Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these Honeycrisp Apple Fritters with Lemon Glaze are a comforting, fruit-filled treat. Chunks of fresh Honeycrisp apples are folded into a warmly spiced batter, then fried until golden brown and finished with a vibrant lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of zing. Perfect for cozy mornings, fall gatherings, or whenever you crave a delicious homemade pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These apple fritters bring together everything you want in a seasonal dessert or brunch item. The Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness and juicy texture, while the cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, aromatic flavor. Frying gives them a lightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender center. The lemon glaze cuts through the richness with a bright, citrusy finish, enhancing the overall flavor balance. Simple to prepare and utterly satisfying, these fritters are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Apple Fritters:
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- large eggs
- whole milk
- unsalted butter, melted
- vanilla extract
- Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
- vegetable oil, for frying
For the Lemon Glaze:
- powdered sugar
- fresh lemon juice
- milk
- lemon zest (optional)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced Honeycrisp apples.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, drop ¼ cup portions of batter into the hot oil, working in batches of 2–3 fritters at a time.
- Fry each fritter for about 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 fritters
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 295 kcal
Variations
- Apple Variety: Substitute Granny Smith or Fuji apples for a different flavor and tartness.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Finish: Toss the warm fritters in cinnamon-sugar instead of glazing for a classic donut-shop touch.
- Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger to the lemon glaze for a spiced citrus finish.
- Mini Fritters: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized versions, perfect for snacking or serving on a platter.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place fritters on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy. For best results, enjoy fritters fresh on the day they are made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn apples also work well. Honeycrisp is preferred for its sweet flavor and crisp texture.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and rise to the top.
Why are my fritters raw in the middle?
Frying at too high a temperature can cause the outside to brown before the inside cooks through. Maintain steady heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Fritters are traditionally fried to achieve their signature texture, but baking will result in a more cake-like consistency.
What’s the best way to core and dice apples?
Peel the apples, then cut around the core and dice into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the batter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter shortly after mixing to preserve the leavening action. However, you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer added texture and nutrients.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
How thin should the glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but thin enough to drizzle easily. Adjust with a bit more milk or sugar as needed.
Can I freeze apple fritters?
Fritters can be frozen after frying and cooling. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
Conclusion
Honeycrisp Apple Fritters with Lemon Glaze are a delightful treat that combines rustic charm with refined flavor. The warm, spiced batter enveloping crisp apple chunks is fried to golden perfection, while the lemon glaze adds a lively finish that elevates the whole dessert. Whether served at brunch, as a holiday snack, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these fritters are a delicious and comforting indulgence that’s sure to please.
Print
Honeycrisp Apple Fritters with Lemon Glaze
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honeycrisp Apple Fritters with Lemon Glaze are the ultimate fall treat—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and bursting with juicy apple chunks. A tangy lemon glaze adds brightness, balancing the warm spices and sweetness in every bite. Perfect for cozy mornings, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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2 large eggs
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3/4 cup whole milk
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups peeled and diced Honeycrisp apples
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Lemon Glaze:
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp milk
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1 tsp lemon zest (optional for extra zing)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Gently fold in the diced apples.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Scoop ¼ cup portions of batter and carefully drop into the hot oil.
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Fry 2–3 fritters at a time, flipping once, for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
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For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth.
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Drizzle generously over warm fritters. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Best served fresh while warm and crispy.
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You can use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady for even frying.
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Add more zest or juice to the glaze for a punchier lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
