If you’re looking for a warm, crispy, sweet treat that instantly transports you to cozy autumn afternoons, this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, fluffy fritters are bursting with tender apple slices, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and coated in a perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar mix that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) without a second thought. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to comfort snack or fabulous brunch treat for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the ideal texture, balanced sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma that defines these fritters.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to achieve that perfectly crispy and golden exterior without overpowering flavors.
- Sugar (1/4 cup and 3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness both in the batter and the cinnamon sugar coating for a double dose of indulgence.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkles warmth and depth through both the batter and final coating.
- Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the batter, giving structure while keeping the fritters light and fluffy.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives lift so the fritters puff up nicely as they fry.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness to the batter for a tender bite.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Infuses subtle sweetness and depth beyond plain sugar.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- Apples (4 medium): The star ingredient! Peeled, cored, and sliced into half-inch rings, they provide sweetness and a delightful fruity texture in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep for Frying
First things first, pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet or heavy pot and slowly heat it over medium until it reaches the ideal frying temperature of 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the fritters cook evenly and develop that lacy golden crust without soaking up excess oil. Meanwhile, line a plate with paper towels to drain the fritters later and mix the cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl — this will be your finishing touch that makes these apple fritters truly shine.
Step 2: Make Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add the wet ingredients — milk, maple syrup, egg, and oil. Whisk everything until you get a smooth, thick batter that clings well to the apples. This batter is perfectly thick to coat the apple slices without dripping, so each bite is packed with flavor and a tender texture.
Step 3: Prep Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into half-inch-thick rings. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels because removing excess moisture helps the batter stick better and prevents the oil from splattering while frying. If you ever find the batter slips off easily, lightly dust the apple slices with cornstarch before dipping — a little trick to guarantee a perfect coating every time.
Step 4: Fry
Working carefully one at a time, dip each apple ring into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated, then gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid burning and flip them gently to preserve their shape and fluffiness.
Step 5: Finish
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto the paper towels to drain briefly. While they’re still warm, toss them immediately in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. This step ensures the coating sticks beautifully, adding that signature sweet crunch and cinnamon kick. Continue frying and coating the rest until all your apple rings are gloriously golden and dusted with cinnamon sugar magic.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe experience with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant snowy effect or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully, balancing the warm spices with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
These fritters taste fantastic on their own, but serving them alongside a cup of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea takes the experience up a notch. For brunch, add some crispy bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to offer a savory contrast that genuinely complements the sweet cinnamon and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, stack the fritters in a rustic tower on a wooden board dusted with cinnamon sugar and scatter fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around. You can even serve them skewered on sticks for a fun twist at parties or as a delicious handheld snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover fritters (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them crisp on the outside and soft inside, so you can enjoy them fresh the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. This way, you have a quick, sweet treat ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated fritters in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delightful crunch and fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! For the best balance of sweet and tart, try using a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples. Firmer varieties hold up better during frying and prevent the fritters from becoming too mushy.
Is it possible to bake these apple fritters instead of frying?
While traditional fritters are fried for that crispy crust, you can try baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased baking sheet. They won’t have quite the same crunch but will still be delicious and a bit lighter.
How do I know when the oil temperature is just right for frying?
The oil should be between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy or test by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil — it should immediately sizzle and rise to the surface.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh to ensure the right texture and fluffiness. However, if you must prepare in advance, cover and refrigerate the batter for up to 4 hours, then whisk gently before using.
What’s the best way to keep the fritters crispy after frying?
Drain them on paper towels and avoid stacking while warm to prevent sogginess. Serving soon after frying ensures the crispiest texture paired with tender apple centers.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, the combination of tender apples, fluffy batter, and sweet cinnamon sugar is pure comfort food magic. So grab some apples, warm up that oil, and treat yourself to these irresistible fritters—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and fluffy cinnamon sugar apple fritters made by dipping fresh apple rings in a thick spiced batter and deep frying until golden. These sweet treats are coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mix for a perfect balance of warm spices and tender fruit, ideal for a cozy dessert or festive snack.
Ingredients
Frying Oil and Coating
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oil
Apples
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch thick rings
Instructions
- Prep for frying: Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet or heavy pot and slowly heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches between 350 and 375°F. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining the fritters. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl to make the coating blend.
- Make batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Add in the milk, maple syrup, egg, and oil; whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth, thick, and free of lumps.
- Prep apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch thick rings. Pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For better batter adherence, you can lightly dust the apple rings with cornstarch before dipping.
- Fry: One at a time, dip each apple ring into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Gently lower the coated apple ring into the hot oil. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until the fritters are puffed and golden brown.
- Finish: Remove the fritters from the oil and drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately toss the warm fritters in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Place on a serving plate and repeat with all remaining apple rings.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature between 350-375°F is crucial for crispy, non-greasy fritters.
- Patting the apple slices dry helps the batter stick better and prevents sogginess.
- For extra crispy texture, dust apple slices lightly with cornstarch before dipping.
- The maple syrup in the batter adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Serve fritters warm for the best taste and texture experience.
