Warm Apple Fritters are a treat during apple season and they are ready in just 30 minutes. The batter has a secret ingredient the produces a fluffy coating that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. Imagine Glazed Donuts stuffed with an apple ring.

My kids love homemade apple fritters and there are never any leftovers. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make apple fritter rings at home.

Apple fritters covered with cinnamon sugar on a plate

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We love apple recipes from classic Apple Pie to flaky Apple Turnovers. If you are a fan of apple desserts, this Apple Fritter Recipe is a must-try!

Apple Fritters Video Tutorial

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What are Apple Fritters?

Apple fritters are essentially apple donuts; apples dipped in a simple batter and deep-fried in oil. If you prefer, you can chop up apples into small pieces and spoon mounds of apple fritter batter into the oil to make clusters of apple fritters. We love to fry them as Apple Fritter Rings because they look like donuts – super cute, easier to eat, and they are less likely to fall apart in the oil.

Center of an apple fritter ring

Ingredients for Apple Fritters

  • Apples – select crisp, sweet-tart apples such as golden delicious, Granny Smith, honey crisp.
  • Lemon juice – squeezed over the apples to prevent browning
  • Flour – all-purpose flour works great
  • Sugar – lightly sweetens the batter
  • Baking powder – makes the batter rise
  • Salt – balances the sweetness of the fritters
  • Milk – any fat content; from 1% to whole milk
  • Butter – creates a tender dough
  • Egg – use 1 egg yolk then fold in 2 beaten egg whites to make the batter extra fluffy
  • Oil – any high heat frying oil such as canola, vegetable oil, or peanut oil.
Ingredients for making apple fritter rings

The Best Apple Peeler

If you love apple recipes, we highly recommend using an apple peeler. It will save you a ton of time and effort. It peels, cores, and slices your apples into perfect 1/4″-thick rings and there is no waste. We love this tool for Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, and it makes Apple Sauce super fast to prepare.

Apple peeler with an apple

How to Make the Batter

  1. Whisk dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Wet ingredients – in a second bowl, whisk milk, 1 yolk, and melted butter.
  3. Combine – add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
  4. Beat egg whites – beat 2 whites until stiff peaks form, but the mixture is not overly dry.
  5. Fold egg whites into the batter using a spatula just until combined.
Step by step how to make apple fritter batter

How to Make Apple Fritter Rings

  1. Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a pot over medium/high heat until it reaches 375˚ F.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4″ thick rings (use an apple peeler to save time). Transfer to a bowl and toss with 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  3. Dip apple rings into batter, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Fry about 5 fritters at a time for 2 minutes per side until browned, flipping once.
  4. Remove fritters from oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined tray. Roll in cinnamon sugar or dust in powdered sugar to serve.

Pro Tip: Be sure to keep the oil above 350˚ F while frying so the fritters don’t absorb too much oil. A clip-on pot thermometer helps with maintaining the proper oil temperature.

Step by step how to fry apple fritters

Common Questions

What kind of thermometer is best for frying?

You can use an inexpensive clip-on thermometer or get a versatile thermometer like Thermoworks brand which can be used for the oven, grill, and pretty much any project.

When are apple fritters done cooking?

Fry for about 2 minutes per side. The fritters should be a deep golden brown to ensure a crisp exterior. If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat and vice versa.

Can I Make this in a deep fryer?

Yes, you can definitely use a deep fryer with the same temperature settings and timings.

Can I use an air fryer?

Because the batter is very wet, it doesn’t lend itself well to be air-fried. Apple fritters do reheat and re-crisp really well in an air fryer.

Stack of apple fritter rings dusted with powdered sugar

How to Serve Apple Fritters

Serve apple fritter rings warm with your favorite toppings or coatings.

  • Cinnamon sugar – combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Roll apple fritters in mixture to coat both sides.
  • Powdered sugar – dust warm fritters with powdered sugar just before serving.
  • Glazed – drizzle with the lemon glaze that we used on our Blueberry Muffins.
Cinnamon sugar coated apple fritter

Apple fritters are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Make this a new tradition to create beautiful food memories with your loved ones.

child eating apple fritter

More Fall Desserts

If you enjoy Fall baking, we have you covered. Here are our best pumpkin, apple, and more recipes that highlight the best of Autumn.

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Apple Fritters Recipe

4.96 from 46 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Apple Fritters served on a plate
Apple Fritters are essentially fried donuts stuffed with apples. These apple fritter rings are great rolled in cinnamon sugar, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a lemon glaze.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 25 fritters
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup milk, 1% or whole milk
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (unsalted or salted)
  • 2 egg whites
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4” rings
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice, juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 to 3 inches Canola oil , or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
  • In a second large bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolk and melted butter. Gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  • Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a large pot or dutch oven and heat over medium/high heat to 375˚F on a thermometer.
  • Peel core and slice apples into 1/4”-thick rings and place into a shallow dish. Squeeze lemon juice over apple slices and use your hands to gently toss apple rings to coat with lemon juice (this will prevent browning).
  • In a medium bowl, beat 2 egg whites with an electric hand mixer, egg beaters or a whisk until stiff peaks form, but whites are not dry. If you over-beat, it will be difficult to blend. Use a spatula to gently fold whites into the batter until fully incorporated.
  • Remove apple slices one at a time from the lemon juice, allowing any excess juice to drip back into the bowl then dip both sides of the apple in batter to fully coat, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
  • Fry in hot oil batches in a single layer (5 or 6 at a time to avoid crowding), frying for about 2 minutes per side or until browned, flipping once. Keep oil above 350˚F while frying.
  • Remove with a strainer and transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. To serve, dust with powdered sugar or dip both sides in cinnamon sugar.*

Notes

*To make cinnamon sugar: whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. 
Note on Nutrition Information: nutrition label is for 1 fritter and is an estimate only as it is difficult to get an exact amount of oil absorbed. Nutrition is calculated before any toppings or coatings are added. 

Nutrition Per Serving

127kcal Calories9g Carbs1g Protein10g Fat1g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat6g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat9mg Cholesterol35mg Sodium77mg Potassium1g Fiber4g Sugar53IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C22mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Apple Fritters Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
127
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
35
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
77
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
53
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
22
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple fritter rings, apple fritters
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 127

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Melinda Mustered
    January 24, 2024

    These were delicious! I printed your recipe d ill ip not your cookbook that my husband gave me for Christmas. I have celiac so I altered it to be gluten free. I used GF 1-to-1 flour and increased the whole milk a bit. GF made an extra sticky batter; so after trying to fry slices with the batter falling off, I chopped up the apples (1/2 inch chunks) and dropped by heaping tablespoon. Yum! My “wheat loving” husband said they were great!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 24, 2024

      Hi Melinda! Thank you for sharing that with us. I’m glad they were still enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Nelly
    November 15, 2023

    Just melt in your mouth delicious!!!! my family ate it up instantly!:) def recommend

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 15, 2023

      That is the best when the family loves what we parents make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Robbin B
    August 24, 2023

    These sound delicious! Do you know if they can be cooked in an air fryer?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2023

      Hi Robbin, I address that in the recipe. See the section under “Common Questions -“Can I use an air fryer?”

      Reply

  • Purcey
    July 13, 2023

    Just made a batch of these with my daughter and they came out excellent. I added a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and a tablespoon of cinnamon in with the dry. 🤌🏻

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 13, 2023

      That sounds amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Cynthia
    February 4, 2023

    Hi- love all your recipes! Can you make the apple fritters gluten free and dairy free? Can I substitute gluten free flour and soy or almond milk for this recipe?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 4, 2023

      Hi Cynthia! I have not tested that to advise but please let us know if you experiment with it.

      Reply

  • Elizabeth
    November 7, 2022

    After being disappointed by the claims of “best apple fritters” at all the fall fairs, I decided to try Natasha’s recipe. I can honestly say that I have finally found the one. It’s so nice to have an apple in every single bite, instead of biting into an “apple-flavored” fritter. Natasha, your recipes never disappoint!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 7, 2022

      That’s wonderful, Elizabeth! This pie has so many great reviews and we love it too! It’s really the best we’ve tried. Thank you for the feedback!

      Reply

  • Judy
    October 26, 2022

    Looks great! Do you think this could made with the apples cut up and all mixed into the dough, then dollops of the dough and apples put into the hot oil to fry?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 26, 2022

      Hi Judy, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • Theresa T.
    October 5, 2022

    Can they be eaten at room temp…with the cinnamon/sugar on them? If I reheat will the sugar he ok – and how long to reheat? Never made these and excited and nervous!!! Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 5, 2022

      Hi Theresa! These are best fresh, but yes, you can eat these at room temperature. They also reheat great in the air fryer, you can reheat them until they re-crisp.

      Reply

  • Norma
    September 2, 2022

    I want to make these but not good for my stomach for fried foods–do you have a recipe where I can bake them instead? If so what temp and how long?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 2, 2022

      Hi Norma. I would recommend mybaked donut recipe.

      Reply

      • Josie
        October 25, 2022

        But these are yeast donuts. Do you have a recipe for the apple donuts that you can bake?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          October 25, 2022

          Hi Josie! I have a recipe for baked donuts HERE, but they are not apple and also contain yeast.

          Reply

  • Jim Brischke
    February 5, 2022

    I followed the recipe to a T and they came out of the oil looking just like in the video. As they cooled down, they deflated like a tire with a slow leak. Oil temp. was 375F+-. Any suggestions? They tasted great BTW.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 5, 2022

      Hi Jim, did you make sure to add the baking powder and make sure your baking powder is not expired?

      Reply

      • Jim Brischke
        February 6, 2022

        Yep, added the baking powder. Expiration may be the culprit. There was no date on the container, and I didn’t note it when purchased.The new container has been dated. 🙂

        Reply

      • Inna
        January 13, 2023

        Natasha, can I use baking soda instead of baking powder? what will happen if I use baking soda?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          January 13, 2023

          Hi Inna! No, I recommend following the recipe as written.

          Reply

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