Fritters; Apple Fritters
There I was, prowling through the not-so-mega mart when those bright green Granny Smith apples caught my eye. “What have we here?” I growled with delight. “These tart little beauties are on sale!” Apple fritters immediately came to mind. Those crispy, sweet bundles of joy were just waiting to happen.
Let me cut straight to some fritter history for you. I’ve seen centuries come and go, and these treats have survived them all. Medieval monks in Europe would celebrate while frying apple-filled dough during harvest festivals. The Romans had their own ancient version too, dropping apple slices in batter before frying them in olive oil. Dutch settlers brought their recipes across the ocean, and American colonists put their own spin on them. By the 1800s, fritters appeared in American cookbooks everywhere. From Pennsylvania kitchens to New Orleans eateries, each region created its own style – some cakey, some crisp, but all delicious.
Fritters are cheap to make, too. A dozen homemade fritters costs under $5 – especially when you snag apples on sale like I did. That’s the kind of deal that makes me smile. Granny Smiths are perfect for fritters. Their tartness and firm texture hold up during frying. This creates that magical contrast between tangy apple and sweet, cinnamon-spiced dough. Other firm apples work well too – Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are my second choices when I’m feeling fancy.
Now, about the health angle – listen up. While I’d never claim fritters are diet food, they’re not just empty calories like some treats that shall remain nameless. gives side-eye to donuts Apples give you soluble fiber called pectin that helps keep your system running smoothly. This fiber also traps cholesterol and kicks it right out of your body.
The antioxidants in apples fight those nasty free radicals that age you. There’s quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid – fancy words for compounds that do you good. Vitamin C boosts your immune system to keep winter ills at bay. If you make fritters at home, you control the sugar and oil. This makes them far less processed than store-bought versions. So while you’re enjoying that sweet, crispy bite, remember you’re also getting actual nutritional benefits. Moderation might be wise, but between you and me, I’ve never been one for holding back when something tastes this good.
Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Make a well in the center and add 1/3 cup milk, eggs, and applesauce.
- Stir to combine. Fold in apples.
- Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer to 375 degrees.
- Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter into hot oil, spreading it out as you drop.
- Cook each side until golden brown; approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Cook each side until golden brown; approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Whisk together 1/4 cup milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Dunk each fritter in the glaze, turning over to ensure both sides are coated.
- Air Dry on wire racks
Nutrition
Notes
- Mix the batter gently
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Use a frying thermometer to track oil temperature
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Filed
under: American, Autumn, Bread, Breakfast, Cast Iron, Fried, Fruit, Quick, Snack, Vegetarian, Winter
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