Big Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Apple Mixture:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Fritter Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 4 cups)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks, about 1/2 inch in size.
- In a bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Fritter Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter should be thick but not too dry. Fold in the apple mixture, making sure the apples are well coated.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Glaze (Optional):
- While the fritters are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle or dip the fritters into the glaze while they are still warm.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the fritters warm or at room temperature. They are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
These big apple fritters are a sweet and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The chunks of apple add a juicy bite, while the crispy exterior provides a delightful crunch. If you’re a fan of cinnamon and sugar, these fritters will surely hit the spot!