If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent, these Apple Fritter Bites are the answer. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with juicy chunks of apple—these little bites are pure comfort food.
They’re super fun to make (especially when the kitchen starts smelling like cinnamon heaven) and even better to eat. Honestly, I can never make just one batch—they disappear in seconds!
🛒 What You’ll Need (And Easy Swaps!)
Apples:
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully—they hold their shape and add just the right balance of tart and sweet. You can also use Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn—just aim for apples that don’t turn mushy when cooked.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can use a gluten-free blend or almond flour if you’re avoiding gluten. Just keep an eye on the batter’s consistency—it should be thick but spoonable.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon gives that warm, spiced flavor. If you want to change things up, nutmeg or pumpkin spice are great too!
Milk:
Regular milk works best, but almond or oat milk are great if you need a dairy-free version. Choose unsweetened if possible so your fritters don’t turn overly sweet.
Oil for Frying:
Vegetable or canola oil is perfect. Peanut oil works too—just make sure no one around has allergies.
🔥 Pro Tip: How to Get That Golden Crispy Perfection
- Heat your oil to exactly 350°F (175°C). Too cool = greasy. Too hot = burned outside, raw inside.
- Drop the batter gently into the oil. Use a cookie scoop or spoon and fry just a few at a time.
- Let them cook 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway. You’re looking for that deep golden brown.
- Drain them on paper towels to keep things crisp, not oily.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Fritter Bites
Ingredients
For the fritters:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, diced)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth. - Make the Batter:
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy. - Fold in Apples:
Gently stir in your chopped apples. Every bite should have a bit of apple! - Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 350°F. Test with a thermometer or drop in a tiny bit of batter—it should bubble up right away. - Fry the Bites:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown. - Drain & Cool:
Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain. - Make the Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk for thickness. - Glaze Time!
Drizzle glaze over warm fritters or dunk them right in—it’s up to you! - Serve & Devour:
These are best eaten warm and fresh, but good luck making them last more than five minutes!
Can I use different apples?
Yes! Just make sure they’re firm and won’t turn to mush when cooked.
No milk?
Use almond, oat, or soy milk. Even water will do in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 1 day at room temp or 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Totally! Just store it in the fridge and stir in a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
