Chef John's Apple Fritters Recipe

Melt butter over medium-high heat and cook until it turns golden brown 2 to 3 minutes. Add apples and cook over medium-high heat until apples just begin to soften around the edges 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon sugar and continue cooking another 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Drain in a strainer; let cool to room temperature.

Whisk flour baking powder salt cinnamon ginger and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl until well combined.

Whisk egg 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter together in a separate mixing bowl. Add cooled apple pieces and sparkling apple cider; add the flour mixture. Stir just until flour is incorporated.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spoon about 2 tablespoons batter per fritter into hot oil slightly flattening them out. Cook in batches. Fry on one side until small bubbles appear on the surface about 2 minutes. Carefully flip fritters over and fry the other side until richly browned about 2 more minutes.

Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain grease. Cool slightly before glazing.

Whisk powdered sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Add enough apple cider 1 teaspoon at a time to form a smooth glaze that is just runny enough to drizzle over fritters.