Name: Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (about 1 ½ cups); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon melted butter; Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

Get ready for the ultimate bite-sized treat-these Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are absolutely irresistible! Each tiny fritter features bursts of tender, juicy apple, kissed with cinnamon spice, and fried to crispy, golden perfection.

What makes them truly magical? Their addictively light, fluffy middles and the sweet, crackly glaze that makes every bite extra special. They come together quickly, so they're perfect for when you want impressive results with minimal fuss.

These mini fritters are a hit at fall parties, cozy brunches, or anytime you crave something comforting and nostalgic. Growing up, my grandma whipped these up on chilly weekends, making the kitchen smell like sweet apple pie-a tradition I cherish and love sharing with you!

Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters golden brown and dusted with cinnamon sugar, served on a plate

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Plays up the flavor of fresh apples with a fragrant cinnamon kick
Quick and easy-done in under an hour
Bite-sized and portable, perfect for parties or on-the-go snacks
No fancy equipment needed-just a bowl, a pan, and a spoon

Key Ingredients for Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Apples

Fresh apples are the star of this recipe, bringing sweet and slightly tart notes as well as juicy texture. I recommend Granny Smith for a classic tart bite, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work too if you prefer it sweeter. Dice them small-about ¼-inch pieces-so the fritters cook evenly and stay moist inside. If apples aren't on hand, pears make a surprisingly tasty swap, though the result will be less tart.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon infuses these fritters with warmth and a fragrant, bakery-style aroma. Always use ground cinnamon (not sticks) and feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper spice. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the measurement by half and add a little vanilla extract for balance.

All-Purpose Flour

This versatile flour gives structure to the fritters and ensures a light, tender crumb. For a gluten-free option, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Avoid whole wheat flour, as it can make the fritters too dense and overpower the delicate apple flavor.

Milk

Milk helps create a smooth, cohesive batter. Whole milk ensures a richer flavor and fluffy texture, but low-fat or dairy-free milks (like almond, oat, or soy) work just fine. If opting for dairy-free, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of flour to thicken your batter.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is essential for the dreamy glaze that coats each fritter. It dissolves smoothly and gives that classic donut-shop finish. If you don't want to glaze, you could simply dust the finished fritters with a cinnamon-sugar blend instead for a crunchy-sweet exterior.

Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters cooking process

Instructions for Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small ¼-inch cubes. Set them aside while you get the batter ready. Smaller pieces bake faster and distribute that delicious apple flavor in every bite!

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined-don't overmix! Fold in the diced apples with a spatula.

Heat the Oil

Pour about 1 ½ inches of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping in a tiny bit of batter-it should sizzle and gently brown in about a minute.

Fry the Fritters

Carefully drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, spacing them out so they don't touch. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they're deep golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Glaze the Fritters

While the fritters are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk (add a splash more milk if needed) to make a thick, pourable glaze. Dip or drizzle the fritters with glaze, or roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for extra sparkle if you like.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is certified gluten-free. The texture will still be wonderfully fluffy!

Amp Up the Spice

Love a punch of warmth? Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even cardamom to the batter. Try a chai-inspired version for a unique flavor twist.

Vegan-Friendly Fritters

Make these vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, rested until gelled) and use plant-based milk and melted coconut oil.

Use Different Fruits

Substitute half (or all) of the apples with pears, peaches, or chopped fresh berries for a fun seasonal spin.

Citrus Glaze

Brighten your glaze by adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange juice along with the milk. The citrus will add zing and complement the apples beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters are sensational straight from the fryer, still warm and sticky from the glaze! Serve them alongside hot coffee, chai, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a fun brunch platter, add a bowl of vanilla yogurt for dipping, or pair with salty bacon for a savory-sweet balance. Garnish with extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-fryer warmth. Freezing is not recommended as the texture can become soggy, but you can freeze unglazed, cooled fritters-reheat and glaze just before serving for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the batter and dice the apples several hours ahead-just keep them refrigerated and fry right before serving for the crispiest results.

Q: What kind of apples work best for fritters?

A: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well when fried and offer a nice contrast to the sweet batter, but sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work if you prefer.

Q: Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

A: Traditional fritters are fried for that amazing crisp texture. Baking won't give the same crunchy outside, but you can try scooping batter into a mini muffin pan and baking at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.

Thank you for trying these Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters! I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. If you make them, please leave a rating or a comment below-I'd love to hear how they turned out for you!