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This easy apple fritters recipe makes a small batch of crispy, golden fritters filled with fresh apples and warm spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
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“These were so delicious! I was craving a simple dessert and these hit the spot…”
– Laura
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These homemade apple fritters are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you already have on hand.
- Perfect Anytime: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as a snack, or a fall dessert.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices, nuts, or even make them gluten-free.
- Small Batch Recipe: Makes about four apple fritters, just the right amount without extras.
This easy apple fritters recipe makes a small batch of crispy, golden fritters filled with fresh apples and warm spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. They’re the kind of recipe I reach for when I want comfort in the quickest, most delicious way.
Looking for more small batch apple recipes? Try our mini dutch apple pie, with a buttery crumb topping, a single serve apple crisp, a moist mini apple cake, or a rustic apple galette for one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this old-fashioned apple fritters recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark works, adding sweetness and a touch of molasses. (Make a small batch of brown sugar at home if you’re out.)
- Apple: bout 1/3 cup chopped (1 small apple or 1/2 large). Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work best. Extra apples can be used in small batch morning glory muffins.
- Pecans (optional): Add crunch and flavor. Walnuts can be used instead. Extra pecans are great in mini Italian cream cake, small batch brownies, or ambrosia for one.
- Oil: Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are best for frying due to their high smoke point.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust over fritters or make a quick glaze by mixing with milk.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
Mix it up with these easy tweaks to change up the classic apple fritter:
- Extra Warm Spices: Add cardamom or allspice for more depth.
- Nut-Free: Skip pecans and toss in extra chopped apple.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Apple Cider Batter: Replace the water with apple cider for a richer apple flavor.
How To Make Apple Fritters
These 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.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the water until a smooth batter forms, then gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
- In a deep 2-quart saucepan, pour in enough oil to reach halfway up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F.
- Using a large metal spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple fritter batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the apple fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Dust the warm fritters with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze, then serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Mix Gently: Stir the batter until just combined so the fritters stay light and fluffy.
- Use the Right Pan: A 2-quart saucepan or larger gives enough space for safe frying.
- Fry in Small Batches: Cook 2–3 fritters at a time to keep the oil hot and ensure even browning.
- Check Oil Temperature: Keep the oil steady at 350°F with a thermometer (don’t let the tip touch the pan’s bottom).
- Drain Well: Place fritters on paper towels right after frying to absorb excess oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple fritters are made with a simple batter of flour, sugar, baking powder, warm spices, chopped apples, and sometimes nuts. They are fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar or glazed.
This recipe is for fried apple fritters. If you’d like a baked option, try making a single apple muffin or a small apple cake for a similar flavor.
Yes, reheat apple fritters in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft.
The fritters takes about 4 minutes to fry, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
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 easy 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
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup chopped red apple
- ¼ cup pecans -chopped
- canola oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the water until a smooth batter forms, then gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
- In a deep 2-quart saucepan, pour in enough oil to reach halfway up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F.
- Using a large metal spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the apple fritter batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the apple fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Dust the warm fritters with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Mix Gently: Stir the batter until just combined so the fritters stay light and fluffy.
- Use the Right Pan: A 2-quart saucepan or larger gives enough space for safe frying.
- Fry in Small Batches: Cook 2–3 fritters at a time to keep the oil hot and ensure even browning.
- Check Oil Temperature: Keep the oil steady at 350°F with a thermometer (don’t let the tip touch the pan’s bottom).
- Drain Well: Place fritters on paper towels right after frying to absorb excess oil.
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!