Apple Fritters

Fritters. Say it again. Fritters. I love that word. You know that when someone says fritters, you are in for something good. Fritters can be found in a wide variety of combinations. They can be savory, like Beer-battered Corn Fritters, or they can be sweet, like these apple fritters. They can even be filled with meat or seafood like these Shrimp Beignets (ok, these are called beignets, but they are basically fritters). What they all have in common is that crispy, crunchy exterior and soft center. 

The original recipe called for cinnamon and nutmeg, but I opted to use my homemade apple pie spice. It adds a welcome dimension. Granny Smith apples are used for two reasons. While they maintain their shape through the process, they become soft once fried. One thing that can ruin the fried texture of fritters is excess moisture, so be sure to pat your diced apples dry before adding them to the batter. You’ll note that the recipe also calls for apple cider in the batter and in the glaze to deepen the apple flavor. Please do not substitute it with apple juice. That would compromise the flavor.

They are delicious on their own warm out of the fryer, but the glaze really seals the deal on these bad boys. It sets up nicely so that when you take your first bite, not only do you get the crispy crunch, but you also get a little sugar flakiness before sinking your teeth into the soft, apple-studded center. Drool on the laptop. Good heavens, I need to go make another batch STAT!

Apple Fritters

By Nicole Prep: 20 minsCook: 25 minsTotal: 45 mins Servings: 14 Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and glazed all over with goodness!

Equipment

• Digital thermometer with pot clip
• #12 ice cream scoop
• Spider strainer

Ingredients 

For the Fritters

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons apple pie spice
• ¾ cup apple cider
• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups vegetable oil

For the Glaze

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions 

For the Fritters

1. Spread diced apples in a single layer on paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spice. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cider, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Add cider mixture to flour mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in apples.
2. Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350ºF. Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup or a #12 ice cream scoop, gently transfer portions of the batter into the oil. Quickly turn the fritter over and press lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten. Fry, adjusting burner to maintain oil temperature between 325ºF and 350ºF, until deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer fritters to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bring oil temperature back to 350ºF and repeat with remaining batter. Let fritters cool for at least 10 minutes.

For the Glaze

1. Meanwhile, whisk together the sugar, apple cider, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the glaze on top of each fritter. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples. They will become soft, but retain their shape.
• Use apple cider; not apple juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 49g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 28mg, Sodium: 268mg, Potassium: 76mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 99IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 62mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.