Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters

If you’ve got a sourdough starter and a craving for something sweet, these Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters are calling your name. They taste like fall at a county fair and are so satisfying to make from scratch. You’ll want to double the batch—trust me, these disappear fast.

If you’re a fan of donuts, apples, or sourdough magic, buckle up—because these homemade sourdough apple fritters are about to become your new obsession.

We’re talking golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pillows of dough, studded with juicy cinnamon apples and kissed with a sweet vanilla glaze. Oh, and the sourdough starter? It adds just the right amount of tang to make you go “Whoa—why haven’t I done this sooner?”

Whether you’re using up sourdough discard or working with an active bubbly starter, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy. Let’s dive into the deliciousness.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Uses Your Sourdough Starter: Finally—another delicious way to use that sourdough discard or bubbly starter besides bread. No waste, all flavor.
• Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside: Golden brown edges with a pillowy-soft center make every bite a total texture win.
• Loaded with Real Apples & Warm Spices: No weird fillings here—just juicy chunks of fresh apple and cozy cinnamon-nutmeg goodness.
• Easy to Make at Home: No donut shop needed. With a bowl and a skillet, you’re only 30 minutes from fritter heaven.
• Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: Glaze them, dust them, swap the fruit—these fritters are a hit with both picky eaters and foodie friends.

Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters Ingredients Needed

• Sourdough Starter – Adds flavor, tang, and helps develop a soft crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structure behind the fluff.
• Eggs & Milk – Enrich the dough and help bind everything together.
• Butter – Flavor booster and moisture giver.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and balances the sourdough tang.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Warm spices that scream fall treat.
• Chopped Apples – Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect tart-sweet bite.
• Baking Powder – Gives the fritters a bit of lift.
• Vanilla Glaze – A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla makes it irresistible.

How To Make Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters

Step One: In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients and sourdough starter. Add the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.

Step Two: Gently mix in the diced, spiced apples until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want.

Step Three: Let the batter rest for 30–60 minutes. This helps develop flavor and lets the sourdough starter do a bit of magic.

Step Four: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.

Step Five: Once fritters are cool enough to handle, drizzle (or dunk) them in your homemade vanilla glaze.

Recipe Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Skip the glaze and toss warm fritters in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Maple Glaze: Swap vanilla for maple extract and add a pinch of salt to the glaze.
• Add Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
• Try Pears Instead of Apples: For a twist that still hits those cozy vibes.

Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and avoid soggy fritters.
• Chop apples small. Big chunks can cause uneven cooking.
• Use sourdough discard or fed starter. Both work—discard gives a mild flavor; active starter yields puffier fritters.
• No thermometer? Test with a small batter drop—it should sizzle immediately and float.

Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe Faqs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard? Yes! You can use either active starter or discard for this recipe. Discard gives a mild tang and helps reduce waste, while active starter may give you a bit more rise.

Do I have to let the batter rest before frying? It’s not required, but letting the batter rest for 10–15 minutes allows the flour to fully hydrate and gives the fritters a better texture.

What apples work best for fritters? Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and provide a nice balance to the sweet dough.

How do I know when the fritters are done frying?Fry until golden brown on both sides, usually 2–3 minutes per side. They should feel firm and spring back slightly when pressed.

Can I bake these instead of frying? These are meant to be deep-fried for that classic crispy texture. Baking won’t give the same result, but you could try air frying for a lighter option.

More Sourdough Recipes

Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Air Fryer Sourdough Bread

Reheating Sourdough Bread 

Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

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