If you have a craving for something sweet, crispy, and bursting with cozy autumn flavors, this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender, juicy apple rings generously coated in a spiced, fluffy batter then fried to golden perfection and tossed in a sparkling cinnamon sugar blend. These fritters offer the perfect balance of warm cinnamon warmth and apple tartness wrapped in a crisp exterior, making every bite a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe will quickly win you over with its irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
None of the ingredients here are complicated or exotic—they’re everyday pantry staples that come together to create a magical taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the flour lending structure to the cinnamon infusing warmth and the apples bringing natural sweetness and a juicy bite.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Provides the perfect medium to achieve that golden, crispy crust on the fritters.
- Sugar and cinnamon for coating: This classic duo adds sweetness and a fragrant spice finish, elevating the apple rings to pure delight.
- Flour, baking powder, and salt: The trio creates a light, airy batter with just the right rise and flavor balance.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender, ensuring your fritters are soft inside.
- Maple syrup: Introduces a subtle, rich sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
- Egg and oil in batter: The egg gives structure and richness while the oil keeps everything moist and tender.
- Apples: Choose fresh, firm apples for the best texture—peeled and sliced into rings, they are the shining star in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep for frying
Start by pouring 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat it gently over medium heat until it reaches 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for that perfect golden crust. Meanwhile, line a plate with paper towels to drain excess oil later, and mix your cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl—it’s the irresistible coating that will finish off each fritter beautifully.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients evenly. Then add the milk, maple syrup, egg, and oil, whisking until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that clings nicely to the apple slices without being too runny or too stiff. This batter is key to creating fritters that puff up light and crispy.
Step 3: Prep the apples
Peel, core, and slice four medium apples into half-inch thick rings—these thick enough rings give you that satisfying bite and keep their shape when fried. Pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this step helps the batter grip better so your fritters don’t slip off during frying. If you find the batter isn’t sticking well, lightly dust the slices with cornstarch—it’s a nifty trick to improve adhesion.
Step 4: Fry the fritters
Working one apple ring at a time, dip each slice fully into the batter, letting any excess drip back into the bowl before gently lowering it into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until the fritters turn a gorgeous golden brown and puff up slightly, signaling they’re perfectly cooked inside and out. Keep your eye on the temperature—too low and they’ll absorb oil, too high and they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through.
Step 5: Finish with cinnamon sugar
Once fried, briefly drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture so every crispy edge is coated in that sweet, spicy magic. Set aside on a serving plate and repeat with all the apple rings. The warm coating will create little sugar crystals that add a delightful crunch and flavor burst with each bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze for an extra decadent touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can instantly turn these fritters into an irresistible dessert ready to wow any guest.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a cup of hot spiced cider or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy breakfast spread. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a simple arugula salad with nuts and cheese, letting the fritters balance sweet and savory flavors for a light lunch or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fritters stacked high on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with chopped nuts and drizzled with honey for a charming fall-inspired treat. Or thread apple fritter “skewers” for a playful presentation at a party. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the fritters to lose their crispiness and become soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, let the fritters cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy homemade apple fritters anytime without extra prep.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. This method brings back their crisp exterior and warm, tender center much better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully because they hold their shape well during frying and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors that complement the cinnamon sugar coating.
Is there a way to make these fritters less oily?
Maintaining the frying oil at the right temperature (between 350 and 375°F) ensures the fritters cook quickly without absorbing too much oil. Also, letting fritters drain on paper towels immediately after frying helps remove excess oil for a lighter finish.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You could try baking but the texture will differ—baking won’t produce the same crispy, deep-fried crust that makes these apple fritters special. If you prefer baking, consider tossing the apple slices in batter, placing on a greased sheet, and spraying lightly with oil before baking at high heat, but expect a softer result.
What can I use if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup are excellent substitutes, adding their own unique sweetness. You can also use a bit of vanilla extract paired with sugar to maintain the flavor depth without liquid sweeteners.
Are there any tips for batter consistency in the Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe?
If your batter seems too thin and slips off the apples, add a little more flour to thicken it. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk will loosen it up. The perfect batter should coat the apple rings smoothly and cling just enough without dripping excessively.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe is a total joy to make and eat—simple ingredients transforming into a mouthwatering treat that feels both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet ending to a dinner party, these fritters deliver warmth, comfort, and deliciousness in every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these crispy and fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters, featuring tender apple rings dipped in a spiced batter and fried to golden perfection. Coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, they make for a perfect cozy treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Frying Oil and Coating
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon oil
Apples
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch thick rings)
Instructions
- Prep for frying: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep cast iron skillet or heavy pot. Slowly heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350–375°F. Meanwhile, line a plate with paper towels for draining the fritters and mix together the cinnamon sugar in a shallow bowl to coat the fritters once fried.
- Make batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, maple syrup, egg, and oil, whisking until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the apples well.
- Prep apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch thick rings. Pat each slice thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure the batter adheres better. For extra grip on the batter, lightly dust each apple ring with cornstarch if desired.
- Fry: Working one apple ring at a time, dip it fully into the batter, then gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until the fritters are golden brown and puffy. Use a slotted spoon to carefully turn and remove the fritters.
- Finish: Drain each fritter briefly on the paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. While still warm, toss the fritters in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Set aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining apple rings.
Notes
- Maintaining oil temperature between 350–375°F is key for crispy, non-greasy fritters.
- Drying the apple slices well helps the batter stick and prevents sogginess.
- Lightly dusting the apple rings with cornstarch before dipping in batter can improve coating adherence.
- Use a deep, heavy pot to keep oil temperature consistent and prevent splatter.
- Serve fritters warm for best taste and texture.
