Big Apple Fritters – Crispy, Juicy, Irresistible Fall Treats

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a warm, sugary apple fritter. With its crispy golden crust, tender apple chunks, and cinnamon-kissed glaze, the Big Apple Fritter is the ultimate comfort food—especially in fall when apples are at their peak. Whether you pick them up from your favorite bakery or make them fresh at home, these sweet fried doughnuts are the perfect way to celebrate apple season.

Making homemade apple fritters might seem intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think. With just a few pantry staples and fresh apples, you can recreate that old-fashioned flavor right in your own kitchen. Not sure what type of apples to use? This apple guide breaks down the best apples for baking and frying so you get the right balance of sweetness and texture.

And if you’re new to frying or want to make sure your fritters turn out extra crispy without getting oily, check out this beginner’s frying guide that walks you through oil temps, tools, and safety tips. You’ll be frying like a pro in no time.

What Are Big Apple Fritters?

Apple fritters are a type of fried pastry made by folding chopped apples into a sweet batter, dropping spoonfuls into hot oil, and cooking until golden brown. They’re often finished with a simple glaze or dusted with powdered sugar. Big apple fritters are just what they sound like—larger, more indulgent versions of the classic, often packed with more apples and more flavor.

Why they’re a fan favorite:

Crispy on the outside
Soft and fluffy inside
Loaded with fresh apples
Coated in a sweet glaze or cinnamon sugar
Perfect with coffee, tea, or warm cider

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these old-fashioned apple fritters, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

For the Fritter Batter:

2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
¾ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Frying:

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

the Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Big Apple Fritters (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.
Toss with lemon juice and set aside to prevent browning.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples.

3. Heat the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for even cooking.

4. Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, 2–3 at a time.
Fry each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined tray.

5. Glaze Them

While still warm, dip fritters in glaze or drizzle it over the top.
Let them sit on a wire rack so the glaze sets.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters

To make big apple fritters that are bakery-worthy, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot.
Cut apples small – This helps them cook faster and prevents raw bits inside.
Use fresh oil – Old oil can affect flavor and texture.
Double the glaze – If you love that sticky-sweet finish, make extra glaze for dipping.

Variations to Try

Want to put your own twist on these classic fritters? Try one of these fun variations:

Caramel Apple Fritters – Add a swirl of caramel sauce to the batter or drizzle it on top.
Apple Pie Spice – Use a spice blend instead of cinnamon for extra depth.
Maple Glazed Fritters – Swap vanilla in the glaze for real maple syrup.
Baked Apple Fritters – Skip the oil and bake in a muffin tin at 375°F for 15–18 minutes. Not quite the same crisp, but still tasty!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Fritters are best eaten fresh and warm, but you can still enjoy them later with a few tricks:

Room Temp: Store loosely covered for 1–2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container up to 4 days. Warm in oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until hot.

Thank you for following me on Facebook & pinterest
for more recipes click here