Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

If you love sweet treats and have an air fryer, you’re in for a real treat. Air fryer apple fritters are quick to make and come out crispy and delicious every time. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy these tasty fritters with less oil and hassle than traditional deep frying.

With just a few fresh apples and pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon, you can whip up a batch in no time. The warm, sugary coating and tender apple pieces make these fritters a perfect snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for a sweet finish.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

1. All-Purpose Flour

• Amount: 2/3 cup
• Substitute: Whole wheat flour

2. Granulated Sugar

• Amount: 1/3 cup
• Substitute: Brown sugar or coconut sugar

3. Baking Powder

• Amount: 1/2 teaspoon
• Substitute: Baking soda (use half the amount and add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar)

4. Cinnamon

• Amount: 1 teaspoon
• Substitute: Nutmeg or allspice

5. Salt

• Amount: A pinch
• Substitute: Sea salt or omit if preferred

6. Milk

• Amount: 1/4 cup
• Substitute: Almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk

7. Lemon Juice

• Amount: 1 teaspoon
• Substitute: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

8. Vanilla Extract

• Amount: 1 teaspoon
• Substitute: Almond extract or omit if necessary

9. Eggs

• Amount: 1 large
• Substitute: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water)

10. Apples

• Amount: 1 medium-sized, peeled and diced
• Substitute: Pears or peaches

11. Parchment Paper

• Use: To line air fryer basket
• Substitute: Silicone baking mat

You can adjust these ingredients to your preferences or dietary needs. Consider using organic or locally sourced products for best flavor.

Instructions

1. 
   

   Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.

   
   

2. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
   • A pinch of salt

3. Add wet ingredients:

   • Slowly pour in 1/3 cup milk
   • Mix in 1 beaten egg
   • Stir until the batter is thick but spreadable

4. Fold in apples:

   • Peel, core, and dice 1 large apple
   • Gently fold the apple pieces into the batter

5. Prepare the air fryer:

   • Place a parchment paper round in the bottom
   • Spray with nonstick cooking spray

6. Scoop the batter:

   • Use an ice cream scoop or two tablespoons to drop the batter into the air fryer basket
   • Make each fritter about 2 tablespoons in size

7. Cooking time:

   • Cook at 370°F for 6-7 minutes
   • Flip fritters and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until golden brown

8. Make the glaze:

   • Whisk together 1 cup confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt

9. Glaze the fritters:

   • Once fritters are cooked, drizzle with the glaze while they are warm

Enjoy your delicious air fryer apple fritters!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the fritters. This ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can make the fritters tough.
• Even Sizes: Use an ice cream scoop or similar tool to keep fritters the same size. This helps them cook evenly.

Tricks to Enhance Flavor

• Add Extra Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice adds a warm, rich flavor.
• Mixing Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex taste.
• Glaze Tips: Create a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a bit of milk or vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm fritters for added sweetness.

Storing Your Apple Fritters

• Room Temperature: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: Freeze the fritters for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes before eating.
• Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating can make fritters soggy. Try to store them at room temperature or freeze if keeping longer than three days.

Quick Table Reference

Action	Temperature	Time
Preheat Air Fryer	350-400°F	5 minutes
Cooking Fritters	360-400°F	7-9 minutes per side
Reheating (from frozen)	350°F	5 minutes

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Try adding different fruits for a twist. Blueberries, pears, or peaches can replace apples.

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.

A dash of nutmeg or ginger can add a nice spice.

Serve your apple fritters with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Drizzle caramel sauce or honey over the fritters for added sweetness.

Make mini fritters by using smaller scoops of dough. This makes them perfect for bite-sized snacks.

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top right before serving for a classic touch.