The Best Sourdough Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are one of my absolute favorite donuts, right up there with a classic sprinkle! These sourdough apple fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender inside, and loaded with juicy apples and cinnamon flavor.

Whether you’re deep frying for the first time or a seasoned fritter fan, this is the perfect fall treat to try in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love Sourdough Apple Fritters

• A delicious sourdough discard recipe. No commercial yeast needed!
• Bursting with apple flavor and sweet cinnamon sugar.
• That vanilla glaze? A perfect compliment to the apple fritters!
• A great way to use up your sourdough discard and impress your taste buds.
• No average apple fritters here. These are golden brown, puffy, and totally crave-worthy.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need For Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make the best apple fritters ever!

• Sourdough discard: This gives a slight tang and added depth to the dough. You’ll need about ½ cup of sourdough starter discard (unfed). I like to use day or two old starter when making desserts with sourdough discard.
• Fresh Apples: Go for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp, or Gala apples for sweet-tart balance. Dice the chopped apples into small pieces so they cook evenly.
• Flour: Good old all purpose flour helps build the batter. For best results, weigh your flour (158g) with a kitchen scale!
• Oil for frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil work great. You’ll need a few inches of oil in a Dutch oven, cast-iron skillet, or deep fryer.
• Powdered sugar glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk (any kind) makes a sweet glaze that clings to each fritter.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Baking powder: For that fluffy, airy lift.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice to every bite.
• Milk (any kind): Use your favorite (dairy or non-dairy both work)!
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: For a sweet, fragrant depth that pairs perfectly with apples.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Fritters

Step 1: Before you begin

Add your oil to a deep pot and start heating over medium heat. You’re aiming for around 375°F for frying. A candy thermometer helps keep the oil temperature consistent.

Line a wire rack with paper towels for draining the fritters once fried. Have a slotted spoon or spider tool ready.

Step 2: Make the batter

In a small bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, sourdough discard. Whisk until smooth and foamy. 

Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the top of the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in peeled, cored, and diced apples.

Step 3: Fry the fritters

Once the hot oil reaches 375°F, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil using a scoop (about ¼ cup or 80g). You will need to slightly spread out the dough after adding to the oil. You may need to adjust the heat when the dough is added to keep the temperature consistent.

Fry 2–3 fritters at a time, about 2 minutes per side, until fritters are golden brown and puffed up.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to the prepared wire rack. Let the excess oil drain.

Step 4: Glaze your sourdough apple fritters

In another small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and melted butter.

Dip warm (not hot) fritters in glaze (both sides), then set on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch the vanilla glaze drips.

Can You Bake These Sourdough Apple Fritters?

Nope, not this dough! These fritters are made for deep frying. Baking won’t give you the crisp exterior and pillowy inside that makes these so irresistible. But if you’re looking for a baked option, try a sourdough apple fritter bread instead.

Recipe Notes + Helpful Tips

• Measure flour accurately using a kitchen scale for the best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd your frying pan. This keeps the oil temperature steady and the fritters crispy.
• A Dutch oven, cast-iron skillet, or deep fryer helps maintain the right temp.
• Keep the oil around 375°F. Adjust the heat slightly up or down as needed.
• Always drain on paper towels to avoid soggy fritters.

How to Store Homemade Apple Fritters

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes. Do not freeze or they will lose their texture and flavor.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @catchthecrumbsourdough on Instagram to show it off!