Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters

Name: Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cup flour; 1 tbs baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 4 tbs melted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup sourdough discard; 2 eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 - 3 large apples; 2 - 4 cups melted coconut oil (for frying ); 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 -4 tbs milk; 1 tbs maple syrup (optional )

I am such a fan of homemade apple fritters because they are so simple! and you can control the ingredients. These are a delightful treat that combines tender pieces of apple in a spiced batter, which is then fried until golden brown and coated in a sweet glaze.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love Apple Fritters

I love fritters in all their forms, they are my favorite treat to get while at a fall festival. But I like homemade even better because I can control the ingredients, including what kind of oil it’s fried in. Where fair fritters will most likely be fried in a vegetable oil, homemade are fried in coconut oil and made with less sugar! But not only that, they can be made start to finish in less than 30 minutes.

🍲 Ingredients

Apples – I like honey crisp apples, but these can be made with any apples you have on hand!

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Sourdough Discard – unfed, inactive sourdough starter that’s been stored on the counter or in the fridge.

Flour – I like to use Kirkland’s organic, unbleached, all-purpose flour the best! And while organic isn’t always necessary. I always recommend using unbleached flour first and foremost.

Baking powder – This is what makes the fritters rise and become fluffy like frying.

Eggs – 2, to keep all the ingredients together while it fries.

Cinnamon – For extra fall flavor!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Discard Apple Fritters

Start by dicing your apples and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients (melted butter, sugar, sourdough discard, milk, and eggs) until well combined.
Right into the bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until there are no more dry bits of flour.
Fold in your apples.
In a deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them carefully.
Once golden brown, use the slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, and milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
While the fritters are still warm, drizzle the glaze over them or dip the tops into the glaze. If desired, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor.
Enjoy your apple fritters warm with a glass of apple cider! 🙂 or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored for a couple of days.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the glaze or mixing in some chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
You can also add a splash of apple cider to the batter for a more intense apple flavor.
If your fritters still have some raw batter in the middle after frying (either from too big of a portion going into the hot oil or overcrowding the pan) – pop them into a 350-degree oven for 5 – 10 minutes until the middles are cooked through.

🗒 Variations

Contrary to popular belief, fritters can be made in every season! It’s just a matter of using whatever fruit is currently in season.

🗒 Substitutions

Add Spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the batter for extra flavor.

Baked Option: For a healthier option, you can try baking fritters instead of frying. Use parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

Fruit: using what fruit is in season is a good way to make fritters all year long – Choosing the right apples: Use apples that hold up well during cooking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

🗒 Best served with

Apple cider
Fall brunch spread
Autumn potluck

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Cool Completely: Allow fritters to cool on a wire rack before storing to prevent sogginess.

Airtight Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them—place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

🤔 Common Questions

Do I have to fry the Fritters?

Nope! I have an air fried apple fritter recipe linked, or there is a baked option – use parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

5 from 3 votes