Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: a delicious recipe for easy gluten-free fritters

Just because you're gluten-free doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite desserts. If you're a fan of classic apple fritters but can't or choose not to include gluten in your diet, this gluten-free apple fritters recipe will put a smile on your face. With the same amazing cinnamon-apple smell, soft insides, and crispy, golden brown outside, gluten-free apple fritters are an amazing treat you can make this fall or whenever the mood strikes! Brush your apple fritters with a homemade cinnamon or vanilla glaze for that authentic taste. Gluten-free apple fritters are so good and taste exactly like classic apple fritters. Don't believe us? Try the recipe and see for yourself!

How to Make Gluten-free Apple Fritters

You'll love how simple it is to make gluten-free apple fritters at home. Take a large bowl and whisk the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine them. Add the diced apples and give everything a good stir.

Now is a perfect time to start preheating your oil. Pour about 3-inches of neutral oil into a Dutch oven and let it heat up to 350°F. As the oil heats up, beat the buttermilk and egg in a bowl, then mix it into the apple mixture, stirring until the batter is just combined. Scoop ¼ cup of batter and gently place it into the heated oil. Fry the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Take them out of the oil and pop them on a wire rack to drain and cool. Repeat until you've used up all the batter.

While the apple fritters cool, mix up the glaze. Simply whisk the sugar, cinnamon, and water in a bowl. Feel free to add a little extra water if needed until you get the right consistency. Once the fritters have cooled, drizzle or brush the glaze over them, then let it harden slightly before tucking in.

What Are the Best Type of Apple for Apple Fritters?

The best apples for apple fritters are tarter, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Jonagold. Their natural tartness will balance out the sweetness of the fritters and their firm texture holds up well to frying, baking, and cooking in general. Honey Crisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are excellent if you prefer a sweeter apple.

Can I Bake Gluten-free Apple Fritters Instead of Frying Them?

As far as gluten-free apple fritters are concerned, you're best off deep-frying them. This batter is a fairly wet batter that doesn't hold up well when baked. If you're looking to achieve that amazing golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside apple fritter but made with gluten-free flour, frying them is hands down the best option.

Tips for Easy Gluten-free Apple Fritters

– To get perfectly tender apples in your fritters, you'll want to make sure not to cut them so they're neither too big nor too small. Nickle-sized should do.

– An all-purpose gluten-free flour made from rice flour, tapioca starch, and gum works great for baking and frying. Mixing it with cornstarch helps make the flour less runny – ideal for frying apple fritters.

– Don't overcrowd the Dutch oven otherwise, your fritters won't fry properly.

– To make this recipe vegan and vegetarian-friendly, use a mixture of half plant-based milk and half plant-based yogurt as a substitution for buttermilk. Swap the egg out for a flax egg.

– If you don't have cornstarch, arrowroot powder will work as a replacement.

How to Store Gluten-free Apple Fritters

Keep leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy them within 4 to 5 days.

Instructions

Whisk flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the diced apples.

Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in a Dutch oven.

As the oil is heating, whisk the buttermilk and egg in a bowl. Add it to the apple mixture and stir until just combined.

Scoop out ¼ cup of batter and place it into the oil. Fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a rack to cool. Repeat until all the batter has been used.

To make the glaze, whisk sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Add more water by the tablespoon, if necessary until you get the desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over cooled fritters and let it set before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients.

Choose an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or canola oil.