Sourdough Apple Fritters

These sourdough apple fritters are everything you love about fall wrapped up in a golden, crispy bite. Made with sourdough discard, they’re soft and fluffy on the inside with bits of tender apple and a swirl of cinnamon throughout.

Each fritter is fried to perfection, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that drips into every crevice. They’re the perfect blend of cozy and nostalgic, like a trip to the apple orchard, but made fresh in your own kitchen.

Why you’ll love these

• Unexpected use of discard – These fritters have a subtle tang from the discard that helps deepen the flavors.
• Fun fall flavors – Apples and cinnamon combine perfectly to make this delicious fall favorite at home.

Love combining apples and sourdough? Try these other great recipes – like my sourdough fried apple rings, which are a simplified version of a fritter! This sourdough discard apple crisp is another fall favorite that will surprise people when they learn its made with sourdough. And these sourdough applesauce muffins are a great fan favorite, too!

How to make these fritters

This is a brief overview of how to make this recipe so you know what to expect. For the full set of written directions and ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

Step One: Prep the apples

Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes.

Step Two: Mix the batter

In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir together the batter until just combined, without over mixing. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes.

Step Three: Heat the oil.

Heat a neutral flavored oil in a deep skillet or heavy bottomed pot. You will need the oil about 2-3 ” deep, and you want it heat it over medium heat until it reaches between 350–360°F.

Step Four: Fry the fritters

Scoop about 2 Tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, working in batches of just 2-3 fritters at a time. Fry for 1.5-2 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn and transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Step Five: Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze until it becomes smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each fritter while they are still warm. Allow a few minutes for the glaze to set and then dig in!

Storage and Reheating

These fritters are best when eaten as soon as you make them. They won’t store well long term, at room temperature for 6 hours at most. You can store them for up to 24 hours in the fridge, but the exterior will soften.

Reheat them before eating again by placing on a tray in a 350 F oven for about 6-8 minutes.