Thanks to a low-carb dough and a secret faux-apple ingredient, these Keto apple fritters have all the warm, cozy flavors you crave without the carbs!
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Keto Apple Fritters
I can never get enough of fruit-flavored desserts. From lemon bars to strawberry ice cream, I just adore the mix of sweet and tart.
But I have to say, these Keto apple fritters really take it to the next level! Something about the way the dough and the apple flavors compliment one another is absolutely irresistible.
I also love how easy they are to whip up. Sauté the filling ingredients, mix together the dough, fold everything together, drop onto a baking sheet, and pop it all in the oven!
In no time, you’ll have piping-hot, delicious low-carb apple fritters ready to enjoy. You can even sprinkle a little confectioner’s low carb sweetener or cinnamon on top before digging in!
What Are Apple Fritters?
In general, a fritter is something battered and deep-fried. Seafood fritters, corn fritters, potato fritters… you get the idea. They can be sweet or savory depending on the filling.
In the United States, modern apple fritters are basically an apple pastry. Older versions were more similar to a British apple fritter, which involves tossing apple slices in a batter and frying them up. They’re often finished with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a fall treat.
Fritters are popular in other cultures as well. For example, tempura-battered foods in Japanese cuisine could be considered a type of fritter.
Many of these options involve deep-frying. For this recipe, on the other hand, we’ll actually bake the fritters instead. It’s easier, there’s less mess, and they still taste divine.
Are There Apples In Keto Apple Fritters?
No apples were harmed in the making of this recipe! But once you take a bite, you’ll be amazed how much they taste like they include real apples.
Due to their higher carbs and sugar, apples aren’t considered a Keto-friendly food. But would you be surprised to know that the best substitute for them is none other than zucchini?
That’s right! When you prepare this humble green squash properly, people would never guess you weren’t serving them cooked apples.
By seasoning the zucchini with a low-carb brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, and apple pie spice, then cooking it down in butter, we achieve an amazing faux-apple taste and texture. It’s the same method we use in my faux Keto apple pie parfaits!
Sure, we could call these zucchini fritters. But, let’s be honest, does that sound nearly as mouth-watering as apple fritters?
How Many Carbs Are In An Apple Fritter?
As I mentioned before, a classic American apple fritter is basically an apple donut. High-carb batter and tons of sugar mean they’re pretty much the opposite of Keto-friendly.
For example, an apple fritter from Dunkin Donuts has a whopping 57 grams of carbohydrates with only 2 grams of fiber! They also come out to 510 calories and contain 24 grams of sugar.
These low carb apple fritters, on the other hand, only have 2 net carbs per serving. That’s a pretty significant difference, if you ask me.
How To Make Keto Apple Fritters
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium heat on the stove.
Add the zucchini, 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice. Sauté for several minutes until the sugar substitute melts and the zucchini begins to soften.
In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients for the dough.
Blend together until the dough is smooth and well-combined, then fold the cooked zucchini mixture into the dough.
Scoop 1 tablespoon at a time of the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Other Dessert Options From The Keto Option That You Might Like
Keto Cinnamon Roll Bites with Bacon
Keto Apple Fritters
Equipment
Ingredients
“Apple” Filling
- 1 large zucchini peeled seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons low carb brown sweetener
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Dough
- 1 ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ⅓ cup low carb brown sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium heat on the stove.
- Add the zucchini, 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice. Sauté for several minutes until the sugar substitute melts and the zucchini begins to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients for the dough.
- Blend together until the dough is smooth and well-combined, then fold the cooked zucchini mixture into the dough.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon at a time of the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.
Approximately how many grams (preferred) or cups of zucchini is “one large”? Mine are huge so I have no idea how much was used in this recipe and how to compare it with my “large” ones.
Great question! I will weigh the next one I get! The ones I use are the typical (American) store-size ones, about 6-8 inches or so!