Golden, crispy, and packed with warm cinnamon apples, Big Apple Fritters are everything you love about fall desserts but good any time of year. With their signature craggy edges and glossy glaze, these fritters are a cross between a doughnut and a spiced apple pie—in the best way possible.

Each bite gives you sweet apple chunks nestled into soft dough, perfectly fried until golden brown and then coated with a shiny vanilla glaze that sets just right. They make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and are as satisfying with morning coffee as they are with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Big Apple Fritters Recipe

These fritters are not your average doughnut. They have texture, flavor, and personality. The contrast of crispy edges and tender interior creates an irresistible mouthfeel. The apple chunks stay juicy even after frying, and the cinnamon spice blend brings it all together with cozy fall energy. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or a holiday treat, these fritters will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Fritters?

For the best fritters, go with a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith holds up well during cooking without turning mushy, and something like a Honeycrisp or Fuji adds natural sweetness. If you’re using only one kind, stick with Honeycrisp—it brings a great balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients for the Big Apple Fritters

When it comes to flavor-packed fritters, each ingredient plays a key role. These apple fritters are a perfect blend of comforting baking staples and fresh produce, all working together to create the ultimate handheld treat.

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Apples
Lemon juice
Butter
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar
Milk (for glaze)
Vanilla (for glaze)

How To Make the Big Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel and dice the apples, then toss them in lemon juice to keep them from browning. This brightens their flavor and keeps them looking fresh.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Gently stir in the diced apples until evenly distributed. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to hydrate and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F. Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature—this keeps the fritters from becoming greasy or undercooked.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Glaze While Warm

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over the warm fritters or dip them in for full coverage. Let the glaze set before serving.

How to Serve and Store These Fritters

Big Apple Fritters are best served warm while the glaze is still slightly sticky and the insides are fluffy and tender. They make an excellent pairing with coffee or chai in the morning, or you can top them with whipped cream or ice cream for a cozy dessert. This recipe yields about 10-12 fritters, depending on how large you scoop them.

To store leftovers, let the fritters cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that just-fried texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crisp edges intact.

What to Serve With Big Apple Fritters?

Coffee or Chai Latte

A warm mug of freshly brewed coffee or chai latte complements the spices and sweetness in the fritters beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Scoop some ice cream next to a warm fritter for an indulgent dessert that hits every note—hot, cold, crispy, and creamy.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

A touch of salted caramel sauce adds extra depth and richness. It plays off the apple and cinnamon flavors wonderfully.

Spiced Whipped Cream

Make a batch of whipped cream with cinnamon and nutmeg folded in. It’s light, airy, and makes every bite extra cozy.

Cheesy Savory Casserole

Balance the sweetness with something hearty like this Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s a satisfying contrast on a brunch table.

Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus keeps things light and bright, making the fritters feel even more indulgent.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage Patties

For a sweet-and-savory twist, serve these fritters with some sizzling bacon or breakfast sausage on the side.

Want More Apple Dessert Ideas?

If you loved these Big Apple Fritters, try out more fruity bakes and sweet indulgences from the site:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you love a rich, soft-centered treat.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for something sweet with a tangy finish.
Lemon Truffles Recipe if you like bright flavors in small bites.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for a decadent, nostalgic twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for the full glaze dip or just a drizzle? Add nuts or stick to apples?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other fry smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Big Apple Fritters are one of those treats that feel both nostalgic and new. They combine the joy of warm spices and sweet apples with the satisfying crunch of fried dough. Whether you’re cooking up a fall breakfast or surprising your family with a homemade dessert, these fritters bring comfort and flavor in every bite. Make them once, and you’ll be reaching for apples every weekend.