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The Ultimate Classic Deep-Fried Apple Fritters with Perfect Vanilla Glaze

Four golden brown, freshly fried apple fritter dough balls drizzled generously with white vanilla glaze.

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Make these old-fashioned apple fritters that achieve a crispy outside and a soft, tender inside. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and features a sweet vanilla glaze for a classic fall dessert or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 3 tablespoons milk
  • For the Glaze: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This is your dry base.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  4. Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Prepare your frying station. Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  6. Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry about 3 to 4 fritters at a time.
  7. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the fritters are deep golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fritters from the oil. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  10. Dip or drizzle the warm apple fritters generously with the vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your oil temperature stays near 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the fritters absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast against the sweet dough.
  • If you prefer a lighter glaze, reduce the milk in the glaze mixture slightly.

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