Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Apple fritters coated with a tangy vanilla lemon glaze offer a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these treats make a delightful snack or breakfast indulgence.

Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ½-¾ cup whole milk
- 5 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala, chopped into ½ inch cubes)
- Avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil (for frying)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2: Add the eggs, melted butter, ½ cup milk, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing. If the batter is too thick, gradually add up to ¼ cup more milk, one tablespoon at a time. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Step 3: Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dipping the back of a wooden spoon into the oil; small bubbles should form. The oil temperature should be around 300ºF.
- Step 4: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until fritters are golden and crisp on all sides. Remove and let drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Step 5: To prepare the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture inside the fritters.
- If you prefer a spiced flavor, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a suitable butter alternative.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for precise oil temperature to avoid soggy or burnt fritters.
Storage
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Keep the glaze separate and drizzle just before serving to maintain texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, but choose firmer apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Granny Smith or Fuji. Softer apples may become mushy in the batter.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
The oil is ready when small bubbles form around the back of a wooden spoon dipped into it, or if you have a thermometer, aim for about 300ºF to ensure the fritters cook evenly without burning.
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Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Description
Delight in these crispy Apple Fritters featuring tender chunks of Honeycrisp or Gala apples, fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a luscious vanilla lemon glaze. This recipe combines the sweet tartness of fresh apples with a smooth, citrusy glaze that makes for an irresistible breakfast treat or snack.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½–¾ cup whole milk
- 5 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped into ½ inch cubes
- Avocado, canola, or any flavorless light oil (for frying)
Vanilla Lemon Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix wet ingredients and batter: Add the eggs, melted butter, ½ cup milk, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix, which can toughen the fritters. If the batter appears too thick, gradually add more milk up to ¼ cup, one tablespoon at a time, to reach a smooth but thick consistency. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour approximately 2 inches of your chosen light oil (avocado or canola) into a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Test if the oil is ready by dipping the back of a wooden spoon; bubbles should form steadily, indicating the temperature is around 300ºF.
- Fry the fritters: Using a tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly until fritters are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove fritters and drain on a wire rack placed over paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and serve: While fritters are still warm, drizzle the vanilla lemon glaze over them generously. Serve immediately for a delightful contrast between the warm fritters and the tangy-sweet glaze.
Notes
- For best flavor, choose sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala that hold their shape well during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature around 300ºF to ensure fritters cook inside without burning outside.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Consume fritters while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple fritters, vanilla lemon glaze, fried apple dessert, breakfast fritters, maple syrup apple fritters

