Salted Honeycrisp Fritters

This rustic Salted Honeycrisp Fritters recipe transforms ordinary apples into golden, crispy delights with the perfect balance of sweetness and salt. The warm cinnamon-spiced batter hugs chunks of tart honeycrisp apples, creating a treat that's both comforting and sophisticated when finished with that surprising touch of flaky sea salt.

I first made these fritters during apple picking season last fall, and they've become our Saturday morning tradition. My children now judge all apple orchards by whether their apples will make "the good fritters" as they call them.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for these fritters without becoming dense
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note that complements the apples beautifully
• Baking powder: Gives the fritters their signature puff and lightness
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provide that classic apple spice profile that makes these irresistible
• Honeycrisp apples: Offer the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness while holding their shape
• Flaked sea salt: The surprising finish that transforms these from good to unforgettable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Oil:

Heat several inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until it reaches 350°F. This temperature is crucial for proper cooking. Too hot and they'll burn outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool and they'll absorb excess oil. Line a plate with paper towels nearby for draining.

Mix The Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. This ensures all the leavening and seasoning distributes evenly throughout the batter.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla until well blended. The melted butter adds richness while the eggs provide structure to the fritters.

Create The Batter:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make tough fritters. Stop when you no longer see dry flour pockets.

Fold In Apples:

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and chunky with apple pieces visible throughout.

Fry The Fritters:

Drop quarter-cup portions of batter into the hot oil, cooking only one or two at a time to maintain oil temperature. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total, flipping once or twice during cooking for even browning.

Drain And Cool:

Remove golden fritters with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing as hot fritters will cause the glaze to run off.

Glaze And Finish:

Once slightly cooled, dip each fritter into the vanilla glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with flaked sea salt before the glaze sets.

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The moment these golden fritters emerge from the oil is pure kitchen magic. I remember the first time I sprinkled that flaky sea salt on top—my husband looked skeptical but then couldn't stop reaching for more. The salt crystals create little bursts of flavor that cut through the sweetness perfectly.

Make-Ahead Options

While these fritters shine brightest when freshly made, you can prepare components ahead of time. Mix the dry ingredients the night before and store in an airtight container. You can also measure and combine wet ingredients (except eggs) and refrigerate overnight. Add eggs just before cooking. Cut apples just before incorporating to prevent browning, or toss them with a bit of lemon juice if prepping early.

Apple Selection Matters

Honeycrisp apples are my go-to for these fritters because they maintain their structure during frying without becoming mushy. They also offer that perfect sweet-tart balance. If substituting, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Granny Smith work beautifully. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious that break down too much during cooking. Whatever apple you choose, dice them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters create an unforgettable breakfast paired with crisp bacon and hot coffee. For dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a stunning addition to brunch buffets—just keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes. I've even packed them as treats for autumn picnics and tailgating parties where they disappear instantly.

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These fritters are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, elevating apple season to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of apple for these fritters?

Yes, while Honeycrisp apples provide an excellent sweet-tart flavor and maintain their texture when fried, you can substitute with Granny Smith for more tartness, or Gala and Fuji for sweetness. The key is choosing firm apples that won't turn mushy during frying.

→ How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface, but not burn quickly. If the batter sinks and doesn't sizzle, the oil isn't hot enough.

→ Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, you can prepare the batter (without adding apples) a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Add the apples just before frying. Once fried and glazed, the fritters will keep at room temperature for about a day, though they'll lose some crispness.

→ Is the sea salt topping necessary?

While the sea salt adds a wonderful flavor contrast to the sweet glaze, it's optional. The salt elevates the apple flavor and balances the sweetness, but if you prefer a purely sweet treat, you can omit it.

→ Can these fritters be baked instead of fried?

These are designed specifically as fried fritters. Baking would produce a different texture and result—more like a muffin top. If you want to bake them, you'd need to adjust the batter to be thicker and possibly add more leavening agents. For the authentic fritter experience, frying is recommended.

→ What's the best way to store leftover fritters?

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can rewarm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid refrigerating as this will make them soggy.