat the apples well.
3. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). If the temperature is too low, the fritters will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the outside will cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.
4. Batch Cooking: Fry the apple rings in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Allow the oil to return to temperature between batches.
5. Flavor Variations: For an added twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dry mixture for extra warmth and spice. Alternatively, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the fritters before serving for a decadent touch.
Apple Ring Fritters Recipe
My favorite Apple Ring Fritters Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Knife
4. Small round cutter
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Deep frying pan or skillet
8. Thermometer (for measuring oil temperature)
9. Slotted spoon
10. Paper towels
11. Plate
12. Measuring cups
13. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Start by removing the skins from the apples and cutting them into thick rings, approximately 1/4 inch thick. With a small round cutter or knife, cut out the core from each apple slice to form a ring.
2. Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. Make sure it’s well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until they are just combined into a smooth batter. Do not overmix.
5. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or skillet, then heat it over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Ensure that every apple ring is completely coated in the batter by dipping it into the batter. Let any leftover batter drip off before proceeding.
7. Place a few of the battered apple rings into the hot oil very carefully. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, and drain on paper towels. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Using a slotted spoon, take the apple fritters out of the oil and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to eliminate any extra oil.
9. Continue the process with the other apple rings, making sure the oil maintains an even temperature throughout.
10. When all the fritters have been fried and are just cool enough to not burn your fingers, give them a good dusting with powdered sugar. Then serve. To enjoy them as they should be enjoyed—while still warm—make sure you have company to eat with, because otherwise you’ll necessarily have to save some for later, and these are not save-for-later kind of fritters.
