Short Description
Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a lighter, faster twist on the classic fried treat. Loaded with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon, these fritters are air-fried to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze—making them an irresistible dessert or cozy brunch option without the excess oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthier Alternative: Made in the air fryer for a fraction of the oil and calories of deep-fried fritters.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal mess.
Warm & Spiced: Cinnamon and apples create a comforting, autumn-inspired flavor.
Customizable Toppings: Glaze, cinnamon sugar, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel make each batch your own.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and a great way to enjoy fruit in dessert form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
6 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted coconut or vegetable oil
For the Apples:
2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
For the Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or water
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
Cinnamon sugar (1 tbsp granulated sugar + ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Drizzle of caramel or honey
Directions
1. Prep the Apples
In a small bowl, toss the apple chunks with a pinch of cinnamon. This enhances their sweetness and gives extra flavor.
2. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the egg, milk, and melted oil, and stir until a thick, smooth batter forms.
3. Coat the Apples
Add the apple chunks to the batter and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Air Fry to Crispiness
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place 6–8 battered apple pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil for added crispness.
5. Cook Until Golden
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Work in batches if necessary.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the liquid to reach your desired glaze consistency.
7. Glaze & Serve
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a wire rack or parchment-lined surface. Drizzle the glaze over them while still warm. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts, or drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10–12 fritters
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for deeper autumn flavor.
Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of milk for a rich, fall-inspired glaze.
Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor complexity.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
Mini Fritters: Make bite-sized versions for easier sharing and portion control.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through and crisp.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat directly from frozen and glaze after warming.
FAQs
Can I use pre-chopped apples?
Yes, but fresh peeled apples are recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
Why are my fritters soggy?
Overcrowding the air fryer or not flipping them halfway through can prevent proper crisping.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of sweetness and firmness.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, but add the apples just before frying to prevent them from releasing too much moisture into the batter.
How thick should the batter be?
It should be thick enough to coat and hold onto the apple chunks, similar to a pancake batter.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother bite, but it’s optional if you prefer the texture of the skin.
What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Use a spoon or small piping bag for controlled, even drizzling.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, they’re still delicious plain or with a cinnamon sugar topping instead.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the perfect cozy treat—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with real apple flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or loaded with toppings, these fritters offer all the comfort of a deep-fried dessert with none of the guilt. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a light and crispy twist on the classic fall treat—loaded with fresh apple chunks, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze, all made healthier in the air fryer with no deep frying required!
Ingredients
For the Batter:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
6 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
-
1 large egg
-
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
For the Apples:
-
2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
-
Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon for tossing
For the Glaze:
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
2-3 tbsp milk or water
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
-
Cinnamon sugar (1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon)
-
Chopped nuts
-
Drizzle of caramel or honey
Instructions
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Prep the apples: Toss peeled and chopped apples with a pinch of cinnamon. Set aside.
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Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add egg, milk, and melted oil. Stir until smooth.
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Coat the apples: Fold the apple pieces into the batter until fully coated.
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Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place 6–8 spoonfuls of batter-coated apples in the basket in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with cooking oil.
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Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
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Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk for consistency.
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Glaze and serve: Drizzle warm fritters with glaze. Add toppings like cinnamon sugar or nuts if desired.
Notes
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Best enjoyed warm.
-
Can use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
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Add nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
