Introduction

Glazed Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar are the ultimate comfort dessert — crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, bursting with tender apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor. Then they’re finished with a silky glaze and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for that irresistible crunch and sweetness.

They’re everything you love about fall wrapped up in one bite — like a cross between an apple donut and a cinnamon roll. The moment you fry them, the kitchen fills with the most delicious aroma of apples, butter, and spice.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy autumn snack, these apple fritters are truly indulgent and comforting.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of homemade comfort food — simple, rustic, and full of flavor. The golden exterior, the tender apple pieces, and the warm glaze all come together to make each bite melt-in-your-mouth good.

What I really adore is how freshly made fritters taste — nothing beats the texture of a warm fritter straight from the fryer. The combination of sweet apples and cinnamon with a soft dough is nostalgic, reminding me of cozy fairs and fall festivals.

Plus, these fritters are easy to make at home — no special doughnut equipment needed — and the reward is absolute perfection.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Perfect Fall Dessert: Made with fresh apples and warm spices.
Crispy & Glazed: Crunchy exterior with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: No yeast, no rising — ready in under an hour.
Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Irresistibly Aromatic: Fills your home with the smell of cinnamon apples.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10 fritters
Calories: ~290 kcal per fritter
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert / Breakfast / Snack

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅔ cup (160ml) milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced — about 1 ½ cups; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Glaze:

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar (optional but amazing):

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix dry ingredients.
Whisk wet ingredients and fold in apples.
Heat oil and fry spoonfuls of batter until golden brown.
Drain, then coat in glaze and dust with cinnamon sugar.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Heat to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Using a large spoon or ¼-cup measuring cup, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 fritters at a time, turning occasionally, until both sides are golden brown (about 2–3 minutes per side).

Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5: Glaze the Fritters

Once slightly cooled but still warm, dip each fritter into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. For extra flavor, dust with cinnamon sugar right after glazing.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let fritters set on a cooling rack until the glaze firms up slightly. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve

Serve these apple fritters warm and fresh, ideally within an hour of frying.
They’re perfect with:

A cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
A drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

You can also rewarm leftovers in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer — too many fritters will drop the oil temperature.
Check oil temperature often — if it’s too hot, fritters will brown outside but stay raw inside.
Drain well on paper towels to keep them light and crisp.
Double glaze if you like them extra sweet!

Variations

Apple Cider Fritters: Replace half the milk with apple cider for tangy depth.
Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, then glaze.
Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze for a rich fall flavor.
Nutty Fritters: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator: Keep up to 3 days, though best texture is when fresh.
Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
Candy or deep-fry thermometer
Slotted spoon
Mixing bowls
Cooling rack
Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden brown, then glaze while warm.

Q2: Which apples work best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold up best to heat and add a perfect sweet-tart flavor.

Q3: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry immediately after mixing so the baking powder stays active.

Q4: Why are my fritters greasy?
Oil temperature might be too low — make sure it stays around 350°F (175°C).

Q5: Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze adds that signature sweetness and shine! Try dusting with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Glazed Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar are the definition of cozy indulgence — golden, crisp, and filled with warm, spiced apples. They’re easy to make yet taste like something straight from a bakery. The combination of the tender apple-filled dough, fragrant cinnamon, and sweet glaze makes them utterly irresistible.

Whether you enjoy them on a crisp fall morning, as an after-dinner treat, or with a cup of coffee, these fritters are guaranteed to bring smiles and comfort to your table.