Ingredients
Fritter Dough
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ⅔ cup whole milk (warmed to 110-115°F)
- 1 tbsp salted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 3 honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced into ¼ inch chunks)
Salted Caramel Glaze
- 1 cup soft caramel bits
- Splash of water (to melt the caramel bits)
- Finishing salt (to sprinkle on fritters)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Begin by heating vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for getting the fritters crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until uniform.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the fritters tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced honeycrisp apples into the batter using a baking spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking the apple pieces.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measuring spoon, carefully drop 2-3 fritters into the hot oil at a time, maintaining the oil temperature around 375°F. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
- Melt Caramel: While frying, melt the caramel bits with a splash of water in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and melted.
- Glaze the Fritters: After fritters have cooled slightly and can be handled, dip them into the warm caramel glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle a light amount of finishing salt over the caramel-coated fritters and serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is key for crispy fritters that are not greasy.
- Use room temperature eggs and warmed milk for best batter consistency.
- Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet, crisp texture but other firm sweet apples can be substituted.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Allow fritters to cool for a few minutes before glazing to avoid melting the caramel too quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American