Apple Fritter Bites are small, deep-fried treats filled with tender apple chunks and coated with a sweet cinnamon glaze. I get that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture every time I make them, and they’re ideal for a quick dessert or afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy these Apple Fritter Bites come together with simple pantry staples. They pack all the comforting flavors of apple pie into bite-sized pieces that are fried to golden perfection. The tart apples balance the sweetness, while the cinnamon glaze takes them over the top. Whether I serve them warm right out of the fryer or sneak a few cold later on, they’re always a hit.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp melted butter
1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (for glaze)
directions
I start by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Then I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
I fold in the diced apples gently to avoid overmixing.
I heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Using a spoon, I drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying just a few at a time.
I cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
After frying, I drain the fritters on paper towels.
To make the glaze, I whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
While the fritters are still warm, I dip or drizzle them with the glaze and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12–15 fritter bites. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes. Each serving (3 bites) has approximately 210 calories.
Variations
Sometimes I like to switch it up by using different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist. I’ve also added a pinch of nutmeg or swapped the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar. For a fall vibe, a dash of apple pie spice does wonders.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or give them a quick warm-up in the air fryer. I avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
I check that the oil is at 350°F using a thermometer. If I don’t have one, I drop a small bit of batter into the oil — it should sizzle and rise to the top right away.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I prefer them fresh, but I’ve made them a few hours ahead and stored them uncovered to keep the crispness. I glaze them right before serving.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Baking won’t give the same crispy texture, but I’ve tried it at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes in a mini muffin pan. They’re more like apple donut holes when baked.
What type of apples work best?
I like using Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances the sweetness. Other good options are Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Can I freeze apple fritter bites?
Yes, I let them cool completely, skip the glaze, and freeze them in a single layer. I reheat from frozen in the oven and glaze them after warming.
Conclusion
These Apple Fritter Bites are everything I love in a quick dessert — easy to make, filled with cozy flavors, and totally satisfying. Whether it’s for a family treat or a party platter, I always end up making a second batch because they disappear fast!
Apple Fritter Bites are small, deep-fried treats filled with tender apple chunks and coated with a sweet cinnamon glaze. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside — perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp melted butter
1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, cooking a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon to make the glaze.
Drizzle or dip fritters in the glaze while still warm. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature.
