Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters

These Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are bursting with warm apple flavor and hints of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. Every bite is heavenly!

This is a quick 30-minute recipe, no yeast required! You can use that leftover sourdough discard, add in some tart apple chunks, and finish with a quick vanilla cinnamon glaze. These Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters are deep-fried in tallow or lard, which gives them a crunchy outside and a flufffy inside. Honestly, they remind me of little mini donuts you buy at the fair, only these are healthier!

If you need a delicious way to use up those extra fresh apples in fall, or just a quick snack in the middle of winter, this sourdough recipe will have everyone coming back for more!

The Best Ever Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters Recipe

These aren’t your average sourdough apple fritters; they are simply the BEST you’ll ever try. 

I love whisking up a quick batch with my kids to have for a Saturday morning brunch or a cold winter night after supper dessert. These are surprisingly easy to make at home, like my White Chocolate & Cranberry Sourdough Scones. Unlike a donut, they have no rise time, but you get the same delicious taste. This is indeed the perfect fall treat for your family! If you love sourdough discard recipes, you’ll love my Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Bread. Do you love making fun treats for your kids? Try my Homemade Sourdough Discard Pop Tarts!

Why I love this recipe

• This is a quick sourdough discard recipe that is great if you don’t have a lot of time but still want a delicious snack. Make it in 30 min or less!
• A great way to use up that extra sourdough discard!
• The dough is mixed by hand. No need to use any equipment.
• This recipe does not use commercial yeast, just baking powder.
• It’s the perfect fall or winter comfort food recipe! Just like Grandma used to make! 
• This tastes like a classic apple fritter, but with a sourdough twist! 

Ingredients

Granny Smith Apples – Granny Smith apples are the best choice because of their tart flavor. You could also use a Honey Crisp or Pink Delicious apple, but try to use tart apples because they enhance the apple flavor. 

Flour – For this recipe, I used all-purpose flour. If you like, you can swap out half of the all-purpose flour for freshly milled soft white wheat. 

Baking Powder – Baking powder is used in this recipe instead of yeast.

Spices – Don’t omit the spices! They add so much warmth and flavor to the apple fritters!

Sour Cream – Sour cream makes the batter moist and fluffy. You can substitute the sour cream for apple sauce to make it dairy-free. 

Vanilla Extract – The hint of vanilla with apples and cinnamon just works! 

Whole Milk – You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or any milk of your choice.

Cinnamon Glaze – This glaze only takes a few seconds to whip together. Simply dip the fritters into the glaze once they are cooled and transfer to a wire rack. 

Cinnamon Sugar – If you prefer a cinnamon sugar instead of a glaze, toss the sourdough apple fritters in cinnamon sugar while still hot for best results.

Fry with Oil (I prefer lard or tallow)

I like to use fresh lard or tallow when frying fritters or donuts. If you don’t have a fryer, you can fill up a pot or Dutch oven on the stove (about 2 inches of oil) to 350°F and fry in small batches. Use a candy thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature. Always fry one apple fritter first to see how fast it will brown. If it gets too dark quickly, turn down the oil temperature. Use coconut oil if preferred. 

How to make Sourdough Apple Fritter Batter

Step 1. Make the Batter

First, whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Next, you will whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate small bowl.

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the liquid mixture into the well of flour. Stir the batter with a sourdough whisk until almost combined.

Gently fold in the diced apples. Don’t overmix the batter. 

Step 2. Heat up the oil

I used my deep fryer for this next step. I usually make donuts or fritters with fresh lard or tallow. If you don’t have a deep fryer or new lard, you can fry the apple fritters in a heavy pot on the stove. Heat up about 2 inches of oil or lard in a pot on the stove and bring the temperature to 350°F. 

Step 3. Fry the Apple Fritter Batter

Drop 1/4 cup of batter into the hot oil and let the sourdough apple fritters fry for a few minutes. You can use a small ice cream scoop if you want a round apple fritter. If you like a flatter look, scoop the fritter into the oil and smush it in the middle to give it a flatter, more unique shape. This will also allow it to fry more quickly. (only fry 6 to 8 at a time, depending on the size of your pot) 

Once that side is golden brown, flip the apple fritter over using a slotted spoon or a stainless steel kitchen tong. You might have to open one up to see if the inside is fully cooked before taking them all out. Once they are golden brown and fully cooked through, quickly transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining batter. 

Note: If the apple fritters get dark too quickly and the inside remains raw, reduce the oil temperature. If you are eyeballing the batter instead of using a measuring cup, don’t make them too big! 

Step 4. Prepare the Glaze

There are 2 types of toppings that you can use to top the apple fritters. A Vanilla Cinnamon Glaze or sprinkle the apple fritters with Cinnamon Sugar.

For the Cinnamon Vanilla Glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dunk the top half of each sourdough apple fritter into the icing. If you prefer less icing, put the icing into a zip-lock bag and snip the bottom edge of the bag. Glaze the apple fritters to your liking! 

Cinnamon Sugar. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon in a bowl. Toss the apple fritters while still hot for the best results. 

Tips and Tricks

• Try frying the sourdough fritters at a consistent temperature. Keep the temperature around 350°F. If the temperature is too hot, they will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Too cold and they will be soggy and absorb too much oil. The perfect temperature fries the outside quickly while the inside cooks with steam, resulting in a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.
• I prefer bite-sized fritters. 1/4 cup cookie scoop is plenty. 
• Scoop the fritters into oil and then smush them with a spoon for a flatter look and less frying time.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pot. Work in small batches. 
• Glaze or toss in sugar while still warm, but not hot. 

How to store Apple Fritters made with Sourdough Discard

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, if they don’t get devoured before then! 

To freeze fried unglazed fritters, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then put apple fritters into a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container until ready to use. They keep for a month or two. Thaw overnight or leave at room temperature for a few hours. Pop them into the oven for 5 minutes to warm and crisp up, then dip them into the glaze. 

More delicious Sourdough Recipes!

Are you looking for a sweet, healthy breakfast muffin? Try these Rhubarb Breakfast Muffins with Sourdough. Are you new to sourdough baking and want a tried and true Sourdough Bread recipe? Look no further. This Sourdough Bread recipe will be your new favorite. Want to try some new supper side dishes? Try Soft Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites or Easy Sourdough Focaccia Bread.

I hope you enjoy every bite of these Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters! Please leave a comment or a picture down below! I love hearing from you!