Easy Skillet Apple Fritters

These golden-brown delights, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, showcase the perfect marriage of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a light, fluffy batter. Using just a cast iron skillet, you'll transform basic pantry ingredients into a comforting dessert that's perfect for fall gatherings or weekend breakfasts.

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Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Fritters, Skillet Fritters, Cast Iron Fritters, Easy Apple Fritters, Apple Dessert, Breakfast Treats

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

Servings: fritters

Calories: 245kcal

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet
Mixing bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

For the batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated adds more aromatic depth
2 large eggs room temperature
3/4 cup whole milk buttermilk works beautifully for extra tenderness
2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the apple filling:

3 medium apples Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark both work wonderfully
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pinch salt

For cooking:

1/3 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying

For the glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, allowing the apples to release their natural juices and absorb the flavors.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Avoid overmixing.
Fold the apple mixture, including any juices, into the batter until evenly distributed.
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4-inch depth. The perfect temperature is around 350°F.
Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, drop portions of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (3-4 fritters at a time works best).
Cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes.
Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Continue with remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed between batches.
To make the optional glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Drizzle glaze over the warm (not hot) fritters or dip the tops directly into the glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

These skillet fritters contain approximately 35% fewer calories and 45% less fat than traditional deep-fried apple fritters.

Fresh is best, but cooled fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days, though the texture may become slightly softer.

Reheat refrigerated fritters in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

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