Glazed Cinnamon Apple Fritters

Pour frying oil into a large Dutch oven so that it is about 1/3 full. Using a frying thermometer, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 360ºF.

While oil is heating up, prepare fritter batter. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, 1/3 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. With dough hook attached, set stand mixer on low speed. Add eggs one at at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Then add milk, vanilla and melted butter. Knead until dough is just mixed and no traces of flour remain. Do not over-mix. Scrape down sides of the bowl when needed. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine diced apple and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss to evenly coat and then stir the apples into the fritter batter.

Once the oil is hot, drop a small amount of dough into the oil. If it browns and floats to the top, then oil is ready. In 1-2 tablespoon increments (I used a melon baller), drop dough into the hot oil, working in batches of 5 or 6. Do not overcrowd the Dutch oven and keep a close eye on the thermometer, making sure the temperature stays just around 360ºF. Once brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes), remove fritters from hot oil with a spider spatula or something similar and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining fritter batter.

Prepare the glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar, whole milk, salt and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. Add more milk if the glaze is too thick; add more flour if the glaze is too thin.

Dip the cinnamon apple fritters into the glaze and place on a sheet of parchment paper to harden slightly. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!

Notes:
1. It is okay to prep the apples in advance. Be sure to soak them in ice cold water that has been mixed with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
2. I use the dough hook attachment instead of a paddle attachment because I like the texture it gives the fritters after they fry—they become lighter and airier. Feel free to use the paddle attachment, or simply mix by hand if you wish.