Amish Apple Fritter

I have two little secrets… I am a “Morning Person” and Amish Apple Fritters are my favorite doughnuts! I LOVE these delicious, crunchy fried doughnuts, made easily from scratch with a simple batter containing fresh apple chunks and cinnamon, and covered with a sweet glaze.

For over 20 years, I had to be up at 5:30 A.M. every workday to leave by 6:30 to be in my office at 7:00 A.M., ready for a day’s work. Not entirely convenient for making apple fritters! Ha Ha.

These days I find myself in a different season of life… no children at home to get up and out of bed before leaving… AND my commute to the office these days is no more than walking upstairs to my home office, where I work for my husband’s company. My world has changed drastically!

My “new normal” is… instead of grabbing a large mug of coffee and shoving toast in my mouth while heading out the door as I did while working full-time, I now seem to revert to boring breakfasts such as oatmeal or toast and eggs.

HOWEVER… I do love a great apple fritter, doughnut, or pastry occasionally. I mean, really, who doesn’t??? (if we’re truth-telling here).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Amish Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon in a crispy, fried doughnut. Perfect for a special breakfast or a dessert with a cup of coffee, they bring a sense of homemade goodness that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re made from scratch, so you know exactly what goes into them!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large bowl (or stand mixer)
• Mixing spoons
• Deep-fry thermometer or electric skillet with temperature control
• Slotted spoon
• Pastry brush
• Wire rack

Ingredients

For fritters:

• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2-3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith or Gravenstein apples (firm pie apples!)
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying (approx. 4-5 cups- enough to come halfway up sides of pan or skillet)

For glaze:

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp. vanilla
• 3-4 tsp. warm water (thin enough to make the glaze “paintable”)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream the sugar and eggs for 1-2 minutes with a mixer.
2. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and milk to the bowl. Mix these ingredients well.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apples with the lemon juice. Using a spoon, add the apple mixture to the batter and stir well to combine.
4. Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees (use a deep-fry thermometer or use an electric skillet with a temperature control). It is very important to ensure the temperature is hot enough to fry the fritters correctly.
5. Once the oil is at 375 degrees, scoop out large tablespoonfuls of the fritter batter and carefully slide the fritter into the hot oil.
6. When they reach a golden brown color, carefully turn the fritters over to the other side using two spoons. Continue cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. Once brown on both sides, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters, one at a time, to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and water to make a “paintable” glaze.
9. Using a pastry brush, brush this glaze over the top of each fritter. Let the glaze harden slightly, then turn them over and glaze the bottom. Place glazed fritters on a wire rack and let the glaze harden before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This will help maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Additional Tips or Variations

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of spice. You can also experiment with different types of apples or even mix in some diced pears for a twist on the classic fritter.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approximate values per fritter:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, as the baking powder begins to lose its effectiveness once mixed with the wet ingredients.

How do I store leftover fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the oven to regain some crispness.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
While traditional fritters are fried, you can try baking them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, but they may not be as crispy.

Conclusion

I hope you find the time to indulge in these delightful Amish Apple Fritters. They’re a perfect treat for a leisurely morning or a cozy afternoon snack. Give this recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Leave a comment or share your fritter photos, and let’s enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade doughnuts together!