Crispy Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
These bite-sized apple fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the perfect quick breakfast or brunch treat for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 mini fritters (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend for GF fritters)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil for dairy-free)
- 1 cup (about 1 medium) apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 1-2 cups / 240-480ml)
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Peel, core, and finely dice 1 medium apple (about 1 cup). Toss with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add milk and melted butter or oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Batter should be thick but scoopable.
- Fold diced apples into the batter with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour 1-2 cups vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop heaping teaspoons of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) and gently drop into hot oil. Fry 5-6 at a time, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain and cool slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll warm fritters in mixture until coated.
- Serve immediately for best crunch. Store leftovers airtight once fully cooled.
Notes
Dice apples small for even cooking. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute flour and butter as needed. Air fryer or oven baking is possible for a lighter version. Coat fritters in cinnamon sugar while warm for best flavor and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini fritter
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: apple fritters, cinnamon, breakfast, brunch, easy, quick, skillet, homemade, kid-friendly, gluten-free option