Pan-Fried Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

Golden apple fritters pan-fried to crisp perfection and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar for a cozy sweet snack. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, layers medium apples, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups) medium apples
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp plus 2 tbsp for dusting ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup for frying vegetable oil

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Step 4: Fold in 1 1/2 cups diced peeled medium apples until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon, drop 2 tbsp portions of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon.
7. Step 7: Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Step 9: Mix 2 tbsp granulated sugar with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish and toss the warm fritters in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.