There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the scent of apples and sugar sizzling in a pan. I first discovered buñuelos de manzana in a cozy sidrería in Asturias, where cider flows freely and comfort food reigns supreme. These Spanish apple fritters are light, fluffy, and delicately sweet, making them the perfect afternoon snack or simple dessert. They are perfect both in winter and in summer. Traditional to the northern region of Spain, especially Asturias, they showcase the region’s famous apples in the most delightful way.
Ingredients for the Spanish Apple Fritters Recipe
To make this classic Asturian treat, you’ll need fresh apples—firm and slightly tart varieties work best. The apples are first infused with a touch of rum and sugar to bring out their natural flavour. Then, you’ll prepare a simple batter made with flour, baking powder, an egg, a pinch of salt, and just enough water to get the consistency right. The secret to that airy texture lies in beating the egg white until stiff and folding it gently into the batter. Everything comes together with a quick fry in hot oil until golden and crisp.
How to Make Spanish Apple Fritters
Start by peeling and slicing the apples into half-centimeter-thick rounds, removing the cores with a small cutter or knife. In a bowl, mix a splash of rum with some sugar, and gently toss the apple slices in this mixture to infuse them with flavour—let them rest for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so they are covered on both sides.
Meanwhile, prepare the batter by combining flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, the egg yolk, and a splash of water until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until it forms stiff peaks, then carefully fold it into the batter to keep it light and airy.
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Dip each apple slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry on both sides until they’re beautifully golden and puffed. Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Finally, sprinkle with a bit more sugar and serve them warm, or even cold—they’re delicious either way.
Notes and Tips:
- For best results, use firm apples that hold their shape when cooked.
- Letting the apples soak in rum and sugar not only infuses them with flavour but also slightly softens them, creating a melt-in-your-mouth centre once fried.
- If you want to skip the rum, you can substitute with a dash of lemon juice and a bit of cinnamon for a non-alcoholic variation.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying—if it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil; if it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through.
Spanish Apple Fritters From Asturia Recipe – Buñuelos de Manzana
Ingredients
- 250 gr apples
- 1 egg
- 125 gr flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- a little rum
- 1 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- oil to fry
Instructions
- Cut the apples into ½ cm thick slices, removing the core.
- Mix the rum with the sugar into a bowl.
- Add the apple slices and mix gently, to avoid breaking them.
- Leave for 30 minutes to infuse, mixing from time to time.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder.
- Add a pinch of salt, a little bit of water and the egg yolk,to form a batter.
- In a different bowl, mix the egg white until stiff.
- Gently fold the egg white into the batter.
- Heat some oil in a frying pan.
- Pass each apple slice into the batter, then fry in the oil until golden brown.
- Once done, take each slice out and drain on a kitchen towel.
- Serve either hot or cold, with more sugar sprinkled on top.
FAQ:
Can I make the Spanish apple fritters in advance?
These apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep them for a few hours at room temperature. Reheat them briefly in the oven to bring back their crispiness.
Do I have to use rum?
Not at all. The rum adds a light aromatic note, but you can leave it out or replace it with a dash of lemon juice or apple cider for a similar result. Remember that the batter has no sugar in it, so the sweetness will come from the apples.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Frying gives these fritters their signature golden crunch. Baking won’t give the same result, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, it’s possible—just brush them with oil and bake at a high temperature until golden.
For similar typical Spanish desserts, check out my recommendations below:
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