The Best Easy Homemade Recipe for Crispy, Glazed Apple Fritters
Few things rival the comfort of biting into a warm apple fritter with glaze, especially when it’s made fresh at home. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with juicy apple chunks, these old-fashioned treats are fried to perfection—without needing a mixer or any complicated equipment.
If you’ve ever craved those bakery-style apple fritters but felt intimidated by yeast, dough hooks, or long proofing times, this easy apple fritter recipe without a mixer is your shortcut to sweet success. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up golden fritters that are smothered in a luscious vanilla glaze. Let’s dive into this irresistible fall (or anytime!) favorite.
🔍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Mixer Needed – Simple bowl + whisk = less mess and fuss
Crispy & Tender Texture – The batter fries up golden and airy
Real Apples in Every Bite – Bursting with warm cinnamon flavor
Perfect for Beginners – Foolproof, no yeast, no proofing
Ready in 30 Minutes – A quick dessert or breakfast treat
Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, fall party, or cozy dessert, this recipe hits the sweet spot between easy and indulgent.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Fritter Batter:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
⅓ cup milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
🍎 Choosing the Best Apples for Fritters
The key to flavor-packed apple fritters is choosing the right apples. You want a variety that holds up to frying without turning mushy. Here are the best types:
Granny Smith: Tart, firm, and perfect for contrast
Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and juicy
Braeburn: Balanced flavor with good structure
Pro Tip: Mix two apple varieties for complex flavor!
👩🍳 How to Make Apple Fritters with Glaze (No Mixer!)
🥣 Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, bite-sized chunks.
Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
🥄 Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped apples.
Don’t overmix—a few lumps are okay. Overworking the batter can lead to dense fritters.
🍳 Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil.
Fry in small batches (3–4 fritters at a time), flipping once, until both sides are golden brown—about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Pro Tip: Use a thermometer to maintain a steady oil temp. Too hot = burnt outsides, raw insides. Too cold = greasy fritters.
🍯 Step 4: Glaze Them
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2–3 tbsp of milk until smooth.
While the fritters are still slightly warm, dip them into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
Let them rest on a wire rack so the glaze can set.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters
Dry your apples before adding to the batter to prevent sogginess.
Keep oil between 350–360°F for best texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—fritters need room to crisp evenly.
Glaze while warm so it seeps slightly into the fritter.
Use fresh baking powder for fluffier texture.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much apple: Overloading the batter can make fritters fall apart.
Oil not hot enough: Causes greasy, doughy centers.
Overmixing: Leads to dense, chewy fritters.
Skipping the draining step: Always drain excess oil for crispier texture.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Fritter)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 3g |
Values may vary depending on oil absorption and portion size.
🔄 Tips & Variations
💡 Tips:
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized fritters.
Double the glaze if you love things extra sweet!
Add nutmeg or allspice for warm autumn flavor.
🔄 Variations:
Caramel Apple Fritters: Add caramel bits to the batter or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Maple Glazed: Swap vanilla in the glaze for pure maple extract.
Apple Fritter Bites: Make mini versions for a fun party snack.
Baked Option: Drop batter into greased muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
🧺 How to Store:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Store glazed or unglazed for 4–5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
🔥 How to Reheat:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a crisp exterior.
Air Fryer: 3–4 minutes at 350°F—super crispy!
Microwave: 15–20 seconds for a softer result.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make apple fritters ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the batter and store it in the fridge (without apples) for up to 24 hours. Add chopped apples just before frying.
Q2: Why are my fritters raw inside?
Usually from oil that’s too hot. Keep the temp around 350°F and avoid making the fritters too large.
Q3: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, while frying gives the best texture, you can bake them in a muffin tin at 375°F for 15–18 minutes. Brush with melted butter and glaze.
Q4: What’s the best oil for frying apple fritters?
Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
📌 Save or Share This Delicious Apple Fritter Recipe!
If you’re craving that warm, bakery-style treat without the hassle of a stand mixer or dough rise, these apple fritters with glaze (no mixer!) will be your new go-to. From busy weekday breakfasts to cozy fall desserts, they’re a delicious and simple indulgence.
💬 Tried it? Let us know how yours turned out in the comments!
📌 Love it? Save this pin or share with your apple-loving friends!
