Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Oh wow, have you ever tried Air Fryer Apple Fritters? They are crispy, warm, and sooo yummy! I just had to share this easy and fun treat with you.

I was a little nervous to try making them at first. But guess what? They turned out perfect and super quick in the air fryer! You don’t need lots of oil or mess.

If you love sweet apple bites with a little crunch, you will totally love these. Let me show you how simple and fun it is to make them at home. You’re gonna want to make these again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, Golden Perfection: The air fryer creates a light, crispy exterior, giving these fritters that perfect crunch with every bite.
• Apple Goodness: Fresh, chopped apples provide a burst of juicy flavor in every bite.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes! No need for complicated frying or lengthy prep.
• Healthier Option: By using an air fryer, we cut down on oil, offering you a healthier version of your favorite treat.
• Customizable: The glaze can be swapped out for something more exotic, or you can leave it off entirely if you prefer a less sweet treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Air Fryer: The heart of this recipe. A good air fryer with adjustable temperature settings will give you the best results.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need these to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: For mixing your wet ingredients and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Apple Peeler/Corer (Optional): If you want to make prepping apples easier.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To form your fritters into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling your fritters after they’ve come out of the air fryer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious fritters (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Fritters:

• Cooking Spray: For lightly spraying the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the fritter batter. Provides structure and fluffiness.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter.
• Milk: Gives the fritter batter the right consistency and moistness.
• Egg: Helps bind the fritter mixture together and adds richness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise, creating that airy texture.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Chopped Apple: Fresh apple, peeled and chopped, for a burst of flavor in each fritter.

For the Glaze:

• Confectioners’ Sugar: Creates the base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Caramel Extract: Adds a touch of rich, caramel flavor to the glaze (optional but highly recommended!).
• Ground Cinnamon: For a hint of spice in the glaze to complement the fritters.

Variations for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• Use Brown Sugar: Substitute white sugar for brown sugar in the fritter batter for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Add Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the fritter batter for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruit: Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a different fruity twist.
• Make It Nut-Free: Leave out the nuts for a purely apple-focused fritter.
• Swap the Glaze: Experiment with maple syrup or a powdered sugar glaze for a different take on sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Fritter Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Once the dry ingredients are well combined, make a well in the center.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully incorporated. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Don’t overmix—just stir until everything is incorporated.

Add the chopped apple to the batter and fold it in gently. The apple pieces should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fritters from sticking.

3. Form the Fritters

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the preheated air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space between each fritter so they can cook evenly. You should be able to fit about 4-5 fritters in a 6-quart air fryer at a time.

4. Air Fry the Fritters

Air fry the fritters at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip the fritters halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Once cooked, remove the fritters from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack to cool slightly.

5. Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, milk, caramel extract, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if necessary.

6. Glaze the Fritters

Once the fritters have cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are perfect for a cozy breakfast, a sweet snack, or a dessert. Here are some ideas for serving:

• As a Dessert: Serve them warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• With Coffee or Tea: These fritters pair beautifully with a hot beverage, making them the perfect treat for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• For Breakfast: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for an indulgent start to your day.
• With a Side of Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or more apple slices for a balanced treat.

Storing Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• Leftovers: These fritters are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the fritters, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Nutrition (Per Fritter)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per fritter (without glaze):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	160
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	2g
Fat	4g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g
Sodium	90mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping them light and airy on the inside, and the cinnamon and apple combo is perfect for fall (or any time of the year!). The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, but you can customize it to your liking. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy this warm, comforting treat anytime!