If you’re craving a quick and delicious dessert that you can whip up in just a few minutes, this apple fritter recipe is perfect for you. With just one apple, an egg, and some basic pantry ingredients, you can create a tasty treat without needing to use the oven. These apple fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with sweet apple flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so even if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 1 egg
- 50g sugar (about 1/4 cup)
- 60ml sunflower oil (plus extra for frying)
- 400g flour (approximately 3 1/4 cups)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200ml milk (about 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon)
- 10g instant baking yeast (about 1 tablespoon)
- Vanillin (optional, for extra flavor)
- For decoration: Sugar and cinnamon mixture
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
- Whisk the Egg and Sugar: Start by cracking the egg into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, and whisk them together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. The sugar should begin to dissolve into the egg, creating a smooth base for your batter.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the milk and sunflower oil, continuing to whisk as you add each ingredient. This step ensures that the liquids are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which will help your fritters turn out light and airy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Next, sprinkle in the instant baking yeast, a pinch of salt, and vanillin (if using). Stir these into the mixture until they’re fully incorporated. The yeast will help the fritters puff up as they cook, giving them a nice, fluffy texture.
- Mix in the Flour: Slowly begin to add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep adding flour until you have a thick, smooth batter. The exact amount of flour you need may vary, so add it gradually and stop when the batter is just thick enough to hold together without being too stiff.
2. Prepare the Apple:
- Peel and Chop the Apple: Peel your apple and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller you chop the apple, the more evenly it will cook within the fritters. This also helps to distribute the apple flavor throughout the batter.
- Incorporate the Apple: Once your apple is chopped, fold the pieces into the batter. Stir gently until the apple chunks are evenly distributed. This will ensure that every fritter is packed with sweet, juicy apple in every bite.
3. Fry the Fritters:
- Heat the Oil: Pour some sunflower oil into a frying pan, enough to cover the bottom with a thin layer. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. To test if the oil is ready, you can drop a small bit of batter into the pan – it should sizzle and start to cook immediately.
- Cook the Fritters: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Each fritter should be about a tablespoon of batter. Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows them to cook evenly and get crispy. Cook each fritter for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the Fritters: Once the fritters are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This step will help keep them from being greasy.
4. Decorate and Serve:
- Add the Finishing Touches: While the fritters are still warm, sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The sugar will melt slightly into the fritters, adding a delicious sweet and spicy coating.
- Serve: These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them as they are, or with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
These apple fritters are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Breakfast Treat: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning snack.
- Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Snack: These fritters make a great afternoon pick-me-up or snack to share with friends and family.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger directly into the batter. For a more indulgent version, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet fritter, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. Alternatively, you can skip the sugar-cinnamon coating if you want a more savory version.
- Apple Alternatives: While this recipe calls for apples, you can substitute with other fruits like pears or bananas. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the fruit, as it might affect the texture of the batter.
Conclusion
In just 15 minutes, you can have a plate full of warm, crispy apple fritters that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for when you want a quick dessert without the hassle of using an oven. Whether you’re serving these fritters as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So the next time you have an apple and a few basic ingredients on hand, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade apple fritters!