Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m beyond excited to share this recipe for Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters with you today. These little golden bites are everything we love about fall desserts—crisp on the outside, tender and cinnamon-sweet on the inside, and absolutely bursting with juicy apple flavor. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and just the kind of treat that makes your whole kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. And guess what? They’re super simple to whip up!
Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are perfect for when you’re craving a quick homemade dessert but don’t want to fuss with complicated steps or wait hours to enjoy it. Think fair-style apple fritters—but mini, adorable, and made fresh at home!
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What Are Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters?
These mini apple fritters are deep-fried nuggets of spiced apple-studded dough, glazed with a vanilla-cinnamon icing that takes them over the top. The batter is made with pantry staples, and you don’t even need a deep fryer—just a sturdy pot and some neutral oil.
Unlike store-bought versions that often feel too doughy or bland, these little guys are generously loaded with chopped apples and real cinnamon. They’re slightly crisp outside, soft and cakey inside, and the glaze melts into all the craggy corners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
One bowl: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
No yeast required: Just mix, scoop, and fry!
Perfectly portioned: Great for parties, brunch, or sweet snacks.
Naturally cozy: Ideal for fall but delicious year-round.
What Do These Apple Fritters Taste Like?
Imagine a bite of warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie, wrapped in a pillowy-soft doughnut-like shell. The edges get golden and crispy while the inside stays moist and tender thanks to the juicy apples. Then there’s the glaze: sweet, sticky, with a subtle vanilla note and extra cinnamon kick.
They’re everything comforting and indulgent, without being too heavy. Anything but boring!!
The Benefits of Making Mini Fritters at Home
Control the ingredients: Use your favorite apples, adjust the spice, or skip the glaze if you’d like.
Freshly made = best taste: These are unbeatable warm from the fryer!
Kid-friendly & shareable: Their mini size makes them fun and snackable.
Budget-friendly: Way cheaper (and better!) than bakery versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 heaping cup finely chopped apples (peeled if you prefer; I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk and spoon or spatula
Small ice cream scoop or tablespoon
Paper towels
Slotted spoon
Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
Cooling rack (or plate with paper towels)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Apples: Any firm apple works—Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala are all great. Mix two kinds for complexity!
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice to warm things up.
Glaze swap: Maple glaze or caramel drizzle? YES PLEASE.
Dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
How to Make Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prep the oil
In a deep pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Keep an eye on it while you prep the batter.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Step 3: Fry the fritters
Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Don’t overcrowd the pot!
Step 4: Drain and cool
Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Let cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Step 5: Glaze and serve
Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters or dunk the tops straight in. Serve immediately!
What to Serve With Apple Fritters
These are amazing all on their own, but you can absolutely level things up:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Add to a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Pair with coffee or chai for the perfect afternoon treat.
Tips for the Best Mini Apple Fritters
Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay!
Test your oil temperature—too cool and they’ll be greasy, too hot and they’ll burn.
Use a small scoop for even portions and cute, bite-size fritters.
Let them cool slightly before glazing or the glaze may melt off completely.
How to Store Apple Fritters
These are best fresh, but here’s how to keep them tasty:
Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Fridge: Up to 3 days, but the texture may soften.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer, then glaze fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
They won’t get the same texture, but you can try baking them at 375°F for 12–15 minutes in a mini muffin pan. Brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can chop the apples and mix the dry ingredients ahead of time.
What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith adds tartness and holds its shape, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. I like a combo!
Do I need a thermometer to fry?
Not necessarily. Drop a small piece of batter in the oil—if it sizzles and rises quickly, you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are the kind of treat that feels like a hug in food form. They’re quick, easy, and deliver that golden, crispy-chewy goodness we all crave this time of year (or any time!). Whether you’re making a batch for brunch, dessert, or just because it’s Tuesday, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
If you loved this recipe, you must check out my other peach and apple favorites—especially my Peach Cobbler Muffins and Baked Apple Oatmeal Cups. They bring the same cozy vibes and are perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or fall potlucks.
Share Your Fritters!
I’d LOVE to see your version of these fritters! If you make them, please leave a review below and share your photos with me on Pinterest. Tag them with #mmmrecipes so I can find you!
Nutritional Information (approx. per fritter)
Calories: 110
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 15g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g
As always, nutritional info is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients and batch size.
Ready to get frying? These little bites of cinnamon-apple happiness are waiting for you!