These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the perfect dessert for cozying up on a chilly winter day. Loaded with tart, juicy apples, these comforting treats bring an irresistible balance of freshness and sweetness in every bite. Forget the time and hassle of deep frying and use the air fryer for a simplified, yet equally delicious, twist on this classic favorite!
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Not only are these healthier apple fritters than the traditional deep-fried ones, but they’re also much less time-consuming and simpler to make! In no time you’ll have soft, buttery apple fritters lathered in a sugary glaze that are impossible to resist. Perfect for a quick dessert or a cozy breakfast, these fritters are sure to become a family favorite.
Your air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes—it’s a dessert powerhouse! Try my Air Fryer Berry Cheesecake for creamy, fruity goodness, my decadent Air Fryer Lava Cakes with molten centers, or this warm, shareable Air Fryer Pizookie. Each one is easy, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
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Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Say goodbye to the hassle of deep frying and oven baking. With this simple air fryer recipe, you can enjoy golden, crispy apple fritters in no time—without the mess. Perfect for busy days when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.
- A Healthier Twist: Craving fritters without the guilt? This recipe skips the heavy oil for a lighter, air-fried alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Indulge in all the goodness without compromise.
- Cozy Winter Treat: There’s nothing better than a warm, toasty dessert to chase away the chill. These fritters are the perfect winter indulgence, especially when paired with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
- Apple Lover’s Dream: Bursting with chunks of fresh apples, cinnamon spice, and a sweet glaze, these fritters are the ultimate way to celebrate the flavors of the season. If you love apple desserts, be sure to check out my Apple Fritter Cake recipe for another delicious treat!
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make this warm dessert in the air fryer!
- All-purpose flour is the base of the batter and makes the fritter perfectly soft and crumbly.
- Brown sugar adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the fritters.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg are comforting spices that add sweet, cozy flavor to the fritters.
- Butter creates air pockets in the fritters, making them super light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract brings a touch of sweetness.
- Apples are the heart of this delicious dessert and it brings fresh, tart, sweetness to every bite.
- Powdered sugar gives the glaze a smooth, velvety texture and a simple sweetness.
- Milk gives the glaze its perfect drizzling consistency.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Glaze Varieties: Add cinnamon, apple cider, vanilla extract, or almond extract to the simple sugar glaze for an extra flavor boost, or try a tangy cream cheese glaze for a rich alternative.
- More Drizzles: Drizzle the fritters with melted caramel, chocolate sauce, spiced honey, or maple syrup for added sweetness, or try salted caramel for a sweet-and-savory twist.
- Extra Spice: Enhance the spice by adding ginger, cloves, or cardamom alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. For a unique kick, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
- Fruity Variation: Mix fresh or frozen berries into the batter for a fruity twist, or add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for chewy bursts of flavor.
- For the Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the batter, or drizzle the finished fritters with dark and white chocolate for a decadent treat. You can also add a spoonful of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate-infused base.
- Apple Varieties: Try firmer apples like gala, honeycrisp, or Fuji for a classic texture, or opt for Granny Smith for a tangy flavor. Combining different apple varieties adds depth to the fritters.
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy element, or sprinkle the fritters with toasted coconut for a nutty, tropical flair.
How to Make Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, prepare your air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 2: Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: In a small mixing bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla together. Add it to the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Step 4: Add chopped apples and stir again.
- Step 5: Drop ¼-cup portions of batter into the prepared air fryer basket, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading; spray with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
- Step 6: Air fry at 370º for 6-8 minutes or until fritters are baked through and golden brown on top.
- Step 7: Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, adjusting the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Step 8: Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the fritters, serve, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Best Apples to Use: Firm apple varieties like honeycrisp, gala, or granny smith work best for fritters, as they hold their shape and provide great texture during cooking. For another dessert that showcases firm apples beautifully, try my Apple Kuchen Bars!
- Allow Leftovers to Cool: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and dry completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your fritters are cooked through, test one by breaking it open after air frying. If the inside is still doughy, extend the cook time in small increments.
- Reheat with Care: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature to restore their crispiness without overcooking.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough fritters. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy results.
- Perfect Glazing: For a smooth glaze, let the fritters cool completely before applying. Warm fritters can cause the glaze to slide off or become uneven.
- Make-Ahead Prep: To save time, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bring it to room temperature before air frying.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the glaze before applying and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding a little more powdered sugar or a splash of milk. For an even easier glaze recipe, check out my Sheet Pan Apple Pie!
Recipe FAQs
Preheating your air fryer is generally recommended to ensure even cooking. Set it to the desired temperature and let it run for a few minutes before adding the fritters.
Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking oil can help prevent sticking. Ensure the parchment paper doesn't obstruct airflow by trimming any excess.
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a day. Allow it to come to room temperature before air frying for best results.
The best method to shape your fritters depends on what you’re looking for. For more uniform fritters, you can lightly wet your hands to form the fritters into rounder shapes before cooking. For a more rigid, traditional look, simply place your spoonfuls and let the batter naturally spread in the air fryer! Both methods will leave you with delicious results.
Sogginess can result from overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation. Cook the fritters in a single layer with space between each one, and avoid undercooking, as this can also lead to a soggy texture.
Yes, you can bake the fritters in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
To store your leftover air fryer apple fritters, keep them in an airtight container and room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the air fryer at 370º for 3-5 minutes until they are warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
After letting your fritters cool completely, they can be frozen without the glaze. Freeze them first in a single layer on a baking sheet for around 2 hours and then transfer them to a freezer bag to be stored for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, glazing, and serving.
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Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For The Fritters
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apple (with skin)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut cubed butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla together. Add it to the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Add chopped apples and stir again.
- Using a large spoon, drop about ¼-cup of the batter into the prepared air fryer basket. Be sure there is at least 2 inches between fritters because batter will spread. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do a few batches.)
- If you choose to, spray each fritter with nonstick cooking spray.
- Air fry at 370º for 6-8 minutes or until fritters are baked through and golden brown on top.
- While fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together. (If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk. If it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.)
- Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the fritters, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Best Apples to Use: Firm apple varieties like honeycrisp, gala, or granny smith work best for fritters, as they hold their shape and provide great texture during cooking. For another dessert that showcases firm apples beautifully, try my Apple Kuchen Bars!
-
- Allow Leftovers to Cool: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and dry completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
-
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your fritters are cooked through, test one by breaking it open after air frying. If the inside is still doughy, extend the cook time in small increments.
-
- Reheat with Care: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature to restore their crispiness without overcooking.
-
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough fritters. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy results.
-
- Perfect Glazing: For a smooth glaze, let the fritters cool completely before applying. Warm fritters can cause the glaze to slide off or become uneven.
-
- Make-Ahead Prep: To save time, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bring it to room temperature before air frying.
-
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the glaze before applying and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding a little more powdered sugar or a splash of milk. For an even easier glaze recipe, check out my Sheet Pan Apple Pie!
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