Have you ever had an apple fritter? If so, you must know what I mean when I say apple fritters are like taking a bite of heaven! If not, you definitely need to try making them.
Luckily for you, there are tons of variations of the classic pastry, and most recipes are easy to make. In simple terms, apple fritters usually consist of a dough or batter and some form of chopped apples that become fried.
Different places put their own take on it. With the classic apple fritter, the apples are usually peeled, cored, and sliced into rings. From there, the rings are dipped in a pancake-like batter and fried.
Another way I like to make it is to chop the apples into small cubes and mix them right into the batter. Then I scoop the batter into hot oil, which fries the fritters. Once they’re cooled, I put cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze on them.
Many people think of apple fritter doughnuts when the term ‘apple fritter’ comes to mind. The pecan apple fritter doughnuts from this list are my kids’ favorite! They’re incredibly straightforward to make.
Since the dough is thicker than other fritter recipes that use batter, the dough gets rolled out rather than scooped. These types of apple fritters can be fried just like the others.
When looking at the different baking methods of fritters, you can bake them, shallow-fry, deep fry, and even air fry apple fritters! My family enjoys classic apple fritters that are fried, but of course, sometimes we like to take the healthier route as well. Air frying and baking are the most nutritious options because they don’t involve a ton of oil.
If you choose to fry them in oil, you can always opt for healthier frying oils such as sunflower or peanut oil. After frying the fritters, don’t forget to let them sit on a cooling rack so the excess oil will drain off.
Overall, there are so many unique ways to make apple fritters! I enjoy making the old-fashioned style fritters, but I also love the new variations that have come about. This list is a compilation of my favorite apple fritter recipes that I love to make for my family or events!
I am confident that you will find some recipes on here that are in your comfort level. All of these recipes are easy to follow, and the end product is simply irresistible!
Homemade Apple Fritters
This apple fritter recipe from scratch is absolutely blissful! To prep, cut your apples and drizzle them with lemon juice. Set the apples aside while making your batter. Separately whisk your dry ingredients and wet ingredients until they're smooth. Combine both mixtures with the apples. Drop scoops of the batter in hot oil, frying each fritter for five minutes. Allow the fritters to cool and drain. I love garnishing these with a simple glaze and some powdered sugar! They are the perfect treat to have in the morning with my coffee.
Apple Fritter Bread
Here is another excellent example of a scratch-made apple fritter recipe! The batter is incredibly easy to make, which makes it so appealing. Simply combine all the dry ingredients before incorporating the wet elements. Whisk the mixture until smooth before adding the apple pieces. Scoop drops of the batter into hot oil for about four minutes for each fritter. Carefully remove the fritters from the oil, I like to drain them on paper towels. When I made these, I added cinnamon to the glaze and dunked the fritters completely in the icing. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Apple Fritter Donuts + Video
These apple fritter doughnuts are my favorite! First, make the soft yeast dough with warm water, sugar, baking spices, flour, eggs, and milk. Once the dough has doubled in size, you can roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a square, fill with the apple filling, then cover with the other half of the dough. Press the dough down, and don’t forget to seal the edges carefully so nothing runs out. Cut into strips, fry the fritters, and then allow them to cool. To garnish, I covered them in a sweet glaze and powdered sugar. My kids absolutely love snacking on these or eating them for breakfast!
Apple Fritter Doughnut Bites
Who doesn’t love a good apple fritter doughnut? These bites are so adorable and tasty, which makes them hard to resist. Make them by whisking all of your ingredients together until smooth. Toss the apple pieces into the mixture and combine. Next, scoop balls of dough into hot oil and fry the fritters. They only need to fry for about two minutes each! I personally love adding some nutmeg to the icing recipe and dipping the doughnuts fully into it. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee for the perfect combination. The added nutmeg makes for a perfect mixture of cinnamon and spice.
Classic Apple Fritter Doughnuts
If you're looking for apple fritters with yeast dough, this recipe is the one for you. Make sure to dissolve the yeast with warm water first. Once the dough has been made, you can allow it to rest and double in size. Roll the dough out into a square and place the filling inside. Then, fold over the dough to seal the filling in. Cut logs out to create fritters. Fry the fritters in a deep fryer for about two minutes! When I made these, I drizzled the doughnuts instead of dunking them, and it was the perfect level of sweetness. Additionally, the drizzled look gives it a nice presentation. You can always save extra icing for dipping on the side if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Apple Pecan Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze
Here is another yeast dough apple fritter recipe that is incredible! Make the dough, accordingly, allowing two hours for it to rest and proof. Meanwhile, make the apple pecan filling. Roll out the dough into a large square then spread the filling on top. Fold over the dough and lightly press it down to seal it. Cut rectangle shapes to create the fritters. Use a fryer for cooking the fritters until they're golden. I made these for a family gathering, and they disappeared quickly because of how yummy they are! My favorite part is how fluffy they turn out. Als, the glaze that the fritters are dipped in really elevates the treat.
Have you ever thought about making air fryer apple fritters? They’re so scrumptious! The first step is to dice your apples and make your batter. Once all of the ingredients have been incorporated into the batter, add the apples. Get a baking sheet ready and scoop your fritters onto the pan. Allow them to chill in the refrigerator! Next, air-fry them for ten minutes or until golden. I love the maple glaze that goes with these because it's not just an average fritter. I also garnish them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, which makes for a nice appearance. You can never go wrong with cinnamon sugar, especially in this house!
Air Fryer Apple fritters with Brown Butter Glaze
This recipe for air fryer apple fritters is fantastic. To begin, whisk your dry ingredients until there are no lumps. Next, add in your wet ingredients and combine to make the mixture. Chop your apple into small cubes and add it to the batter. Scoop the batter into balls and cook them for about 7 minutes in the air fryer. Once out of the air fryer, allow them to cool for a minute. This is when I make the icing. I like this recipe because rather than dunking the fritters in glaze, you simply pour the glaze atop them. Enjoy with a nice glass of milk for a yummy treat.
Apple Fritters
Here is a unique recipe because it is apple fritters made with pancake mix! It is so simple to make. All you need to do is combine all of the ingredients, including the canned apple pie filling. Next, heat some oil in a skillet. Scoop your thick batter into the hot oil to cook the fritters. Once they're golden brown, they're good to go! I personally love dipping these in cinnamon sugar when they're still slightly warm. This ensures that the sugar mixture will stick to it. Enjoy one of these fritters alongside a hearty breakfast, you won't regret it!
Apple Fritter Pancake Puppies
This pancake mix apple fritter recipe is noteworthy! Aside from the pancake mix, all you need is butter, baking spices, maple syrup, water, and apple pie filling. Mix the batter until the ingredients are combined. Add the apple filling in last before frying the apple fritters in hot oil. Drain the fritters so that the excess oil comes off. Lastly, make a delicious glaze out of maple syrup, melted butter, and cinnamon. Glaze the fritters to your liking. This recipe is so divine that I typically serve it for dessert! It is lovely alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
No Fry Apple Fritters
I found this flavorful apple fritter recipe from Allrecipes, which is an excellent variation of the classic apple fritter. However, this treat is baked instead of fried! Grab a baking dish and layer it with pecans, cut apples, and cinnamon-sugar-coated biscuit dough. Pour melted brown sugar butter atop it, then bake it for 35 minutes. These fritters pull apart, which is fun for serving! I love serving this on relaxing weekend mornings. It is just as comforting as cinnamon rolls but easier to make. What makes it even better is that since it's baked, I don’t have to worry about as much clean-up.
Mom's Apple Fritters
Here is another Allrecipes apple fritter recipe that is too good to pass up. Start by combining all your dry ingredients, then adding in the wet. Whisk the mixture until it is free of lumps. Lastly, stir in the apples gently. Once your oil is hot, scoop dough balls into the oil to create fritters, try not to create too big of fritters, this could cause them not to become cooked in the middle. Allow the fritters to cool slightly. Personally, I love drizzling cinnamon glaze over these fritters! You can also dip them in cinnamon sugar.
Apple Fritter Rings
These shallow-fried apple fritters are a common treat in my household. To make them, core your apples and slice them thinly. Make your batter from flour, ginger ale, and salt. Next, individually dip your apples in the batter. Immediately fry the fritters for about four minutes total. To ensure they cook evenly, make sure to turn them over halfway through. From there, I typically coat them in powdered sugar! My kids usually like theirs with the classic cinnamon sugar, though, so I make some of each. Serving a variety of fritters with different toppings and glaze can be fun.
Cast Iron Apple Fritters
Here is another excellent recipe for shallow-fried apple fritters. Start by making the dough so that you can allow it to rest for two hours. Once it has risen, roll it into a rectangle and cover half of it with the filling. Fold over the other half of the dough, then seal it. Cut them into squares to create fritters, then fry them for a few minutes on each side. I suggest allowing them to drain before topping them with anything! The glaze is excellent, but I also think they are great with just powdered sugar.
Apple Fritter Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar: An Easy Fall Dessert
Are you looking to try an old-fashioned apple fritter recipe? This is the one for you, then! This batter is easy to make. Simply combine your dry ingredients before adding the wet. Once smooth, you can dip the sliced apple rings. Gently place the dipped apples in the hot oil. Cook the fritters until they're a deep golden brown. Dip in cinnamon sugar once drained. I love bringing these fritters to family gatherings because everyone loves how classic they are! There is something nostalgic about eating an authentic pastry
Old Fashioned Apple Fritters Recipe - Frugal Mom Eh!
These old-fashioned apple fritters are unforgettable. I made them one time, and my kids have been begging for them since! First, make an egg mixture for the batter, then mix it into your flour and other dry components. Next, gently fold in your apple pieces. Heat oil in a large skillet, then place drops of batter in the oil. Cook the fritters for five minutes, ensuring they don’t become too dark. I like cooling these fritters on a cooling rack and pouring the glaze over top of them! You can always dunk them or drizzle them as well.
German Apple Fritters (Apfelk�chle)
There is nothing better than a traditional German apple fritter! Start making the vanilla sauce on the stovetop for these yummy treats. For the batter, combine all ingredients and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Prepare your apples accordingly! Once the oil in your pan is hot, you can dip the cored and sliced apples into the batter before frying them. Allow the excess oil to drain. Personally, I like to sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the apples and then serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Delicious Bavarian Apple Fritters at Home
These German apple fritters are dreamy! Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them thinly. Whip the egg whites until a stiff peak forms and fold it into the other batter ingredients. Heat oil in a deep pan, then you can start the dipping process. Coat the apples in flour before drinking in the batter and frying. Allow the fritters to cool. My family loves to make a mixture of these, some with cinnamon sugar topping and some with vanilla glaze. The glaze is perfect because it isn’t overly sweet, it is the perfect combination of creamy and sugary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make Crispy Apple Fritters Instead of Soggy?
There are a few mistakes that you can make when making fritters that would cause them to become too soft. Firstly, make sure that you’re not using too much batter per fritter because if it is too thick, it will be hard for the pastry to cook through in the first place. Next, ensure your oil is hot enough if you are frying them. Otherwise, the dough will absorb the oil instead of getting crispy. Finally, allow them to dry on a wire rack as well. That will help them to stay crisp!
What is in a Traditional Apple Fritter?
The traditional German apple fritter is a pastry that consists of battered and fried apple rings. Additionally, it is classically served with vanilla sauce. Apple fritter doughnuts are a variation of the traditional German treat. Personally, I think both types of apple fritter pastries are phenomenal and unique in their own ways!
How Can I Thicken My Fritter Batter if it is Too Runny?
Have no fear; this can be easily solved by slowly adding more flour until it reaches a thicker consistency. Make sure you blend it so there are no lumps, and it shouldn’t be so thick that you can’t pour it. It should be similar in consistency to a pancake batter.
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Final Considerations
In general, apple fritters are yummy treats that can be enjoyed year-round! Although the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon are perfect for autumn, there is no stopping you from making them at any time.
I usually make them every few weeks, and my family enjoys them every time. I hope that this provided list gave you some insight into apple fritters. Of course, learning how to make them is fun, and enjoying them is even better.

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.