Make bakery-style apple fritter bites at home quickly. These small treats feature fresh apples, cinnamon spice, and a simple vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:About 18 bites 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk or water (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced, seasoned apples into the batter.
Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Fry the bites: Carefully drop the batter by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid crowding the pot. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritter bites and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the glaze: While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk/water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more liquid, a drop at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Glaze and serve: Dip or drizzle the warm fritter bites with the vanilla glaze. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Notes
For crispier bites, ensure your oil temperature stays steady at 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil.
If you are planning meals for the week, this recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the liquid in the glaze mixture.