Delicious & Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Your New Favorite No-Fry Dessert!
Say goodbye to greasy deep-frying and hello to a healthier, hassle-free way to enjoy a classic sweet treat! These easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a game-changer for anyone craving a warm, comforting dessert without the added oil. This simple recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites, delivering all the incredible apple cinnamon flavor and a satisfying golden-brown crust, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer.
Indulge in Quick & Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Craving a delightful dessert that doesn’t require a lot of fuss or a vat of hot oil? These homemade apple fritters made in the air fryer are the perfect solution. Your air fryer takes on all the “frying” work, crisping the fritters to golden perfection without submerging them in excessive oil. This makes our air fryer apple fritter recipe a significantly lighter and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, allowing you to enjoy this beloved treat guilt-free.
You only need a few common pantry staples and fresh apples to whip up these irresistible treats. The simple preparation and quick cooking time mean you can have a batch of warm, glazed apple fritters ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is ideal for a last-minute dessert, a cozy breakfast, or a delightful snack any time of the year, but especially perfect during apple season.
If you’re a fan of delicious apple desserts made easy in your air fryer, you’ll also love our Air Fryer Apple Turnovers or exploring these 15 Fall Recipes to Make in the Air Fryer. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon!
Our air fryer apple fritters boast a rich apple cinnamon flavor, enhanced by a delicate blend of spices and topped with a luscious sweet glaze. The result is a wonderfully textured fritter – crispy on the outside, tender and bursting with apple chunks on the inside. Plus, the convenience of the air fryer allows you to easily make a generous batch to share with family and friends, or to savor throughout the week.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its reduced fat content compared to traditional fritters, as it primarily uses butter for richness instead of heavy frying oil. So, grab your air fryer and let’s get started on creating these incredibly easy and delicious apple fritters!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful air fryer apple fritters. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a brief explanation of each component’s role:
- Granny Smith Apples: These are the star of our fritters! Their tart flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the recipe, and their firm flesh holds up well during cooking, providing a pleasant crisp texture within the fritter.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient, providing the necessary structure and binding all components together to form a cohesive batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness to the fritters and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown exterior when air-fried.
- Baking Powder: A crucial leavening agent that creates light, airy fritters with a wonderfully fluffy texture, preventing them from becoming too dense.
- Baking Soda: Works in conjunction with the apple cider vinegar to help the fritters rise, contributing to their light and tender crumb.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts, adding warmth, aromatic depth, and complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Allspice: This unique spice deepens the flavor profile with hints of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, giving the fritters a more complex and autumnal taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, enhancing the leavening process for an even fluffier fritter texture.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder for the ingredients, adding moisture and richness to the batter, and helping the fritters hold their shape.
- Butter: Provides a rich, tender texture and a delightful buttery flavor. Using butter instead of oil also contributes to the healthier aspect of this air fryer recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds an aromatic depth that beautifully complements the apple and spice flavors.
Ingredients Needed to Make Sweet Glaze: No apple fritter is complete without a luscious glaze! Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect topping:
- Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of our glaze, creating a smooth, sweet, and creamy consistency.
- Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the glaze adds an extra layer of warmth and a subtle, inviting spice.
- Milk: Used to thin the glaze to your desired consistency, ensuring it drizzles beautifully over the warm fritters.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer
Making these homemade apple fritters in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfectly golden and delicious results every time!
STEP 1: Prepare the Apples. Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples. Once peeled, use a box grater to shred them. This ensures even distribution and quick cooking. Lay the shredded apples over a few layers of paper towel or a clean cheesecloth. Firmly squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible, then pat them dry. Removing moisture is crucial for preventing soggy fritters and achieving that desired crispy texture.
STEP 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. Then, fold in your prepared shredded apples, ensuring they are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
STEP 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the large eggs, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
STEP 4: Mix Wet and Dry. Gently fold the apple and flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough fritters. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
STEP 5: Preheat Your Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). While it’s preheating, line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Ensure the parchment paper doesn’t cover all air vents, allowing for proper air circulation.
STEP 6: Form and Place Fritters. Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of the apple fritter mixture, approximately 2 tablespoons in size, onto the parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between each fritter to allow for even cooking and browning. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
STEP 7: Air Fry to Golden Perfection. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with olive oil cooking spray. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, carefully flip each fritter using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes, or until both sides are beautifully golden brown and the fritters are cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
STEP 8: Glaze Your Fritters. While the fritters are cooling slightly on a wire rack, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this sweet cinnamon glaze generously over the warm apple fritters. The warmth will help the glaze set perfectly.
STEP 9: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your air fryer apple fritters immediately for the best experience. For an extra special treat, consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy these delightful homemade fritters!
NOTE: This recipe was developed and tested using a 5.8 qt Corsori Air Fryer. Air fryer models can vary significantly in cooking power and efficiency. Therefore, if you are using a different brand or size of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly to achieve the same golden-brown and cooked-through results. Always keep an eye on your food during the last few minutes of cooking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritters Every Time
To ensure your homemade apple fritters turn out perfectly delicious and wonderfully crispy, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choosing the Right Apples: While it might be tempting to use sweeter apple varieties, Granny Smith apples are truly the best choice for this recipe. Their inherent tartness provides a crucial balance to the sweet batter and glaze. More importantly, their firm texture and lower juice content prevent the fritters from becoming soggy, which is vital for achieving that desirable crispy air-fried exterior.
- Alternative Flours for Dietary Needs: If you’re looking to adapt this recipe, you have options! For those seeking a different flavor profile or a slightly healthier twist, consider using almond flour or coconut flour. Keep in mind these flours absorb liquids differently, so you might need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly. For a gluten-free version, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted cup-for-cup.
- Sweetener Substitutions: Granulated sugar works wonderfully, but for a deeper, more nuanced flavor, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or brown sugar. Brown sugar will also add a lovely caramel note and help create an even chewier texture.
- The Best Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray is essential for helping the fritters crisp up and preventing them from sticking to the parchment paper. Olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil nonstick spray are all excellent choices. Avoid using aerosol sprays directly on non-stick air fryer baskets, as some can damage the coating over time; instead, spray the fritters themselves or use a pump spray bottle with your chosen oil.
- Butter for Richness: The recipe calls for butter, which can be used melted and cooled, or softened, depending on your preference for mixing. If you need a dairy-free alternative or simply prefer it, margarine can be substituted for butter.
- Enhancing the Spices: This classic apple dessert is already packed with flavor, but feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking! For an even more intense autumnal flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves alongside the cinnamon and allspice. A dash of ginger can also add a delightful warmth.
- Mastering the Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze is key! If your glaze becomes too thick after mixing, simply add a tiny splash more milk (or even a drop of water) until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Conversely, if you accidentally add too much milk and the glaze is too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it thickens up. For a richer glaze, a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream can be used instead of regular milk.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, ensure there’s enough space between each fritter in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Fritters:
How long can I store these homemade air fryer apple fritters in the fridge?
You can store these delicious air fryer apple fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they still make a wonderful treat a few days later. For best results when reheating, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp them up again.
Can I use apple chunks instead of shredded apples?
Absolutely! Using diced apples will provide a slightly different texture compared to shredded apples. The small chunks of apple will become wonderfully tender yet retain a bit more crispness, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more distinct apple bite in their fritters. Just ensure the chunks are small and uniform for even cooking.
What special occasions does this air fryer apple fritter recipe work well for?
These versatile apple fritters are perfect for so many occasions! They make an exquisite dessert after any meal, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or even a fun pre-game appetizer for gatherings. Their individual, bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, and they pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I make these air fryer apple fritters ahead of time?
You can prepare the fritter batter a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to air fry the fritters just before serving for optimal crispiness. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then whisked again before drizzling.
Are these air fryer apple fritters healthy?
Compared to traditional deep-fried apple fritters, these air-fried versions are a much healthier choice! By eliminating deep-frying, we drastically reduce the amount of oil and unhealthy fats, making them a lighter dessert option you can feel good about enjoying.
Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Apple Recipes:
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We hope you love this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Air Fryer Apple Fritters! They offer all the comfort and flavor of a classic dessert with a lighter, easier twist. Don’t forget to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. Your feedback is invaluable, letting us know how we’re doing and helping others discover these fantastic homemade treats!
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Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Jen
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
Apple Fritter Recipe
- 2 Granny Smith Apples
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
- 3/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 large Eggs
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Sweet Glaze Sauce
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Milk
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Instructions
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Peel and shred the apples. Spread them over a paper towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out the excess liquid, and then pat to absorb moisture.
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Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, leavening agents, and spices) into a medium bowl and mix in the apples. Mix well.
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Mix eggs, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
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Fold the flour and apple mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (198 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, place a piece of parchment paper inside the Air Fryer basket.
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Use a tablespoon to add dollops of 2 TBSP-sized mixtures to the parchment paper, ensuring space between each.
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Lightly spray the fritters with olive oil cooking spray and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the fritters and cook for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown.
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Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth and then drizzle generously over the warm fritters.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade air fryer apple fritters!
Notes
Alternative Flour: You can use almond flour or coconut flour to make an even healthier version of this recipe.
Alternative Sugar: You can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for the granulated sugar to add a deeper flavor to the fritters.
Cooking spray: You can use olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil nonstick spray to coat the Air Fryer basket.
Butter: You can use melted butter or softened butter for this recipe. You can also substitute margarine for butter if you like.
Spices: You can add more spices to this classic apple dessert if you want a spicier flavor. For example, you can add nutmeg or cloves, which gives the fritters a more autumnal flavor.
Glaze: If you put too much milk in your glaze, add more powdered sugar. On the other hand, you can add more milk to loosen up the glaze if you put too much powdered sugar. If you prefer a thicker glaze, don’t use as much milk. You can also use a splash of half-n-half instead of milk.
This recipe was made with a basket-style 5.8 qt Corsori Air Fryer. If you’re using a different brand, you may have to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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