Heat about 1 and a half to 2 inches of canola oil in an electric skillet or stovetop pot until it reaches 375 degrees. It’s important to get the oil hot enough before adding the batter; this ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the insides soft and cooked through.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will be the heart of your fritters, so make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
In a small bowl, whisk together whole milk and the large egg. This wet mixture will bring your dry ingredients together. Once combined, gently stir this into the dry ingredients.
Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter; this will provide little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this could drop the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters. Fry them in batches if necessary.
Cook for about five minutes on each side or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them and flip when they’ve developed a nice color. You want them crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
Once cooked, remove the fritters to a stack of paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them light and not greasy.
Finally, while they’re still warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar or a mix of cinnamon and sugar. You can also place them in a zip bag with the sugar and shake to coat for a delightful finish.