Apple Fritter Bites Recipe

Have you ever wanted a sweet treat that feels like the fair but right at home? That’s how I felt when I made apple fritter bites. They’re warm, soft, and coated with just the right sweetness.
I like snacks that are easy to pop in your mouth and still taste amazing. These little bites have cinnamon, apples, and that cozy flavor we can’t resist. It’s simple, but it feels so special.
And here’s the fun part. Apple fritter bites are perfect for parties, family time, or just a quick snack. Stick with me, because I’ll tell you why these little treats are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: A perfectly golden crust encases a fluffy, cinnamon-spiced apple interior.
- Easy to Make: No yeast required! Just mix, scoop, and fry.
- Irresistible Glaze: A luscious apple cider glaze coats each bite, adding extra sweetness.
- Perfect for Fall (or Anytime!): Made with fresh apples and cozy spices, they taste like autumn in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These little fritters are great for parties, brunch, or dessert.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these delicious Apple Fritter Bites, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large spoon or spatula
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, flavorful fritters:
For the Fritter Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the batter.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the fritters puff up.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Warm spice that complements the apples.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the fritters.
- 1 large egg – Binds the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – Keeps the fritters moist and adds natural apple flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples – The star ingredient! Adds texture and fresh flavor.
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Forms the sweet glaze.
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice – Thins out the glaze and infuses extra apple flavor.
Variations for Apple Fritter Bites
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- More Spice: Add nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spice flavor.
- Maple Glaze: Replace apple cider with maple syrup for a maple-flavored coating.
- Baked Version: Skip the frying and bake them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes for a healthier option.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of glaze for a caramel apple effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a plate with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Fry the Fritters
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop small spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat until all batter is used.
4. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and apple cider together until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more apple cider if needed.
5. Glaze the Fritters
- Dip each fritter into the glaze or drizzle it over the top.
- Place them on a wire rack to set for about 5 minutes.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Bites
These fritters are best enjoyed warm and fresh! Here are some serving ideas:
- With Coffee or Tea: The perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm fritters with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel for an extra-sweet touch.
Storing and Reheating Apple Fritter Bites
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Sugar | 15g |
Fat | 7g |
Protein | 2g |
Apple Fritter Bites FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp and Gala apples are ideal because they are sweet and hold their texture well.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
How do I keep them crispy?
Enjoy them fresh, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Apple Fritter Bites Recipe
Course: Uncategorized20-25
fritters15
minutes10
minutes180
kcalIngredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples
- For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp apple cider or juice
Directions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients separately, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Fold in apples.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry fritters for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Whisk glaze ingredients together and dip fritters.
- Let glaze set for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!