Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sourdough Apple Fritters are everything you love about classic fritters, with a little twist from the sourdough base. The batter is fluffy, yet slightly chewy, and the tanginess from the sourdough adds depth to the flavor. The diced apples and warm spices create a sweet, comforting filling that’s perfect for cooler weather. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, and dusted with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that takes them over the top. Whether you’re using your sourdough discard or just craving a new treat, these fritters are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (fed or unfed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 medium apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preparing the fritter batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, egg, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apple, making sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).
Frying the fritters:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully spoon the fritter batter into the oil, about 1-2 tablespoons per fritter. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to make the fritters uniform in size.
- Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Coating the fritters:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- While the fritters are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 fritters
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Add nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture and more flavor.
- Use pears: Swap the apples for pears for a slightly different fruit flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Glaze the fritters: Instead of coating the fritters in cinnamon-sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over them for a sweeter finish.
- Make them spicier: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the batter for an extra spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat fritters in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a fresh sourdough starter for these fritters?
Yes, you can use a fed sourdough starter in place of discard. If using a fed starter, reduce the amount of baking powder by half since the starter will already provide some leavening.
2. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
While fritters are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the texture may change slightly when stored.
3. Can I make these fritters without apples?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears, bananas, or even berries for a variation on the flavor. Just make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces so they cook through.
4. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
While baking isn’t the traditional method for fritters, you can try baking them at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be less crispy than fried, but still delicious.
5. Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, you can freeze the fritters. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
6. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these fritters gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly for the right batter consistency.
7. What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well in this recipe. They hold their shape during frying and provide a nice balance of flavor.
8. Can I add a glaze to these fritters?
Yes, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the fritters instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating for a sweeter, smoother finish.
9. Can I make the fritters in a deep fryer?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to make these fritters. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and fry the fritters at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
10. How do I prevent the fritters from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters—around 350°F (175°C)—to ensure they cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing excess oil.
Conclusion
Sourdough Apple Fritters are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, spiced goodness of apples. These crispy, golden fritters are a perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert that will make any occasion feel special. Whether you’re using your sourdough discard or just craving something sweet and comforting, these fritters are sure to satisfy. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re the perfect balance of crispy, soft, and fruity!
PrintSourdough Apple Fritters
Sourdough Apple Fritters combine the tangy depth of sourdough with cinnamon-spiced apples in a crispy, golden fritter. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, these fritters are the ultimate comforting treat with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (fed or unfed)
1 large egg
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, egg, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Gently fold in the diced apple, making sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat, reaching about 350°F (175°C).
- Once the oil is hot, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of batter into the oil per fritter. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- While still warm, roll the fritters in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Notes
- Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
- Substitute apples with pears or berries for a twist on flavor.
- For a sweeter finish, drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the fritters instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg