Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters come together in just a few steps and use everyday ingredients. They’re quick to fry, incredibly satisfying, and can be customized with your favorite apple varieties or spices. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
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Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters – The Perfect Bite-Sized Fall Treat
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 20 mini fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside treats packed with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor, finished with a sweet glaze — the perfect fall-inspired snack or dessert.
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 small apples, peeled and chopped)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F).
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop small spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) into the hot oil, frying 5–6 at a time.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Dip warm fritters into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let set for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tang.
- You can dust the fritters with cinnamon sugar instead of glaze for a quicker version.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples
Use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during frying and balance the sweetness of the batter with a slight tartness.
All-purpose flour
This forms the base of the batter, giving the fritters their structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder
A touch of baking powder ensures the fritters puff up beautifully, staying airy and light rather than dense.
Sugar
A small amount of granulated sugar sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Cinnamon
This warm spice defines the fritters’ cozy fall flavor. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of depth.
Salt
A pinch enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and spice.
Milk
Whole milk gives a richer texture, but I tried this recipe with almond milk, and it worked great—it kept the fritters light and moist.
Egg
Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
Vanilla extract
Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apple.
Oil for frying
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for golden, crispy fritters.
Powdered sugar or glaze
Optional but highly recommended—either dust them lightly or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Directions
Start by peeling, coring, and finely dicing the apples. You want small pieces so they cook evenly in the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Fold in the diced apples. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about two inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, turning until golden brown all around. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Once slightly cooled, dust with powdered sugar or dip them into a light glaze. Serve warm—they’re best enjoyed fresh from the fryer when still crisp outside and soft inside.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 mini fritters, serving 4 to 6 people. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, while frying takes another 15 minutes. The total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes, making it a quick dessert option.
Storage/reheating
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes or briefly air-fry them to regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel-Glazed Fritters
Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Apple Pie Spice Twist
Swap the cinnamon for a blend of apple pie spice to add nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Maple Glaze Version
Whisk maple syrup into your glaze for a warm, earthy sweetness.
Baked Fritters
If you prefer to skip frying, bake small dollops of batter in a mini muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Apple Chunk Mix
Use a mix of apple varieties—tart and sweet—for complex flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
After frying, toss the fritters in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crisp coating.
Vegan-Friendly Option
Substitute almond milk for dairy and flaxseed meal mixed with water for the egg.
Gluten-Free Fritters
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for everyone.
Spiked Glaze
Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist.
Nutty Apple Fritters
Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor depth.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple?
Yes, but firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during frying.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best used fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
Drop a small bit of batter in—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them in a mini muffin tin at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
What oil should I use?
Choose a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, freeze them after cooling completely. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Why are my fritters greasy?
The oil may have been too cool—ensure it’s consistently around 350°F.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, chopped pears or bananas work well for a creative twist.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with glaze.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just fry in batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
Conclusion
Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are an irresistible comfort treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to please both kids and adults, these golden little fritters are perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or quiet evenings with tea. Once you’ve tried them fresh from the fryer, crisp and steaming with apple-cinnamon aroma, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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