Welcome to my kitchen, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I have a mouthwatering delight in store for you – Big Apple Fritters. Imagine biting into crispy, golden fritters with chunks of sweet, juicy apples, perfectly spiced with a cinnamon-sugar kick. These fritters are the epitome of comfort food, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice looking to impress, this recipe is for you. Big Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that can be whipped up in no time, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Plus, they are a great way to use up those extra apples from your orchard visits or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating these delectable fritters, provide some handy tips and variations, and even suggest the perfect pairings to elevate your culinary experience. So, let’s get started!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s ensure you have the necessary kitchen equipment on hand:
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs
- Cooling Rack
- Paper Towels
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Cookie Scoop (for easy batter portioning)
Now that you’ve gathered your tools, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking!
The Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2-3 peeled apples (approximately 1 1/2 cups when diced)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 TBS cinnamon sugar mixture (2 TBS sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 1-1 1/2 TBS milk
Making Big Apple Fritters
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together until well combined.
Create the Batter: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you have a smooth batter.
Add the Apple Chunks: Toss the peeled, diced apples in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. Then, fold the apple chunks into the batter gently, ensuring an even distribution.
Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into your deep fryer or frying pan to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Fry the Fritters: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Make sure each scoop contains some apple chunks. Fry the fritters until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Rotate as Needed: If you’re using a deep fryer, you won’t need to flip them manually. However, if you’re frying in an open pan, gently flip the fritters using a spatula or fork to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Cool: Once the fritters are cooked to perfection, remove them from the fryer and place them on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath to catch any excess oil.
Glaze or Sugar Coat: If you opt for the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the fritters. If you prefer the classic cinnamon sugar coating, roll the fritters in it while they’re still warm.
Enjoy Fresh: Big Apple Fritters are best enjoyed while they’re still warm and crispy. So, serve them up to your eager taste testers as soon as possible!