These mini cinnamon apple fritters bring everything you love about fall straight to your plate, crispy edges, warm cinnamon spice, and soft bites of apple that feel like a hug in food form. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a snack, or dessert, this recipe delivers golden perfection in every bite. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy skills to get it right, just a bowl, a spoon, and a little love. Let’s jump into why you’ll want to make these again and again.
Table of Contents
A Cozy Bite of Nostalgia with Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
I still remember my first try making these mini cinnamon apple fritters on a chilly Sunday morning when the house smelled like cinnamon and apples. I was chasing a craving for something warm and doughy but quick enough to pull off before the kids started asking for cereal. With only cassava flour in the pantry and one apple left, I made it work, and magic happened.
The batter came together in minutes, and as those little fritters sizzled in avocado oil, the kitchen filled with the coziest scent imaginable. Each bite was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, with warm apple bits tucked in every corner. It instantly felt like a win, a homemade moment that brought us all to the table with smiles and sticky fingers.
If you’re like me, always hunting for that perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, this one’s for you. Made with better-for-you ingredients like cassava flour and maple syrup, yet totally satisfying, these fritters are the kind of comfort food that makes the chaos of everyday life pause, even just for a moment.
They’re now one of our favorite weekend treats, often shared alongside other sweet bakes like my double chocolate zucchini bread. Honestly, these fritters never last long at our table.
What Makes Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters So Irresistible
These fritters don’t just taste amazing, they tick all the boxes for the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
- Quick & Easy: From mixing bowl to frying pan in under 10 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cassava flour, maple syrup, and coconut milk.
- Naturally Sweetened: Maple sugar and syrup give just the right amount of sweetness without refined sugar.
- Gluten-Free Comfort: Thanks to cassava flour, they’re naturally gluten-free but still have that perfect tender bite.
- Perfectly Shareable: Their small size makes them great for snacks, brunch spreads, or cozy desserts.
- Flavor That Feels Like Fall: Warm cinnamon and buttery apple in every bite.
Unlike other fritters that rely on all-purpose flour and heavy sweetness, this version keeps things lighter without sacrificing that deep, nostalgic flavor. The cinnamon-sugar coating brings a crunchy finish that makes each bite memorable. And if you’re feeling extra cozy, dunking them into caramel sauce makes them absolutely irresistible.
What You’ll Need for These Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Ingredient Breakdown by Component
To make the most flavorful and tender mini cinnamon apple fritters, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples, each one plays a key role in the texture, sweetness, and structure of the final fritters. Here’s everything you’ll need, grouped for clarity.
For the Batter:
- ¾ cup cassava flour – a grain-free, gluten-free flour that gives these fritters their tender texture and structure.
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder – helps the fritters puff up slightly while frying.
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon – provides that warm, sweet spice that defines apple fritters.
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – these bind the batter and give richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – adds depth and sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk – brings creaminess without dairy.
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted – adds richness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – for a subtle natural sweetness in the batter.
Add-ins:
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced – use a crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
For Frying:
- Avocado oil – a clean, neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point perfect for shallow frying.
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup maple sugar – a natural alternative to white sugar with a deep caramel-like flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon – mixed with the maple sugar to coat the fritters.
Optional but recommended:
- Soft caramel sauce – for dipping or drizzling over the finished fritters.
This recipe is naturally free from grains and refined sugar, but it still delivers everything you want in a comfort treat, crispy edges, tender centers, and that warm cinnamon-apple combo that feels like fall in every bite.
Step-by-Step – How to Make Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Simple, Clear Instructions for Perfect Results
You don’t need fancy equipment to make these cozy, golden bites, just a few bowls, a sturdy pan, and about 20 minutes. Follow these detailed steps for consistent, crispy fritters every time.
- Start heating your oil early.
Pour avocado oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or small saucepan. You’ll want at least 2 to 3 inches of oil to allow the fritters to float and cook evenly. Begin heating over medium heat while you prep the batter, your goal is an oil temperature between 340°F and 350°F. Too hot and the fritters will brown too fast; too cool and they’ll soak up oil. - Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cassava flour, baking powder, Ceylon cinnamon, and sea salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps later in the batter. - Combine the wet ingredients separately.
In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla until smooth. Then add the coconut milk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Stir until well blended. Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix smoothly and evenly. - Bring the batter together.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until no dry spots remain. The batter will be thick and sticky, that’s exactly what you want. - Fold in the apples.
Add your diced apple and gently fold until evenly distributed. Make sure the apple pieces are small and uniform to help them cook through quickly during frying. - Test the oil before frying.
Use a thermometer or drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil. It should bubble and sizzle without burning. If it browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Frying at the right temp keeps the fritters golden and prevents greasy texture. - Fry in small batches.
Use a small spoon to drop rounded scoops (about 1 tablespoon each) into the hot oil. Fry just 3 at a time to keep the oil temperature stable. Let them cook on one side until deep golden, then gently flip and cook the other side. Each side takes about 1–2 minutes. - Drain and cool slightly.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb excess oil and keeps the outer crisp. - Sprinkle while warm.
In a small bowl, mix the maple sugar and cinnamon. Once the fritters are cool enough to handle but still warm, toss or sprinkle them with the maple cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures it sticks perfectly.
- Serve with caramel sauce.
These are amazing on their own, but if you’ve got caramel sauce ready, drizzle it over or serve it on the side for dipping.
Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini fritters 1x
Description
Mini cinnamon apple fritters are crispy, naturally sweet, and warmly spiced. They’re easy to fry up in minutes and perfect for cozy mornings, fall brunches, or sweet snacks.
Ingredients
¾ cup cassava flour
1¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
¾ teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons melted grass-fed butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
Avocado oil for frying
¼ cup maple sugar
¾ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
Soft caramel sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
1. Begin heating 2–3 inches of avocado oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Target temperature: 340°F–350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk cassava flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla. Stir in coconut milk, melted butter, and maple syrup.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
5. Fold in diced apple gently, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
6. Test oil temperature with a small drop of batter. It should sizzle and float.
7. Drop batter by rounded tablespoon into the hot oil. Fry only 3 at a time.
8. Cook each side until deep golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side.
9. Remove fritters and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Mix maple sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over fritters while still warm.
11. Serve warm with soft caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
For best results, dice the apple small so it cooks quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; keep oil temperature steady.
Use a thermometer to avoid soggy or undercooked fritters.
Maple sugar adds depth, but coconut sugar also works.
Reheat in a toaster oven to keep the texture crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 fritters
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
How to Serve and Store Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
Best Ways to Serve These Cozy Bites
These mini cinnamon apple fritters shine brightest when served warm, fresh out of the pan. Here are a few simple but delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Dusted with maple cinnamon sugar: This adds a warm crunch to every bite and makes them feel like a bakery treat.
- Drizzled or dunked in caramel sauce: That golden, silky caramel takes things to another level of indulgence. It’s the perfect pairing with the spiced apple inside.
- With a warm drink: Serve alongside spiced cider, coffee, or hot chocolate for an ultra-cozy combo.
- Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: This turns them into a dreamy fall dessert, especially when the fritters are still warm.
- On a brunch platter: Pair with fruit, eggs, and your favorite savory dishes for a sweet touch.
If you’re setting up a dessert board, pair these fritters with something a little more indulgent, like blueberry white chocolate chip cookies, for a spread that balances fruity freshness and rich sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely store leftovers.
- To Store: Place fully cooled fritters in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Lay cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving, they’ll turn soft and lose their crispy edges.
Helpful Notes for the Best Fritters
- Oil temperature matters. Use a thermometer or test method to keep frying between 340°F and 350°F. This prevents undercooked centers or burned exteriors.
- Keep apples small. Dicing your apple into small, uniform pieces ensures they soften during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and even browning.
- Use a slotted spoon. This makes flipping and removing fritters easier while draining off extra oil.
- Coconut milk tip: Shake or stir well before using so it’s fully blended, not watery or separated.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice or swap in pears for a fun twist.
Conclusion
These mini cinnamon apple fritters are everything a cozy bite should be, crispy, tender, spiced just right, and naturally sweetened. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver that nostalgic flavor we all crave once the weather turns cool or comfort is calling.
Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch, a sweet snack, or an unexpected dessert that’ll impress, these fritters are the kind of treat that gets devoured as soon as they hit the plate.
I hope this recipe brings your kitchen the same warmth, smiles, and sticky fingers it brings to mine. Keep it simple, cook with heart, and enjoy every golden, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters
1. What apples are best for apple fritters?
Use a firm, sweet variety that holds its shape while cooking. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work beautifully. These offer natural sweetness and a slight tart bite, giving the fritters great texture and flavor without turning mushy.
2. Why are my apple fritters soggy?
Soggy fritters usually come from oil that’s too cool. Always heat your oil to 340°F–350°F and fry in small batches. Let the oil come back to temperature between each round. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the batter.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
While traditional apple fritters are fried for that signature crispy texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes. Use a well-greased muffin tin and note that the texture will be more cake-like than crispy.
4. How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked inside?
Fry each side until golden brown, usually 1–2 minutes per side. To check doneness, gently press the fritter, if it bounces back and isn’t doughy inside, it’s ready. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.