Is there any treat that tastes more like a perfect, crisp autumn day than a warm, fresh-from-the-fryer Apple Fritter? That incredible, nostalgic combination of a light, golden-brown, crispy batter giving way to a tender, tart apple slice, all generously coated in a sparkling, zesty sugar—it’s pure, unadulterated comfort and joy.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your ultimate guide to mastering this beloved fall classic at home. Forget the dense, heavy fritters of the past. We’ll show you the simple secrets—including a surprising ingredient that guarantees a shatteringly crisp texture—to creating the most unbelievably light and airy apple fritters you’ve ever had. Get ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of fried apples and cinnamon and create a new fall tradition.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Taste of Autumn
What makes this apple fritter recipe truly “the best” is its brilliant, simple batter that creates an exceptionally light and crispy result. The secret lies in a combination of tangy buttermilk and, most importantly, sparkling water. The carbonation in the water creates a texture that is closer to a delicate tempura than a heavy donut, providing the perfect, crunchy shell for the soft, tender apple inside. Finished with a bright, fragrant lemon sugar, this is a foolproof, from-scratch treat that is perfect for a special weekend breakfast, an after-school snack, or a fun fall baking project.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Active Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 6-8 |
The Essential Ingredients for the Crispiest Fritters
This recipe uses a handful of simple pantry staples and one secret ingredient to create a spectacular result.
- The Light & Crispy Batter: This is where the magic happens.
- Sparkling Water: This is the game-changing secret ingredient! The carbonation in the sparkling water creates thousands of tiny air pockets in the batter. When these hit the hot oil, they expand rapidly, resulting in an incredibly light, airy, and super-crispy fried coating.
- Buttermilk: The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to provide a little extra lift and leavening. It also helps to create a wonderfully tender interior crumb.
- The Apples: The tart and tender heart of our fritters.
- Best Varieties: It is essential to use a firm, tart apple that will hold its shape during frying and provide a perfect flavor contrast to the sweet batter. Granny Smith apples are the number one choice for a reason! Other great, firm-tart options include Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp.
- The Frying Oil: For deep-frying, you want to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. A blend of vegetable and olive oil works well, as do canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil.
- The Zesty Lemon Sugar: The perfect, bright finish. Instead of a heavy glaze, we toss the hot fritters in a simple mixture of granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. The fragrant oils from the zest infuse the sugar, creating a bright, citrusy, and aromatic coating that perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried fritter.
Step-by-Step to Perfect, Crispy Apple Fritters
Follow these simple, detailed steps for a perfect, golden-brown result every time.
Step 1: Create the Light and Crispy Fritter Batter
In a medium bowl, mix together the 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, the 1/4 cup of sugar, the 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, the 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, the 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
Add the 3/4 cup of sparkling water, the 1/2 cup of buttermilk, and the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a fork to stir the mixture until it just forms a smooth batter.
Pro Tip: Let the prepared batter rest on the counter for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, which will result in a more tender and cohesive final fritter.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Lemon Sugar
While the batter is resting, prepare your other components.
For the Lemon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the zest of 1 large lemon. Set this aside.
For the Apples: Peel and core your 3 firm apples. Cut them into uniform, 1/2-inch-thick round slices. Using paper towels, thoroughly blot the apple slices to get them as dry as possible.
Pro Tip: This drying step is crucial! Excess moisture on the surface of the apples can prevent the batter from sticking properly and can cause the hot oil to splatter dangerously.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry to Golden Perfection
Step 1: In a heavy, 4- to 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, pour in your olive oil and vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F (190°C).
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the bread cube test. A 1-inch cube of bread dropped into the hot oil should turn a beautiful golden brown in about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the dried apple slices to the prepared batter and toss them gently until each slice is completely and evenly coated.
Step 3: Working in small batches of 3 to 4 slices, carefully add the battered apples to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
Step 4: Fry the apples, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon or tongs, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot, fried fritters to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately
While the fritters are still hot and fresh from the fryer, sprinkle them generously with your prepared lemon sugar.
These apple fritters are at their absolute, undeniable best when they are served immediately, while they are still warm, and the outside is at its crispiest.
The Best Crispy Old-Fashioned Apple Fritters (Easy Recipe!)
A classic recipe for homemade, deep-fried apple fritters. This dish features thick slices of firm Granny Smith apples that are coated in a light and airy batter made with both sparkling water and buttermilk. The coated apple slices are then fried in a blend of olive and vegetable oil until golden brown and cooked through. While still warm, the fritters are sprinkled with a simple, homemade lemon-infused sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes batter resting time)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup sparkling water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 cups olive oil, for frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 firm apples, such as Granny Smith
Instructions
- Make the Batter and Lemon Sugar: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar, the cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the sparkling water, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the lemon zest.
- Fry the Fritters: In a heavy 4 to 5-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil and vegetable oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F.
- While the oil heats, peel and core the apples, then cut them into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Blot the apple slices dry with paper towels.
- Add the apple slices to the prepared batter and toss until they are well coated.
- Working in batches, carefully place the battered apple slices into the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Sprinkle the hot fritters with the lemon sugar.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using sparkling water in the batter is a key technique that helps to create a light and crispy texture.
- Letting the batter rest for 15 minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender fritter.
- It is important to pat the apple slices dry so that the batter adheres to them properly.
- Frying in batches is necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure the fritters cook evenly and become crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 500-600
- Sugar: 40-50 g
- Sodium: 250-350 mg
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Saturated Fat: 4-6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
- Fiber: 3-5 g
- Protein: 4-6 g
- Cholesterol: 5-10 mg
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Apple fritters are a treat that is truly best enjoyed within minutes of being made.
- Make-Ahead: For a super-fast treat, you can prepare both the batter and the lemon sugar up to a day in advance. Store the batter, covered, in the refrigerator. You may need to whisk in another small splash of sparkling water to loosen it up before you use it. The lemon sugar can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Storage: If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: The absolute best way to reheat the fritters and bring back some of their original crispiness is in an air fryer or a hot 400°F oven. Place them in a single layer and heat for just 3-5 minutes, until they are warm and have crisped up again.
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Creative Recipe Variations
This simple and delicious recipe is a wonderful base for your own creative and cozy twists.
- Make it a “Diced Apple” Fritter: For a more classic, donut-shop-style fritter, you can finely dice your apples into small, 1/4-inch pieces instead of slicing them. Fold about 2 cups of the finely diced apple directly into the batter. Then, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the apple-studded batter into the hot oil and fry until golden.
- Add a Simple Glaze: If you prefer a glaze instead of a sugar coating, you can skip the lemon sugar. Instead, dip the warm, freshly fried fritters into a simple glaze made by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Use a Different Fall Fruit: This same light and crispy batter would be absolutely fantastic with other firm fruits. Try it with firm pear slices for a delicious pear fritter, or even with thick slices of persimmon.
Enjoy The Perfect Taste of Fall!
You’ve just created a truly special, from-scratch treat that is the very definition of autumn comfort. This classic, Old-Fashioned Apple Fritter recipe is a perfect harmony of a light and crispy shell, a tender apple interior, and a bright, sugary coating. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying recipe that is sure to become a new fall tradition.
We hope you enjoy every last, warm, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves a classic fall treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the absolute secret to a light and crispy fritter batter?
The secret is carbonation! The sparkling water in this recipe is a brilliant trick that creates an incredibly light, airy, and crispy texture. The bubbles in the water create tiny air pockets in the batter that expand rapidly in the hot oil, resulting in a much lighter and crispier result than a batter made with still water or milk alone.
Q2: What are the best apples to use for apple fritters?
For any fried apple recipe, you want to use a very firm apple that will hold its shape and not turn into a mushy applesauce inside the fritter. A firm, tart apple like a Granny Smith is the number one choice because its tartness is a beautiful contrast to the sweet batter. Other great, firm apple varieties that work well include Braeburn, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.
Q3: How do I know when my frying oil is at the right temperature without a thermometer?
A deep-fry thermometer is the most accurate tool, but if you don’t have one, the bread cube test mentioned in the recipe is a fantastic, classic trick. Simply drop a 1-inch cube of bread into the hot oil. If the oil is at the correct temperature (around 375°F), the bread cube should turn a beautiful, even golden brown in about 3 minutes. If it browns faster, your oil is too hot. If it takes longer, your oil is not hot enough.
Q4: Can I make these apple fritters in an air fryer?
Because this is a very wet, liquid batter, it is not suitable for a standard air fryer, as the batter would simply drip through the basket. An air fryer is best for foods that are already solid, like breaded items or foods with a thicker dough.
Q5: Why does the batter need to rest for 15 minutes?
Letting the batter rest is a simple but important step in many recipes that use flour. This short resting period allows the starch molecules in the flour to fully absorb the liquid in the batter. This helps to thicken the batter slightly and allows the gluten to relax, which will result in a more tender and cohesive final fritter that holds onto the apple slices better.