Introduction

Air fryer apple fritters are a quick and delicious treat that combines tender apple pieces with a spiced, fluffy batter. This recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional fried fritters without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

A close-up image shows a pile of about eight lemon fritters on a round white plate. Each fritter is golden brown with a slightly rough, crispy texture on the outside. A shiny, smooth white glaze drips unevenly over the top and sides of the fritters, giving them a glossy finish. In the soft-focus background, there are partial views of a yellow lemon and a yellow mug, placed on a white marbled surface. A white and blue striped cloth is folded near the bottom right corner of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2¾ cups)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the basket if needed.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, spacing them apart. Cook in batches, if necessary.
Step 7: Air fry the fritters for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Step 8: While fritters cook, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 9: When fritters are done, remove them to a rack or plate. Drizzle with glaze while warm and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and more pronounced apple flavor.
Adjust cinnamon amount to taste or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly.
Sprinkle fritters with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter finish.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 325°F (160°C) for a few minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A pile of seven golden brown fried dough balls with light, shiny white glaze drizzled unevenly over the tops sits in the middle of a shallow white ceramic plate. The dough balls are rounded but irregular in shape, with crisp, textured surfaces peeking through the thin glaze. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a yellow mug and cut lemon blurred in the background, and a striped cloth napkin at the plate’s edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples because frozen apples release extra moisture that can make the batter too wet and affect texture.

Do I need to flip the fritters in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures they brown evenly on both sides and cook thoroughly.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters offer a healthier twist on a classic treat by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Made with fresh apples and a spiced batter, these fritters are then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple flavors. Perfect for a breakfast indulgence or an afternoon snack, they are quick to prepare and cook with minimal oil for a lighter yet delicious dessert.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8–10 fritters 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons melted butter, unsalted
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2¾ cups)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening and spices.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to create a thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters light and tender.
Add Apples: Fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter carefully, ensuring that the fruit pieces are evenly coated without breaking them down.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
Shape and Cook Fritters: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop portions of the batter into the air fryer basket, spacing them apart to allow air circulation. Cook the fritters in batches for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if needed for even crispness.
Prepare the Glaze: While the fritters cook, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
Glaze the Fritters: Once the fritters are cooked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top or dip the fritters into the glaze to coat thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the air fryer apple fritters warm as a delightful snack or breakfast treat, enjoying the combination of crispy exterior, tender apple pieces, and sweet glaze.

Notes

You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
For a crispier texture, spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding batter.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven.
Using fresh tart apples such as Granny Smith enhances the flavor balance with sweetness and acidity.

Keywords: Air Fryer Apple Fritters, apple fritters, air fryer dessert, cinnamon apple fritters, quick apple fritters, glazed apple fritters