Big Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, with chunks of juicy apples in every bite. These fritters are the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Here’s a recipe that makes them big, flavorful, and irresistible!
Ingredients:
For the Fritters:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks (about 1/2-inch pieces). Place them in a bowl and set aside.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
4. Fry the Fritters:
- Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon halfway through cooking.
- Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters, or dip them into the glaze for an extra sweet touch.
6. Serve:
- Serve the fritters warm, either glazed or plain, and enjoy their crispy, sweet, apple-filled goodness!
Tips:
- You can use any apples you prefer, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold up well during frying and give a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
- If you want even bigger fritters, you can use a large ice cream scoop to drop the batter into the oil for a larger fritter.
- For an extra twist, you can sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the fritters immediately after frying instead of glazing them.
Enjoy:
These Big Apple Fritters are sweet, crispy, and perfectly spiced, with chunks of tender apples in every bite. They’re perfect for fall but delicious any time of year. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a dessert for any occasion!