Apple fritters are a classic treat—crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside. Using canned apple pie filling simplifies the process, giving you delicious fritters with minimal prep and no peeling or chopping required. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or a cozy breakfast snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned apple pie filling
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
- Powdered sugar or glaze, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
- Drain the canned apple pie filling well to remove excess syrup, then fold the apple pieces into the batter carefully to distribute evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain accurate temperature.
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 fritters at a time, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook each fritter for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once with a slotted spoon.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.
Tips
- Draining the apple filling: Excess syrup can thin your batter and cause the fritters to fry unevenly. Drain well but keep the apple chunks moist.
- Oil temperature: Maintaining 350°F is crucial. Too hot and the fritters brown too fast but stay raw inside; too cool and they absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
- Flour substitution: For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Storage: Eat fritters fresh for best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
These apple fritters are delicious on their own or elevated with a few accompaniments. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For breakfast, pair with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of whipped cream. They also go well with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider.
Variations
You can customize this recipe in several ways to suit your taste or pantry availability. Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch. For a richer flavor, stir in a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. Swap canned apple filling for canned peach or cherry pie filling to try a different fruit fritter. For a lighter version, try baking the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 days, though they may lose some crispness. To reheat, warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp edges. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. If frozen, wrap fritters individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple filling?
Yes, but fresh apples require peeling, coring, and chopping, plus cooking with sugar and spices to soften them before adding to the batter. Using canned apple pie filling saves time and ensures the apples are already sweetened and spiced, making the recipe quicker and easier.
What if I don’t have a thermometer to check oil temperature?
You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly without browning immediately, the oil is ready. If it browns too fast, the oil is too hot; if it sinks or bubbles minimally, the oil is too cool.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative though the texture will be different—less crispy and more cake-like. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes on a greased or parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How do I make a glaze for the fritters?
A simple glaze can be made by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk. Drizzle over warm fritters for extra sweetness and shine.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the fritters immediately after mixing to avoid the apples breaking down and the batter thickening too much. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before frying.
Why are my fritters greasy after frying?
Greasy fritters usually result from oil that’s not hot enough, causing the batter to absorb excess oil. Make sure your oil temperature stays around 350°F and drain the fritters on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
With this easy apple fritters recipe using canned filling, you can enjoy a classic comfort treat without the fuss of peeling and chopping apples. The balance of crispy edges and tender, sweet apple bites makes these fritters a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
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