Semi-Homemade Apple Fritter Donuts

Apple fritter doughnuts are a must for anyone who loves apples and doughnuts. A tender doughnut with bits of fresh apples throughout, deep-fried and drizzled with a sweet glaze, apple fritter donuts are the perfect fall pastry. Best of all, this recipe is super easy to make! 

The apple fritters are crisp on the outside with a soft and fluffy inside that is enrobed in a sweet glaze. Serve with a glass of homemade apple cider and enjoy that fresh apple flavor in every single bite.

Another great recipe to consider during apple picking season is our homemade apple butter. Spread over a nice piece of homemade bread and you have an additional tasty treat to keep around. 

What Is An Apple Fritter 

An apple fritter is one of the best doughnut creations ever made. For this particular recipe, we use a pizza dough as the base with freshly chopped apples paired with speckles of cinnamon and sugar throughout.

Deep fry and top it with sweet homemade glaze. Each bite delivers a soft, light dough flavor paired with the apple cinnamon. These are beyond amazing! 

If you plan on going to an apple orchard this fall, make sure to grab some fresh apples to bring home. This is a recipe we use every year and the whole family just devours the fritters.

They taste best fresh out of the grease once they have slightly cooled. But, what donut doesn’t taste best when it is warm? 

Easy Semi- Homemade Apple Fritter Doughnuts 

This recipe doesn’t involve a lot of time thanks to the pre-made pizza dough crust! Although you could make your own dough, I have found the pizza dough is the perfect texture and works well in this recipe.

The pizza dough also allows a small corner to be cut in it so you don’t have to sit and wait for your dough to rise, as you would if you made homemade dough. The fresh apples help bring in the sweetness and texture to give it a more homemade taste.  

Leftovers are just as good the next day! Feel free to zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to give it that warm and moist fresh taste. On occasions we have leftovers, but more often than not these fritters get devoured rather quickly! Trust me, you guys, these are phenomenal apple fritters. 

Even More Sweet Apple Recipes 

• Instant Pot Apple Pecan Streusel Muffins
• Apple Cider Doughnut Bites 
• Oatmeal Stuffed Baked Apples 

Before I get to the recipe, let’s talk social media. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you would follow me on my social channels and subscribe to my blog! I won’t spam you to death. I promise! You can elect to just get Instant Pot or recipe emails!

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Also because this is an air fryer recipe, I have an air fryer group, too!

Ingredients for Semi-Homemade Apple Fritter Doughnuts

• 1 can readymade Pizza Dough
• 1 quart of Vegetable Oil

Apple Filling

• 4 medium-sized Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 2 tablespoons of Butter
• ¼ cup of Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of All Purpose Flour

Glaze

• 1 cup of Confectioners’ Sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
• 2 teaspoons of Milk

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Instructions

To make the Apple Filling

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.                                                                                                   
2. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar and cinnamon.                                                                                             
3. Cook for 5 minutes or until the apples are soft. Increase the heat to medium high and let any excess liquid evaporate.                                                                                                                                                            
4. Remove from heat and mix in the flour. Keep aside to cool.

Making the Donuts

1. Roll out the pizza dough into a well-floured surface.                                                                                              
2. Spread the cooled apple filling on one half of the pizza dough.                                                                            
3. Fold the other half of the pizza dough over the apple filling.                                                                                 
4. Cut the stuffed pizza dough into your desired size. We cut into 24 pieces. You can go as big or as small.   
5. Flour your hands and gently form the apple fritters into a round shape.                                                           
6. Let it rest while you heat up the oil and make the glaze.

To make the Glaze

1. Combine the confections sugar, vanilla and milk in a bowl. Whisk it well into a smooth glaze.
2. Add a teaspoon of milk if the glaze is too thick, or add a tablespoon of powdered sugar if the glaze is too thin.                                                                                                                                                                             

To fry the Apple Fritter Donuts

1. Place a quart of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or a deep saucepan.            
2. Insert a candy thermometer and let the oil come up to 375 F.
3. Gently slide a couple of the fritters in the hot oil. Leave it undisturbed for a minute or so.                                
4. When it rises to the top, flip it and let the other side fry for another minute until it is rich golden brown in color. Remove from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel lined baking sheet.                                               
5. Dip the warm donut in the glaze and let it cool on a wire rack.                                                                             
6. Repeat with the remaining fritters.
7. It is best served on the same day.                                                                                                                               

Notes

• Do not crowd the pan while frying the donuts. Let the oil come back to 375 F between batches.

Don’t Forget to Print Off the Recipe for later!