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Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

These Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are delightful bite-sized treats featuring tender apple chunks coated in a lightly spiced batter, fried to a golden crisp, and optionally drizzled with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, they combine the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples in a deliciously indulgent fritter.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 18 mini fritters

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters

  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into approximately ¼-inch pieces. Set a wire rack over a sheet pan to drain the cooked fritters once fried.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Apples: In a large bowl, place the diced apples and add flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla bean paste until fully combined.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the coated apples and gently fold the batter until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep fritters tender.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2–3 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring proper frying temperature.
  6. Fry a Test Fritter: Carefully lower a small scoop of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until the fritter is deeply golden and cooked through.
  7. Check Doneness: Remove the test fritter and check the center to ensure it’s set, not wet or gummy, and that the apple pieces are tender.
  8. Fry Remaining Batter: Fry the rest of the batter in small batches, allowing the oil to return close to 350°F before starting each batch to maintain consistent frying temperature.
  9. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked fritters to the wire rack and let excess oil drain off.
  10. Prepare Vanilla Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla bean paste. Add additional milk gradually until the glaze achieves a thick but pourable consistency.
  11. Glaze and Serve: Let the fritters cool for a few minutes, then drizzle or dip them in the vanilla glaze. Allow the glaze to set briefly and serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Choose firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough fritters.
  • Maintain oil temperature carefully to avoid greasy or undercooked fritters.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying results.
  • Glazing is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch that balances the cinnamon spice.
  • Ensure fritters cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off immediately.
  • Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container and reheat briefly in a pan or oven to retain crispness.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American