Description
Cinnamon-Glazed Apple Fritter Bites are crispy, bite-sized treats featuring tender apple chunks enveloped in a spiced batter, fried to golden perfection, and finished with a sweet cinnamon glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a breakfast snack or dessert, combining classic flavors with a delightful crunch in every bite.
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, about 2 inches deep)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water, core and peel them, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces approximately 1/4-inch cubes.
- Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon: Toss the chopped apples with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a medium bowl and set aside to marinate slightly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully mixed.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together, allowing for some lumps to remain for optimal batter texture.
- Incorporate apple mixture: Fold in the cinnamon-sugar coated apples evenly into the batter to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to about 2 inches deep over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry the fritters: Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of batter (4-5 fritter bites at a time) into the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip halfway through cooking.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fritters using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all batter is cooked.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed for dipping or drizzling.
- Glaze the fritters: Allow the fritters to cool for about 5 minutes, then dip them into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving for a perfect bite-sized cinnamon-glazed apple treat.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet glaze, but other firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to ensure fritters cook evenly without burning or absorbing too much oil.
- If batter becomes too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen it slightly before frying.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- The glaze can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated slightly for easier drizzling.
