There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the house, especially when it’s coming from your crockpot. These Crockpot Apple Fritters are my go-to when I want a cozy, comforting treat without all the fuss. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with juicy apples—just like the ones my grandma used to make for Sunday breakfast.
Back then, we’d crowd around the kitchen table, laughing and stealing bites before they even cooled. Now, I love making these for my own family because they’re so easy. No standing over a stove, no complicated steps—just mix, fry, and enjoy. The crockpot keeps the oil at the perfect temperature, so every batch turns out golden and delicious. And that warm, spiced aroma? Pure nostalgia. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a chilly evening craving, these fritters are the answer. They’re simple enough for beginners but taste like they took hours. And the best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now. Let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Apple Fritters
Listen, I know homemade fried desserts can seem intimidating—but these apple fritters? They’re the exception. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:
- So easy a sleepy Sunday you can handle it: Just toss ingredients together and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting.
- Minimal cleanup drama: One bowl, one crockpot—no splattered stovetop to scrub.
- Kid-approved (and sneaky parent win): Packed with actual fruit? They’ll never know.
- Fall magic in every bite: That cinnamon-apple combo smells like pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters.
Seriously, they disappear faster than I can fry them—every single time.
Ingredients for Crockpot Apple Fritters
Grab these simple ingredients—you might already have most in your kitchen! The magic is in the details, so I’ve noted my tried-and-true preferences:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled, not packed!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for extra warmth)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (yes, a full tablespoon—it’s key for fluffiness)
- 1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (or more if you’re feeling bold)
- 2 large eggs (room temp blends smoother)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes them extra tender)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted both work)
- 2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith holds up best, skins on for texture)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola—about 2 cups for the crockpot)
Pro tip: Measure your flour right—too much makes dense fritters. I fluff the flour first, then lightly spoon it into my measuring cup. And don’t skip the butter—it’s the secret to that irresistible golden crust!
How to Make Crockpot Apple Fritters
Alright, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t let the frying part scare you—your crockpot makes it nearly foolproof. I’ve made these dozens of times, and this method never lets me down. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have apple fritters that’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
First, grab your biggest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll need the space later). Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until they’re fully combined. No need to sift—just make sure there aren’t any clumps of baking powder hiding in there. This is where the fritters get their structure and that warm spiced flavor, so take an extra second to really blend it all together. I like to give the bowl a little tap on the counter to settle everything before adding the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl (or right in your 2-cup measuring cup to save dishes), beat the eggs until they’re nice and smooth. Then whisk in the milk and melted butter. The butter might clump a bit if it’s too hot—that’s okay! Just keep whisking until it’s mostly incorporated. Pro tip: if your eggs are cold from the fridge, let them sit in warm water for 5 minutes first. Room-temperature eggs blend so much better and give you a smoother batter.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Now for the fun part! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—a few lumps are fine. Gently fold in those beautiful chopped apples (I always sneak a few pieces to snack on while I cook). Meanwhile, heat about 2 inches of oil in your crockpot on high for 10 minutes. Test if it’s ready by dropping in a tiny bit of batter—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
Use two spoons to carefully drop golf ball-sized dollops of batter into the hot oil. Don’t crowd them—I do about 4-5 at a time. They’ll puff up as they cook! Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Resist eating one right away (I know, it’s hard)—that hot oil can surprise you! Let them cool for just a minute before dusting with powdered sugar or diving in.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Apple Fritters
Want fritters that are golden outside, tender inside—every single time? Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Oil temp is everything: If it’s not sizzling when you test with batter, wait! Too cool = greasy fritters. Too hot = burned outside, raw inside. 350°F is the sweet spot.
- Chop apples small: Big chunks make the batter split. I aim for pea-sized pieces—they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Give them space! Overcrowding drops the oil temp fast. I do small batches (4-5 fritters max) and resist the urge to peek too soon.
Oh, and that first test fritter? Consider it your chef’s reward—quality control, right?
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Apple Fritters
These fritters are amazing plain—warm, crispy, and straight from the crockpot—but oh, the things you can do with them! My personal favorite? A generous dusting of powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. The sugar melts just enough to create this delicate, sweet crust that cracks when you bite in.
For special occasions (or let’s be honest—bad days that need extra comfort), I’ll serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. The cold ice cream against the hot fritter? Absolute magic. My kids love them dunked in cinnamon-spiked whipped cream or even just a big glass of cold milk. However you serve them, just promise me one thing: eat them fresh. That first bite of a warm apple fritter is something you’ll want to savor.
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Apple Fritters
Here’s the truth—these fritters are best eaten fresh, but if you do have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To bring back that perfect crispiness, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Microwave reheating? Don’t do it—you’ll get sad, soggy fritters. Trust me, the extra minute with the oven makes all the difference!
Crockpot Apple Fritters Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun begins! I love playing with different add-ins depending on my mood. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch—just toast them first for extra flavor. My husband insists on raisins soaked in warm apple cider (his grandma’s trick). And when I’m feeling adventurous, a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg takes the spice game to new heights. The batter’s like a blank canvas—make it yours!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist—but if you’re curious, here’s the rough breakdown per fritter (based on my ingredients): about 180 calories, 7g fat, and just enough cinnamon-apple goodness to make you smile. Remember, these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients or how generous you are with that powdered sugar topping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use other apples besides Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith holds up best, I’ve had great results with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady apples. Just avoid super soft varieties like Red Delicious—they turn mushy fast.
Q2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can—but they won’t be true fritters! For a baked version, dollop batter onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F for 12-15 mins. They’ll be more like apple cakes (still tasty, just different).
Q3. Why did my fritters absorb so much oil?
Your oil probably wasn’t hot enough. Wait until a test drop of batter sizzles vigorously—that means it’s ready. Also, don’t overcrowd the crockpot!
Q4. Can I make the batter ahead?
I don’t recommend it. The baking powder starts working immediately, so waiting makes flat fritters. Mix right before frying for the puffiest results.
Q5. Are these freezer-friendly?
They freeze okay, but lose crispness. If you must, freeze unfried batter balls and fry straight from frozen—just add 1-2 mins to cook time.
Made these? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment or snap a pic—nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures.
Print5-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Fritters: Irresistibly Crispy Bliss
Delicious apple fritters made easily in a crockpot, perfect for a cozy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cups chopped apples
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Beat eggs, milk, and melted butter in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apples.
- Heat oil in crockpot on high.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, cook until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best results.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- Serve with powdered sugar or caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
