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Germany · Dessert

Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters)

20 min
440 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 6, 2026

Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters)🇩🇪Golf Resort Achental (Golf Resort Achental Team) · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

21 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Apfelküchle (German Apple Fritters). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Compare these dishes: Traditional Dorset Apple CakeSame technique: Fried sweet dough25 recipes from 13 countriesSee all 21 matches

Apfelküchle are delightful German apple fritters, thinly sliced apples coated in a fluffy, slightly sweet batter and deep-fried until golden. These warm, tender treats are a beloved dessert or snack, often dusted with cinnamon sugar and best enjoyed fresh from the pan.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Apfelküchle from another cuisine is Traditional Dorset Apple Cake (United Kingdom): the two share 67% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Core 2-3 firm, sweet-tart apples and slice them horizontally into rings about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick. You can leave the skin on for a rustic touch or peel them if preferred. Set aside on a plate.

  • 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together 150g all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure there are no lumps.

  • 3

    In a separate small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg and then add it to the dry ingredients along with 150ml milk. Whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter, similar to pancake batter. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes; this allows the gluten to relax for a tender fritter.

  • 4

    Heat about 500ml vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 170-175°C (340-347°F). A small piece of batter dropped in should sizzle immediately.

  • 5

    Dip each apple slice into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing 2-3 coated slices into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature.

  • 6

    Fry the apple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them gently. Keep an eye on the oil temperature; if they brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

  • 7

    Once golden, remove the Apfelküchle from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Work in batches until all apple slices are fried.

  • 8

    While still warm, combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp powdered sugar in a small bowl. Liberally dust the warm Apfelküchle with this cinnamon sugar mixture.

  • 9

    Serve your freshly made Apfelküchle immediately. They are irresistibly delicious when warm and can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apfelküchle?

Apfelküchle are German apple fritters made by coating apple slices in a batter before frying. Often dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, they are typically served as a dessert or a sweet afternoon snack.

What type of apple is best for Apfelküchle, and how should they be prepared?

Firm, tart apples like Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work best. Slice them about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick after coring and peeling to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.

How can I achieve the perfect batter consistency for my Apfelküchle?

The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple slices evenly but still drip off slowly. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a spoonful of flour.

What is the ideal oil temperature for frying Apfelküchle, and how do I know when they are cooked through?

Heat the vegetable oil to around 340-347°F (170-175°C). Fry until golden brown on both sides, typically 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring the apple inside is tender.

How can I prevent my Apfelküchle from becoming soggy or greasy?

Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature; too low causes greasiness, too high burns the outside before the inside cooks. Drain fritters immediately on a wire rack over paper towels after frying.

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