Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Amazing Apple Fritters


OHHHHH...these are so good I wish I could eat them everyday.  Actually, they are so easy to make it is totally feasible to bake some up everyday.  It just wouldn't be the most healthy choice one could make.  ;)  Ah, but who am I to judge?!

I'd been very excited about about baked donuts and made a several varieties, including my personal favorite - Apple Cider Donuts.  Of course, baking rather than frying is much better for you, and donut pans make it easy to whip up a batch.  However, sometimes fried is the way to go and it just has to be done!  This is the case with Apple Fritters; they are just one of those if-it's-not-broke-don't-fix-it type of treats.  So, I sucked it up and got out the oil, ready to give these a try!


Homemade Apple Fritters
Recipe very slightly adapted from Seemingly Greek

1 heaping cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
dash of salt
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon (depending on how much you would like)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 - 1 1/2 cups of your favorite apple, chopped about the size of a peanut
canola oil for frying
apple cider and confectioner's sugar for glaze
  • Chop apples into small pieces

  • Mix dry ingredients together.
  • Slowly add the wet ingredients MINUS apple, until combined, taking care not to overbeat.
  • Gently fold in apples.  Batter should be consistency of a light cake mix.

  • Heat oil to about 360 - 375 degrees.  Use a skillet or pan that will allow dough to be completely submerged while frying.  (To test oil, drop a bit of batter into oil and if it rises to the top the oil is ready.)
  • Use a soup spoon to place 4-5 scoops of dough into oil.  Be careful not to overcrowd.
  • Watch for underside to turn golden brown, and then carefully flip over, continuing to fry until done (about 35 seconds per side for golf ball sized fritter).
  • Test one fritter to ensure they are frying all the way through. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.
  • Use tongs
Okay, this is a really simple process.  Honestly, it is.  You just need to have a little knowledge of frying before you begin.  Which, I didn't.  So, I learned the hard way (and after the fact of my first batch of fritters!).  Without arming myself with some simple information, I ended up with this:


Every single one of them burned.  So, I will share a few tips to keep in mind so you don't burn yours, as well.  

  • First, use canola oil.  I used vegetable oil.  Canola oil is ideal because it has a higher smoke point. This means the oil can reach higher temperatures before smoking up your kitchen (or, in my case, your whole house.  I smelled like a fritter for days...).
  • If you are not using a deep fryer, make sure you use a stovetop pan that will allow the oil level to be high enough the fritters will be completely submerged.  If not, the fritters will rest on the bottom of the pan and scald.  Like the picture above.  Ugh.
  • The 35 second frying suggestion is just that - a suggestion.  I found mine were not cooked all the way through.  Definitely test one in the first batch so you know you are on the right track.
  • It's best to use a deep fry/wok strainer to remove fritters.  I didn't have one at the time, so I used metal tongs.  Just be sure to use something that can stand up to the heat.
  • Place fried fritters on a plate covered in paper towels, which will absorb excess oil.
Following those guidelines, I made a new batch.  This time, perfection!  A nice golden brown nugget filled with apples and cinnamon with a slight crunch.  I could have stopped there and enjoyed them, but why not  kick it up a notch and glaze the fritters?  This is the easiest part:

Apple Fritter Glaze

2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup apple cider

In a medium sized bowl, add cider to sugar.  Whisk until combined and glaze is smooth.  Use tongs or a spoon to coat fritter with the glaze.  Immediately set on a baking rack with waxed paper underneath to catch drippings.  If you don't have apple cider you can substitute water or milk.


Mmmmmm.....just typing this I'm restraining myself from making a batch right now they were so good!  I love them and can't wait for house guests to visit so I can make fritters for them.  They will be great for breakfast.  I cannot vouch for how well they keep after a day, as they did not last that long.  My taste testers loved them as much as I did, but we had to sample several to be certain.  Next thing we knew the plate was empty.  Wonder how that happened?!

17 comments:

  1. I haven't had an apple fritter in years! They are a favorite-but I stay away from them. Now that you've posted this recipe, I may have to make a few! Thanks for sharing.
    -Lynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely they are a weakness of mine! The nice thing about this recipe is it doesn't make a massive amount, so they won't linger and torture you too long! I hope you enjoy them! :)

      Delete
  2. Oh these look so sinful! Thank you so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure! Thank you for hosting each week. :)

      Delete
  3. These look so delicious. I cant eat them because of the deep frying, but wow...they look great!

    Regina
    www.thecrazynutsmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Regina! I was reluctant to fry, since I've made some great baked donuts, but I had to try these! A baked alternative I highly recommend are the Baked Apple Cider Donuts I made awhile back - I think you'll enjoy them and they are EASY, as well!. Here is the link (or you can find them under the Other Sweet Treats tab on the top of this page): http://debbiesweets.blogspot.com/2011/11/baked-apple-cider-donuts.html

      Delete
  4. Wow! These are awesome. I need to make them for my mom, I have so many memories of her eating apple fritters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dorothy! Apple Fritters will always remind me of my Dad, he introduced me to them and I've never looked back! I can't wait to make them for him. :) I hope you and your Mom enjoy them - food always tastes better when there's happy memories associated with it!

      Delete
  5. Thank you so much!! How wonderful, a great start to my day! Thank you for hosting, I always enjoy Cast Party Wednesday parties. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. These look so good! I used to love apple "critters" back in the day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a cute name for Apple Fritters! Thank you so much for your comment - stop by again soon. :)

      Delete
  7. Oh my goodness Debbie, I have to tell you that Apple Fritters are one of my all time favorite's. Your Fritters have me drooling! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week end and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Miz Helen! I loved making these almost as much as eating them. :)

      Delete
  8. These look and sound so YUMMY! Would love for you to share them with me on my Tuesday link up that I am co-hosting called, Kids in the Kitchen. http://younglivingoillady.com/home/kids-in-the-kitchen-link-up/
    Family friendly recipes welcome! We would love it if you have any photos of kids cooking in the kitchen, but not required! Thanks for sharing these apple fritters. I know my kids would love them... so would I :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the invitation to your party! I was too late with these fritters, but I did just post my Spring Cupcakes with and icing tutorial! I hope you'll stop by Life Is Sweets again soon. :)

      Delete
  9. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week! Hope you have a great week end and enjoy your new Red Plate.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Thank you, Miz Helen! I'm so happy to help fill the red plate!! Have a great weekend. :)

      Delete