What types of apples should I use to make gluten-free apple fritters?

Any type of "baking apple" will work here. I used Honeycrisps, and think Gala apples would work well too since they're both a sweet, slightly tart variety that will retain some crispness. Granny Smiths will also work really well and provide a nice contrast with their stronger tartness. I recommend you dice them a bit smaller to make it easier for them to cook-through since they're a firmer apple. However, I wouldn't use Red Delicious or Golden Delicious apples as they can get too soft or mushy during the cooking process.

Can I substitute the tapioca with arrowroot starch? What is the best gluten-free flour blend to use in this recipe?

I don't recommend substituting tapioca starch with arrowroot starch in this recipe. This specific grain-free, nut-free, and gluten-free flour blend is crafted to specifically achieve the desired tastes and textures, and cannot be substituted with all purpose gluten-free flour blends. Moreover, this recipe is free of yeast and popular gums which are often included in these blends. I did use Otto's Naturals brand Cassava Flour, which I recommend using for the best results. Want to learn more about baking with grain-free flours and making your own blends? I teach you how in The Basics .

Can I make the batter in advance and refrigerate it?

No, I recommend you prepare the batter just before cooking. This is especially important to preserve the carbonation effect.

Can I bake these or make them in the air fryer?

No, these apple fritters are meant to be fried in oil and cannot be baked or air fried. However, you can reheat them in the air fryer until they re-crisp.

Does the maple glaze harden when it cools?

While the glaze does thicken and set, it doesn't harden like a powdered sugar glaze would. I wouldn't stack glazed fritters because they'll smear. Instead, serve them laid out flat on a plate.

How do I keep my apple fritters crispy?

Once fried properly, these apple fritters are wonderfully crispy. However, they do lose their crispiness over time and become soft and soggy. I strongly recommend eating these fritters fresh, right after making them and once they've been glazed (if using) and are cool enough to touch! If needed, they can be reheated in a dry pan or air fryer to warm and re-crisp.

Gluten Free Apple Fritters • Heal Me Delicious

Description

These crispy gluten-free apple fritters have a soft and chewy interior and are bursting with sweet maple and cinnamon-spiced apple chunks! A complementary maple glaze is the finishing touch on these easy homemade apple fritters.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Apple Fritters

1/2 cup cassava flour
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 TBSP maple sugar
1 TBSP maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup carbonated water
1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 cup peeled and diced apple
avocado oil (for frying)

Maple Glaze (optional)

1/4 cup coconut butter
2 TBSP coconut milk
2 TBSP maple syrup
Pinch sea salt
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Apple Fritters

To a large bowl, add cassava flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and maple sugar, and stir to combine.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add maple syrup, carbonated water, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until combined into a smooth batter.
Gently fold apples into the batter.
In a pot or deep pan, add avocado oil and heat over medium to medium-high heat for frying.*
Divide the dough into 7 or 8 even sized pieces and slightly flatten the pieces.**
Gently lower each piece of dough into the hot oil so it is fully submerged and deep fry for about 2-2.5 minutes or until golden brown.***
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritter from the oil and place on a cooling rack with parchment paper-lined baking sheet or paper towel-lined plate underneath to catch drained oil. Let cool slightly and continue frying the remaining dough fritters.
Serve apple fritters warm, with optional maple glaze.

Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine coconut butter, coconut milk, maple syrup, sea salt and vanilla extract over low heat. If the glaze is too thick add more coconut milk as necessary.
Drizzle over apple fritters.

Notes

*Oil should reach a temperature of 350-365F.

**Alternatively, you can flatten the dough by gently spreading the batter once placed in the oil.

***I fried these apple fritters one at a time. If doing multiple at a time, avoid overcrowding the pot. This may also change the frying time. Check the Tips & Tricks section for more info.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American