Description
These Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, featuring tender apple-infused fritters fried to golden perfection and coated with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they combine warm spices and fresh apples for a comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Mixture
- 2 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill about 2 inches in skillet)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water, then core and peel them. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces approximately 1/4-inch cubes for even cooking and distribution in the batter.
- Season the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture enhances the apple’s natural flavor and spices the fritters. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. This creates the base for the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together. Some lumps are fine, ensuring the batter is not overmixed which helps maintain fluffiness.
- Add Apples to Batter: Fold the prepared apple mixture into the batter evenly, distributing the pieces for consistent apple flavor in each bite.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches on medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for frying to get a crispy golden exterior.
- Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil cautiously, frying 4-5 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until fritters are golden brown and puffed up, flipping halfway with a slotted spoon.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat frying with remaining batter.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Fritters: After allowing the fritters to cool for about 5 minutes, dip each fritter into the glaze or drizzle it on top to coat evenly.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes to avoid messiness, then serve warm and enjoy these sweet cinnamon apple bites.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweet glaze well.
- Ensure oil temperature stays around 350°F to prevent greasy fritters.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Adjust glaze consistency for thicker or thinner coating depending on preference.
- Fritters are best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
