Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

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.

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

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

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

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★★★★★

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

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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

1. 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.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
3. 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.
4. Add Apples: Fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter carefully, ensuring that the fruit pieces are evenly coated without breaking them down.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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