There’s just something about warm, sweet, cinnamony apple fritters that feels like a hug in food form—especially when the air starts to cool and fall is in full swing. But let’s be honest: traditional apple fritters can be a bit of a production. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Homemade Glazed Apple Fritter Bites—a quicker, easier way to get all the cozy vibes of a classic apple fritter, in bite-sized form and ready in just 20 minutes!

These little gems are crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with fresh apple pieces and warm spices. And that sweet vanilla glaze? It takes them straight over the top. Whether you’re whipping them up for a spontaneous weekend brunch or just need a sweet treat to go with your coffee, these fritter bites are going to hit the spot.

I first made these on a lazy Saturday morning when the craving for something homemade and apple-filled struck, but I didn’t have the energy (or time) to commit to a big batch of full-sized fritters. A quick chop of an apple, a simple batter, and a few minutes of frying later—these golden bites were cooling on a rack, just waiting for their sugary glaze. And let me tell you, the whole kitchen smelled like a bakery. Win!

So if you’re craving something warm and cozy, but don’t want to spend your whole morning in the kitchen, this is the recipe to try. Let’s dive in and get frying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fritter Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup finely chopped and peeled apple (about 1 medium apple)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

STEP 1: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This forms the base of your fritter batter. The cinnamon gives it that warm, spiced flavor that plays so well with the apples.

this recipe

STEP 2: ADD THE WET INGREDIENTS

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir everything just until combined—you don’t want to overmix. The batter should be thick but still spoonable.

STEP 3: FOLD IN THE APPLES

Next, gently fold in your finely chopped apples. You want them distributed evenly throughout the batter so you get a little apple in every bite. I like to use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples—they hold up well when fried and bring the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Now that your batter is ready and those sweet apple chunks are folded in, it’s time for the fun part—frying and glazing! Don’t be intimidated by frying at home. With just a few simple tips, you’ll have perfectly golden, crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritter bites that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

These apple fritter bites come together so quickly, and once you’ve fried your first batch, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. They’re bite-sized and irresistible—just try stopping at one. Let’s get into the frying and glazing process so you can enjoy these warm, sweet treats in no time.

STEP 4: HEAT YOUR OIL

In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, pour in about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil. Set it over medium heat and let it come to temperature. You’re aiming for 350°F—this is the sweet spot for frying these fritters to golden perfection without them soaking up too much oil.

Tip: If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, your oil is ready.

STEP 5: FRY THE FRITTER BITES

Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot—fry them in small batches (about 3 to 5 at a time) to keep the oil temperature steady.

Fry each fritter for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Tip: Try not to rush this part. Letting them get nicely browned ensures a crisp outside and fully cooked inside.

Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess oil.

STEP 6: WHISK UP THE VANILLA GLAZE

While your fritters are cooling just a bit, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (start with 2, add more if needed)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir until the glaze is smooth and pourable, but not too runny. You want it to coat the fritters nicely without completely sliding off.

Tip: If your glaze feels too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. Too thin? Just stir in a little more powdered sugar.

STEP 7: GLAZE THE FRITTERS

Now for the finishing touch—glazing! While the fritters are still warm (but not piping hot), dip them into the glaze or drizzle it over the top using a spoon. Either method works, and it all comes down to how sweet and glazed you like them.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. It forms a lovely, slightly crackly finish that’s absolutely perfect with the tender interior of the fritters.

Bonus Tips for Fritter Success

If you’re like me, once you’ve made these once, you’ll want to get creative. Here are a few fun ideas and variations to keep in your back pocket:

• Try a different fruit: Swap out apples for finely chopped pears or peaches when they’re in season.

• Add some spice: A pinch of nutmeg or clove in the batter gives these fritters extra cozy flavor.

• Make them mini: Use a teaspoon of batter for extra-small fritter bites—perfect for parties or snacking.

• Cinnamon sugar twist: Skip the glaze and roll the warm fritters in cinnamon sugar for a churro-style treat.