Zürcher Apfelküchli
Delicate apple rings coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. These Zürcher Apfelküchli are a beloved Swiss treat, often enjoyed at fairs and as a sweet dessert, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Tart apples(e.g., Boskoop or Jonagold)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 150 g All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Sugar(plus more for dusting)
- 1 pinch Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1.5 dl Apple juice
- 2 large Eggs(separated)
- 1 tsp Vegetable oil(for batter)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the apples, remove the core, and slice them into rings about 1 cm thick. Toss with lemon juice and 2 tbsp sugar to prevent browning.
- 2
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the apple juice and 1 tsp vegetable oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- 4
Heat about 5-7 cm of vegetable oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 180°C (350°F). Test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
- 5
Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off. Carefully place the coated apple rings into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 6
Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and extra sugar for dusting. Toss the warm fritters in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- 7
Serve immediately, optionally with vanilla sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use tart apples for the best flavor balance.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches for even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla custard.