Are you craving the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness of apple fritters but don’t want the hassle and calories of deep frying? Look no further than this delicious air fryer apple fritters recipe. These golden, apple-packed treats deliver all the flavor of traditional fritters with significantly less oil and a fraction of the cleanup.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 8 fritters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per fritter)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 145mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Traditional apple fritters are typically deep-fried, making them a delicious but often guilty pleasure. This air fryer version transforms the classic treat into something you can enjoy more regularly without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, apple-studded interior.
With this recipe, you’ll get all the warm cinnamon-apple flavors you crave, but with about 60% less oil than traditional fritters. Plus, the air fryer makes the cooking process cleaner, safer, and more convenient. No more dealing with pots of hot oil or lingering fried food smells throughout your house.
Other Air Fryer Recipes –
- Crunchy Air Fryer Egg Rolls in Minutes
- Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Everyone Will Love
- The Ultimate Air Fryer Asparagus Side Dish
- Air Fryer Banana Bread That’s Super Soft & Delicious
- Rich, Chewy, and Packed with Protein – Brownies You’ll Feel Good About
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Cooking spray
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools Required
- Air fryer
- Two mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Apple peeler or knife
- Cutting board
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, approximately 1/4-inch cubes. Smaller pieces integrate better into the batter and cook more thoroughly. Set the diced apples aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the milk, melted butter (cooled slightly), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will result in tough fritters.
Step 5: Add the Apples
Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout. The batter will be thick and chunky – this is exactly what you want for perfect fritters.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Step 7: Form and Cook the Fritters
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or cookie scoop, drop portions of batter into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fritter for expansion. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook in batches of 3-4 fritters.
Spray the tops of the fritters lightly with cooking spray. This helps achieve that golden-brown color we all love.
Step 8: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the fritters for 6 minutes, then flip them over, spray lightly again if desired, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters are cooking, make the simple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. You want a glaze that will coat the back of a spoon but still drip off easily.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire cooling rack with parchment paper or a baking sheet underneath to catch drips. While the fritters are still warm (but not hot), drizzle or brush the glaze over the tops, allowing it to run down the sides. For a thicker coating, wait for the first layer to set, then apply a second coat.
Let the fritters cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples also work well.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave enough space between fritters in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking.
- Consistent Sizing: Try to make your fritters approximately the same size for even cooking.
- Moisture Control: If your apples are particularly juicy, pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a fritter – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Glaze While Warm: Apply the glaze when the fritters are still warm, but not hot, for the best absorption and finish.
Variations to Try
Spiced Apple Fritters
Add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an extra boost of warmth and flavor.
Caramel Apple Fritters
Replace half the milk in the glaze with caramel sauce for a rich, caramel apple experience.
Maple Glazed Fritters
Use maple syrup instead of vanilla in the glaze for a wonderful autumn flavor.
Mixed Fruit Fritters
Add 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries along with the apples for a mixed fruit treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These air fryer apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, when they’re still slightly warm and the glaze is perfectly set. However, if you have leftovers:
- Store: Place cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: To restore some of the original texture, reheat refrigerated fritters in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter just before cooking, as the baking powder activates once mixed with wet ingredients. However, you can prepare and measure all ingredients in advance to save time.
Can I freeze these apple fritters?
Yes! Freeze fully cooled, unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature, reheat in the air fryer, and add fresh glaze.
My fritters are browning too quickly. What should I do?
Lower your air fryer temperature by 25 degrees and watch them closely. Every air fryer model cooks slightly differently.
Can I use a different type of flour?
For a slightly healthier version, you can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. For gluten-free fritters, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional deep-fried apple fritters, while delicious, can be greasy and heavy. This air fryer version achieves that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and tender interior without excessive oil. The secret is in the preparation technique and cooking temperature.
The air fryer circulates hot air around each fritter, cooking them evenly on all sides. This creates that signature crisp edge while allowing the inside to become fluffy and fully cooked, with tender pieces of apple throughout.
The simple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness that seals in moisture and completes the classic fritter experience. Each bite delivers warm apple flavor, sweet cinnamon spice, and just the right amount of indulgence.
Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert option that’s lighter than traditional fritters, these air fryer apple fritters are sure to become a favorite recipe in your collection. They offer that comforting, homemade taste with modern convenience and healthier preparation.
Enjoy these delicious, golden apple fritters with a cup of coffee or glass of milk for the perfect sweet treat any time of day!