Old Fashioned Apple Fritters
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters! Discover our easy recipe for crispy, golden fritters filled with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, freshly made apple fritter. These old-fashioned apple fritters, with their crispy exterior and tender apple-filled interior, are the perfect treat to bring back memories of simpler times. Made with a blend of sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a light batter, these fritters are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of the day, these apple fritters are sure to become a favorite in your home. If you really enjoy apple fritters, also try our Easy Beignets New Orleans Style and our Apple Rose Tarts for a complete variety of sweets.
What equipment do I need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Dutch Oven
- Deep Fryer (Optional)
- Thermometer
- Slotted Spoon
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Rack
- Paper Towels

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced about 1 cup (pink lady, granny smith, or honey crisp)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Fritters
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk, add the eggs, and applesauce.



Mix until just combined with a wooden spoon. Gently fold in the diced apples and set aside.



- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375℉ (190℃). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides for approximately 2 minutes per side. Fry in batches until all the batter has been used.


- Transfer the fried fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside while you make the glaze.
- Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.


- Dip each fritter in the vanilla glaze, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Place all the glazed fritters on a wire rack to set and allow excess glaze to drip off.



- Serve your apple fritters while they are still slightly warm and enjoy!


Frequently Asked Questions for Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters
1. What are Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters?
Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters are a classic dessert or snack made by frying a batter mixed with chopped apples. They are typically flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and can be dusted with powdered sugar or glazed after frying.
2. What kind of apples should I use for apple fritters?
It’s best to use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter.

3. Do I need any special equipment to make these fritters?
You don’t need any special equipment beyond basic kitchen tools: a mixing bowl, a whisk, a frying pan or deep fryer, a slotted spoon, and paper towels for draining the excess oil.
4. Can I bake fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them as a healthier alternative, although the texture will be different. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. How do I make a glaze for the apple fritters?
A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or water until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

6. Can I make them ahead of time?
Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make them soggy.
7. Why are my apple fritters greasy?
If your fritters are greasy, the oil may not have been hot enough during frying. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
8. Why are they soggy inside?
Soggy fritters can result from undercooking or too much moisture in the batter. Make sure the fritters are fried until golden brown and cooked through, and be mindful of the moisture content in your apples and batter.

9. Can I add other fruits or ingredients to the fritters?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or bananas, or add nuts and spices to the batter for different flavors. Just ensure the added ingredients are not too wet, which can affect the texture of the fritters.
Storage
How should I store leftover apple fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I freeze apple fritters?
Yes, you can freeze apple fritters. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat frozen fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.

Notes
- Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honey Crisp apples work well in this recipe. Each offers a different level of sweetness and tartness.
- Maintaining an oil temperature of 375℉ (190℃) is crucial for evenly fried fritters. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- The batter should be thick enough to drop from a spoon but not too runny. Adjust with a bit more flour or milk if needed.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet or fryer; fry the fritters in small batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the fried fritters on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess oil.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional flavor complexity.

Old Fashioned Apple Fritters

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters! Discover our easy recipe for crispy, golden fritters filled with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced about 1 cup (pink lady, granny smith, or honey crisp)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk, add the eggs, and applesauce. Mix until just combined with a wooden spoon. Gently fold in the diced apples and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375℉ (190℃). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Approximately 2 minutes per side. Fry in batches until all the batter has been used.
- Transfer the fried fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside while you make the glaze.
- Whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl until smooth.
- Dip each fritter in the vanilla glaze, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Place the glazed fritters on a wire rack to set and allow excess glaze to drip off.
- Serve the fritters while they are still slightly warm and enjoy!
Notes
Equipment I need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Dutch Oven
- Deep Fryer (Optional)
- Thermometer
- Slotted Spoon
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Rack
- Paper Towels
Notes:
- Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honey Crisp apples work well in this recipe. Each offers a different level of sweetness and tartness.
- Maintaining an oil temperature of 375℉ (190℃) is crucial for evenly fried fritters. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- The batter should be thick enough to drop from a spoon but not too runny. Adjust with a bit more flour or milk if needed.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet or fryer; fry the fritters in small batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the fried fritters on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess oil.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze.
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated 350℉ (175℃) oven for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 182Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 32mgSodium 187mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 3g