Name: Mini Apple Fritters with Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American (or general western style)
Ingredients: 1 cup all‑purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; ½ cup milk; 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces; Oil for frying (vegetable or similar); Powdered sugar or glaze for finishing

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Sweet mini fritters made with apples and cinnamon, lightly fried and topped with sugar or glaze, make a cozy little treat that I love to enjoy warm. These bite-sized fritters are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and full of apple flavor. Mini Apple Fritters with Cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it takes simple pantry ingredients and transforms them into something special in less than half an hour. I enjoy the crispy golden edges paired with the warm apple-cinnamon center. These fritters are easy enough to whip up on a weekday yet impressive enough for guests. I also love that I can finish them with either powdered sugar or a sweet glaze depending on my mood.

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 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
½ cup milk
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
Oil for frying (vegetable or similar)
Powdered sugar or glaze for finishing

directions

I heat oil in a frying pan or pot over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, I beat the egg and stir it with the milk.
I add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring just until combined without overmixing.
I fold in the chopped apples.
I drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, cooking only a few at a time.
I fry until one side turns golden, then flip and cook the other side until crisp.
I remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
While still warm, I dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
I let them cool slightly and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–25 mini fritters. I find it takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry, giving me a total of 25 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavor. For a lighter version, I bake them in the oven instead of deep frying, though the texture comes out softer. I also like swapping half the apples for pears to give a unique twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the outside crisp. I avoid microwaving because it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

I find these fritters taste best fresh, but I can fry them a few hours in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.

What apples work best for fritters?

I like using tart apples such as Granny Smith, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady also work well since they hold their shape when fried.

Can I freeze the fritters?

Yes, I freeze cooled fritters in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I reheat them in the oven straight from frozen.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

I can bake them at 375°F until golden, about 15–20 minutes, but I notice they turn out softer than fried fritters.

How do I know the oil is hot enough?

I test by dropping in a small piece of batter—if it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready.

Conclusion

These mini apple fritters are one of my favorite quick desserts. I love how the cinnamon-spiced batter wraps around sweet apples and turns golden and crisp in minutes. Whether I coat them in powdered sugar or glaze, they always bring a warm, comforting flavor to the table.