Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the ultimate fusion of cozy comfort and indulgent fun—crispy, golden waffle donuts infused with sweet cinnamon apples and lightly fried to perfection. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a fall-inspired snack any time of year.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Combines waffles, donuts, and fritters in one fun recipe
Crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside
Packed with real apple and cinnamon flavor
Great for kids, guests, and weekend indulgence
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the batter.
Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to balance the apples.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the batter rise and stay fluffy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Wet Ingredients:
Large Eggs (2): Bind the batter and add richness.
Milk (1 cup): Provides moisture and a smooth batter consistency.
Melted Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and flavor.
Filling:
Diced Apples (1 cup): Bring texture, moisture, and natural sweetness.
For Frying & Finishing:
Oil: For frying the waffle donuts to golden crispness.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting over the finished donuts.
Tips and Tricks:
Use firm apples to avoid sogginess. Granny Smith works beautifully.
Let waffles cool slightly before cutting to avoid tearing.
Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for perfect frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying—fry in batches.
Variations and Customizations:
Apple Pie Glaze: Drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar, apple juice, and cinnamon.
Air Fry Option: Instead of deep frying, brush with butter and crisp in an air fryer.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall spin.
Pairing Suggestions:
Serve with a warm mug of spiced chai latte or vanilla cappuccino.
Pair with a Greek yogurt parfait for balance.
Add a side of maple bacon for a sweet-savory combo.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Crisp in a toaster oven or air fryer for best texture.
Freeze: Freeze cooled donuts for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Popular Questions:
Can I skip frying and just eat the waffles?
Yes! They’re delicious straight from the waffle iron, but frying adds the classic fritter crisp.
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder is GF-certified.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Make the waffles ahead, store in the fridge, and fry right before serving.
Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in diced apple.
- Shape batter using a waffle iron or donut press, then fry in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a smooth glaze.
- Dip warm donuts into glaze and allow excess to drip off before serving.
