Apple Fritter Bites are tiny, tasty treats packed with sweet apple goodness. Each bite is crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm touch!
These little bites are so fun to make and even better to eat! Perfect for sharing or a cozy snack. I find them hard to resist, so I often make a double batch! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for a balance of tartness and sweetness. For other options, Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples can also work well. Just check for similar textures and flavors!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’d like to make this gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be used. Just keep an eye on the texture of the batter!
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the fritters. If you’re running low, try using nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend for a different but still delightful flavor.
Milk: Regular milk works best, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just be aware of the sweetened or unsweetened varieties when choosing your alternative.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil is common for frying due to their high smoke points. Alternatively, peanut oil can be used for a different flavor, just ensure no one has allergies.
How Do I Get the Perfect Fry on My Apple Fritter Bites?
Frying can seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve that perfect golden crust! The key here is temperature and technique.
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Use a thermometer for accuracy!
- Drop spoonfuls of batter gently into the oil to avoid splashing. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can lower the oil temperature and make the fritters soggy.
- Fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown when done!
- Drain the fritter bites on a paper towel to remove excess oil, helping to keep them light and not greasy.
How to Make Apple Fritter Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritter Bites:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes for frying, plus a few minutes for glazing. Overall, you can enjoy these tasty treats in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so your fritter bites have great flavor!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness to your batter.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, you don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
4. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples until they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. This will give your fritters that delicious apple flavor in every bite!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a deep pan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer or drop in a small bit of batter to see if it bubbles up—if it does, you’re good to go!
6. Fry the Fritter Bites:
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
7. Drain and Cool:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritter bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil. Let them cool for a moment before glazing.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze seems too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Fritter Bites:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritter bites or dip them in the glaze, whichever you prefer!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These delicious Apple Fritter Bites are best served warm. Enjoy your sweet treats with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their tartness and firmness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness may vary slightly, so adjust the sugar if necessary.
What Can I Use Instead of Milk?
If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well! You can even use water in a pinch, but it may alter the flavor. Just ensure whatever substitute you choose is unsweetened for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Fritter Bites?
To store, place any leftover fritter bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just remember, they taste best fresh. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore some crispiness!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens too much, just whisk in a little extra milk before drizzling it over the fritter bites.
