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Searching for a quick and scrumptious treat that won’t leave you with too many leftovers? Look no further than these Apple Fritters. These small batch apple fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with the perfect blend of apple, pecans, and warm spices. They are the ideal treat for any occasion and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Are you searching for more single serving and small batch apple recipes? You’re sure to enjoy our Mini Dutch Apple Pie, with its delightful crumbly topping. The Apple Crisp is wonderfully cozy and perfect for a sweet treat. Our Mini Apple Cake is moist and packed with apple goodness. And the Apple Galette is rustic and full of charm, a true delight for apple lovers!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Fritters Recipe
- Quick: Ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only basic pantry staples.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs.
- Small Batch: Perfectly portioned to yield about four fritters, avoiding unnecessary leftovers.
What Are Apple Fritters?
Apple Fritters are a type of fried doughnut filled with chopped apples, pecans, and a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re usually dusted with powdered sugar and and have their roots in American cuisine, making them a well-loved classic across the United States.
Ingredients
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch apple fritters recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to choice for the fritter batter, providing structure.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping the apple fritters puff up and become airy.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm and inviting aroma that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark both work here, giving the fritters a caramelized sweetness with a hint of molasses. If you don’t have any, consider making a small batch of brown sugar at home.
- Water: Added to achieve the right batter consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick or thin.
- Apple: About 1/3 cup of chopped apple is ideal, equating to one small apple or half a large one. Gala, Honey Crisp, and Granny Smith varieties offer great flavor and texture. If you’ve got a few extra apples, consider using them to make a single serve Apple Cobbler or a small batch of Morning Glory Muffins.
- Pecans: These are optional but highly recommended for added crunch. Walnuts make for a good substitute if pecans aren’t available to you. Use any extra pecans in a Mini Italian Cream Cake, a small batch of Brownies, or creamy Ambrosia.
- Oil: Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil is best for frying, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting finishes off the fritters nicely. Alternatively, create a simple glaze with powdered sugar and water to drizzle over the cooled treats.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this old-fashioned apple fritters recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Recipe Variations
Craving a twist on the traditional Apple Fritter? Customization is key, and there are several ways to make these fritters your own:
- Add Spices: Incorporate some cardamom or allspice for different flavor profiles.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and add extra apple chunks.
- Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute to keep the texture and consistency on point.
- Apple Cider Fritters: To infuse your fritters with even more apple flavor, you can replace the water in the batter with apple cider. This will give your fritters a deliciously deep apple flavor that complements the chopped apples and spices.
How To Make Apple Fritters
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of apple fritters. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine flour, baking powder, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Stir in water.
- Gently fold in apples and pecans.
- In a deep, 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, add enough oil to come halfway up the sides. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F.
- Using a large metal spoon, carefully drop dough into oil and fry 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters from the pan and drain on a large paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy while warm.
Expert Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: Keep the batter just combined to ensure your apple fritters are light and fluffy, not tough.
- Choose a Larger Pan: Opt for a 2-quart saucepan or larger, as it offers ample space for frying without spillage.
- Don’t Overcrowd During Frying: Stick to frying 2-3 fritters at a time to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil consistently at 350 degrees. Make sure the thermometer’s tip isn’t touching the pan’s bottom.
- Drain Excess Oil: Let the fritters drain on a paper towel after frying to remove any excess oil for a cleaner taste.
What To Serve With Apple Fritters
Looking for the perfect pairing for your homemade Apple Fritters? Whether you’re enjoying these as a breakfast treat or a dessert, here are some mouthwatering options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic and comforting.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle it over for an indulgent touch.
- Hot Chocolate: Perfect for colder weather.
- Apple Cider: For the ultimate apple experience.
- Whipped Cream: Adds an extra layer of richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
While these apple fritters are most delicious when consumed fresh, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge.
This particular recipe is optimized for frying, so baking is not recommended. The frying process is key to achieving the desired texture and flavor.
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Using a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature is highly recommended. Maintaining a constant 350 degrees ensures your fritters won’t end up greasy or undercooked.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: Cooking For One Tips To Eat Healthy And Save Money
If you’ve tried this apple fritters recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Apple Fritters
Equipment
- Candy or deep fry thermometer
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup chopped, cored, and seeded red apple
- ¼ cup pecans , chopped
- Canola oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir in water, gently fold in apples and pecans, and set aside.
- In a deep, 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, add enough canola oil to come halfway up the sides. Heat to 350°F.
- Using a large metal spoon, carefully drop dough into oil and fry 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters from pan and drain on a large paper towel-lined plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Keep the batter just combined to ensure your apple fritters are light and fluffy, not tough.
- Choose a Larger Pan: Opt for a 2-quart saucepan or larger, as it offers ample space for frying without spillage.
- Don’t Overcrowd During Frying: Stick to frying 2-3 fritters at a time to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil consistently at 350 degrees. Make sure the thermometer’s tip isn’t touching the pan’s bottom.
- Drain Excess Oil: Let the fritters drain on a paper towel after frying to remove any excess oil for a cleaner taste.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
These were so delicious! I was craving a simple dessert and these hit the spot. I shared with my neighbor and she loved them as well. Will definitely make again…thanks for sharing…
Love all the recipes that I have tried unusual because I have tried recipes from other sites and some are good but a lot our in my option nasty so to say all I have tried keeps me coming back for more. I know that it is really difficult to downsize a bread recipe. But sure would like to have some yeast bread and rolls. I found after a long search the go back to biscuit recipe. Not like other recipes this one uses heavy whipping cream and I think it was from Deen’s recipe. But do need more recipe for bread. Please!
These are awesome . my husband and I really enjoyed them.
I made these this past weekend. They were delicious and very easy to make.
I’m so happy you enjoyed them. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Hi!
I was wondering if it possible to make these in an air fryer?!
I haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out for you.
How much oil to use
Add enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot you use.
Joanie I’d like to try this recipe but I don’t know what to do with the used oil. I’ve never deep fried anything. Help please. Lol
Hi Nickie, Allow the oil to cool and then transfer the cooled oil into a disposable container and seal it shut. You can simply throw the container away. If you would like to reuse the oil, strain the oil with some cheesecloth and store it until you are ready to use it again. I find that I can only reuse oil once or twice after the first time.
Will try these today, but was wondering no oil in the batter? Low fat recipe.
Oil is not necessary in the batter.
I made these. Delicious! I used walnuts because that’s what I had. I mixed a tiny bit of water to powdered sugar and drizzled over. Wonderful. Thank you!
They sound wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the fritters.
I have made these apple fritters several times and enjoy them….thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipe. Thank you so much for your feedback.
love all your recipes because I live alone and always find it hard to only cook for “1”….thanks for sharing…
Thank you so much!