Introduction
There’s something magical about the smell of apples sizzling in butter on a cool morning. That cozy mix of cinnamon, sugar, and fried dough instantly reminds me of fall fairs and family gatherings. This recipe for apple fritters with salted maple glaze captures that feeling in a single bite. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, and drizzled with a sweet-salty glaze, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. Over the next few sections, I’ll share not just how to make them, but also the little details that turn a simple fritter into something special.
Apple Fritters with Salted Maple Glaze
Ingredients
- Apple Fritters
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lb ¼” diced honeycrisp apples (about 3 medium apples)
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 qt safflower or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- Salted Maple Glaze
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- For the apple fritters: heat a 12” cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the diced apples. Cook for about 3 minutes
- until starting to soften. Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the apple juice. Bring to a simmer
- and cook for about 5 minutes,
- or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Allow the apples to cool.
- Pour the safflower oil into a 3-5qt Dutch oven. Heat over medium until the oil reaches 350°F.
- Meanwhile, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Beat the eggs in another mixing bowl. Whisk in the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar. Add the milk and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into
- the dry and use a rubber spatula to combine. Fold in the apples.
- Once the oil is at temperature, work in batches transferring the batter to the oil using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop and additional spoon
- to slide the batter out (don’t overcrowd the pot). Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until crisp and cooked through
- (adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature; the fritters will be fairly dark but you don’t want the outside to burn).
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Meanwhile, for the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, water, and vanilla in a shallow mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Dip each fritter in the glaze to fully coat one side and then set the fritters onto a wire rack, glazed-side up, so that they don’t get soggy.
- Repeat the process for a second coating of glaze. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over top. Eat immediately or allow
- the glaze to fully set.
A Sweet Memory with Apple Fritters
Warm Apples and Crisp Fritters
The first time I tried apple fritters with salted maple glaze, I wasn’t in a bakery—it was in my grandmother’s kitchen. She didn’t measure much, but she knew exactly when the batter was ready and when the oil was hot enough. I remember sitting at the counter, watching golden fritters rise and fall in the pot as the whole kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and apples. Those fritters had a rustic look—imperfect edges, darker spots where the sugar caramelized—but each one tasted like pure happiness. When she drizzled on the maple glaze and sprinkled just a touch of sea salt, the sweet and salty flavors melted together in a way that felt comforting and exciting all at once.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes these apple fritters with salted maple glaze so irresistible is the combination of textures and flavors. The apples soften and release their juices, creating little pockets of sweetness inside the batter. Frying locks in that softness while adding a crisp exterior that snaps with each bite. The salted maple glaze takes it further—it cuts the richness with a touch of salt, making every bite balanced instead of overly sweet. This contrast keeps you reaching for just one more. The beauty is that you don’t need fancy tools—just a skillet, a Dutch oven, and a little patience. In about an hour, you’ll have a plate of fritters that rival anything you’d buy at a fair.
Gathering Ingredients for Apple Fritters
Choosing the Right Apples
The heart of apple fritters with salted maple glaze is, of course, the apples. The best fritters start with fruit that’s crisp, juicy, and slightly tart. I love using honeycrisp because they hold their shape after cooking and give a natural sweetness. If you don’t have honeycrisp, try gala or pink lady. Avoid softer apples like red delicious, which can turn mushy in hot oil. Dicing them into small, even cubes ensures each fritter has bursts of fruit tucked into the dough.
Pantry Staples and Flavor Boosters
Aside from apples, the rest of the ingredients are simple—things most home bakers already keep on hand. Flour, baking powder, and eggs create a light batter. Cinnamon brings warmth, while brown sugar deepens the flavor and helps the apples caramelize as they cook. Whole milk and vanilla round it out, making the batter smooth and aromatic. For frying, use a neutral oil like safflower or vegetable. Both maintain a steady temperature without adding unwanted flavors.
The glaze deserves its own spotlight. Powdered sugar blends with maple syrup to form a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the fritters. A dash of cinnamon ties it back to the apples, and a touch of salt keeps the sweetness in check. The final sprinkle of flaky sea salt may seem small, but it transforms the glaze. Each bite becomes sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying.
Once everything is measured and prepped, you’re ready to begin. From melting butter in a skillet to whisking the glaze, each step builds on the last. With the right ingredients laid out, the process flows naturally—and before long, your kitchen will smell like a fall festival.
Cooking and Frying the Apple Fritters
Preparing the Apples for the Batter
The first step to perfect apple fritters with salted maple glaze is cooking the apples until they’re soft but not mushy. Melt butter in a skillet, then stir in diced apples with a spoonful of brown sugar and cinnamon. As they simmer in apple juice, the fruit soaks up flavor while releasing its natural sweetness. You’ll know they’re ready when the liquid has nearly disappeared and the apples are tender enough to pierce with a fork. Let them cool slightly before folding into the batter. Warm apples can make the dough too thin, so patience pays off here.
Frying for a Crisp Golden Finish
Once the apples are ready, it’s time to heat the oil. A Dutch oven works best because it holds temperature evenly. Aim for 350°F—hot enough to create a crisp shell without burning. Scoop the batter in with a small ice cream scoop or spoon, letting each drop gently into the oil. Don’t crowd the pot; the fritters need space to puff and brown. Fry for about three minutes per side, flipping carefully with a slotted spoon.
The fritters should come out golden with darker spots where sugar caramelizes. Transfer them to paper towels to drain. Frying in batches takes time, but it ensures each fritter cooks evenly. Resist the urge to rush; that deep golden color means crisp edges and a soft, pillowy center.
The aroma will tempt you, but wait until the glaze is ready before diving in. That glossy maple coating will take these fritters from good to unforgettable.
The Salted Maple Glaze and Serving
Whisking the Maple Glaze
The final touch that sets these apple fritters with salted maple glaze apart is, of course, the glaze. It’s quick to make but adds incredible flavor. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little water until smooth. The glaze should drip slowly from the whisk—thick enough to coat but not so heavy that it hides the fritters. A pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness, making the glaze shine instead of overwhelming.
Dip each warm fritter into the bowl, letting the glaze cover one side completely. Set them on a wire rack so the coating can firm without turning soggy. For an extra treat, dip them twice. That second layer creates a glossy finish that clings to the crisp shell. While the glaze is still sticky, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top. That final salty crunch transforms every bite.
Serving and Enjoying
These fritters taste best fresh from the pot, still warm and coated in glaze. The contrast between the crisp edges, tender apples, and salty-sweet finish is irresistible. Serve them on a platter with hot coffee or cider, and watch them disappear faster than you expect. If you need to prepare ahead, you can fry the fritters a few hours in advance and glaze just before serving.
Leftovers are rare, but if you manage to save a few, store them loosely covered at room temperature for a day. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispness. With each bite, you’ll be reminded why apple fritters with salted maple glaze are a classic worth making again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of apples are best for apple fritters?
Firm, crisp apples like honeycrisp, gala, or pink lady work best. They hold their shape when cooked and add a natural sweetness. Softer apples such as red delicious tend to break down too quickly and can make the batter soggy.
Can I bake apple fritters instead of frying them?
Traditional apple fritters with salted maple glaze are fried to achieve a crisp shell. Baking is possible, but the texture will be softer and closer to a muffin. If you want to bake them, use a muffin tin, grease it well, and bake at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes before adding the glaze.
How do I keep fritters from getting greasy?
The key is keeping the oil at the right temperature—around 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the fritters absorb extra oil. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Frying in small batches helps maintain a steady temperature.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the maple glaze a few hours in advance. Store it covered at room temperature. If it thickens too much, whisk in a teaspoon of water before dipping the fritters. For the best results, glaze the fritters while they’re still slightly warm.
Conclusion
Making apple fritters with salted maple glaze at home is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. From the moment the apples hit the skillet to the last drizzle of glaze, every step fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. The balance of crisp edges, tender fruit, and salty-sweet topping makes these fritters unforgettable. They’re simple enough for a weekend treat yet special enough to serve at gatherings. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why this classic is worth keeping in your recipe collection. So grab a skillet, heat some oil, and create a batch of fritters that taste like autumn in every bite.
