Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Fritter Bites are irresistible mini treats bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy, golden exterior. Perfectly bite-sized for snacking or parties, these little fritters combine the cozy flavors of traditional apple fritters in a fun, easy-to-eat form. Serve them with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
all-purpose flour
baking powder
ground cinnamon
salt
granulated sugar
milk
large egg
vanilla extract
apple (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
vegetable oil (for frying)
powdered sugar or glaze (for finishing)
directions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20–24 fritter bites.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter.
Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla icing for dipping.
Use applesauce instead of diced apples for a softer texture.
storage/reheating
Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Reheat briefly in a toaster oven to restore crispness.
Not recommended for freezing.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but frying gives the best texture and flavor.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well during frying.
Can I use frozen apples?
Fresh is best; frozen apples release too much moisture and can make batter soggy.
Do I need a deep fryer?
A heavy pot with enough oil works perfectly as an alternative.
Can I make the batter ahead?
It’s best to make batter fresh for fluffier fritters.
Is the batter gluten-free?
Not in this recipe, but gluten-free flour blends can be substituted.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Their size and sweet flavor make them perfect for kids.
Can I add spices to the glaze?
Yes, cinnamon or vanilla extract adds a nice touch.
Why are my fritters greasy?
Make sure oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Bites are a deliciously sweet, crispy snack that packs all the cozy flavors of traditional apple fritters into fun, easy-to-eat morsels. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, they’re sure to be a hit anytime.
PrintApple Fritter Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bites
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, these mini apple fritter bites are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic apple fritter—perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg then stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the oil is hot, drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the oil, frying a few at a time without crowding, for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritter bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla until smooth to create a glaze.
- While fritter bites are still warm, dip or drizzle them with the glaze. Place on a wire rack or plate and let the glaze set for a few minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap apples: Granny Smith adds tartness, Honeycrisp offers sweetness.
- Make sure oil stays at a steady 350°F to avoid greasy bites.
- Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are fine for tender fritters.
- The glaze can be seasoned with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for variation.
- Leftovers freeze well: store in a sealed container and reheat in a toaster oven.