Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Three apple fritters stacked on a white dessert plate in front of an air fryer.

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A quick and easy air fryer dessert with warm, spiced apples, a golden crispy exterior, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze!

Prep Time10

Cook Time6

Total Time16

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer, apple fritters

Servings: fritters

Calories: 202kcal

Author: Sara

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!

If you'd rather bake these 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.

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