Delicious & Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Treat
Craving a warm, comforting treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Apple Fritters! Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful pastry that’s wonderfully soft and spiced with cinnamon on the inside, yet boasts an irresistibly crisp and crunchy exterior. Each fritter is packed with sweet, tender chopped apples, lovingly enveloped in a golden batter, air-fried to perfection, and then generously drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. They’re everything you adore about classic apple fritters, but with the added convenience and health benefits of air frying.
Why This Air Fryer Apple Fritter Recipe Works So Well
While there’s certainly a place in our hearts for a traditional deep-fried fritter (our banana fritters are absolutely divine!), mastering air fryer apple fritters revolutionizes your kitchen experience. The primary benefit is the significant reduction in fuss and mess. The traditional method typically demands a substantial amount of oil for deep frying, which can be messy to prepare, dangerous to work with, and a hassle to clean up afterwards.
By opting for the air fryer, you bypass the need for excessive oil, making these fritters a considerably healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. You’ll still achieve that coveted golden-brown crispness on the outside and a tender, moist interior. The process is streamlined: simply combine your ingredients, scoop the spiced apple-infused dough onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket, and let the air fryer work its magic. This method delivers a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for a cozy autumn morning or a delightful dessert, proving that you can enjoy your favorite fall spiced treat with a lighter touch.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Fritters
Crafting these delectable air fryer apple fritters requires a handful of common pantry staples and, of course, fresh apples! For precise measurements, the full ingredient list, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this blog post. But first, let’s highlight some of the star ingredients.
Ingredient Info and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients and knowing when and how to make substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and ensure success even if you’re missing an item. Here’s a breakdown for our air fryer apple fritters:
- APPLES – Honeycrisp apples are an excellent choice for this recipe due to their sweet-tart balance and firm texture, which holds up beautifully when cooked. You can absolutely leave the peel on if you prefer for added fiber and rustic appeal – just be sure to wash them thoroughly. Cut the apples into approximately 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they soften evenly and distribute well throughout the batter. If you enjoy a bit more tartness to complement the sweetness of the glaze, Granny Smith apples are a fantastic alternative. Other great options for sweet apples that work wonderfully are Gala and Golden Delicious. The lemon juice tossed with the apples helps prevent browning and adds a subtle brightness.
- FRITTER BATTER – The base of our fritters relies on all-purpose flour for structure, granulated sugar for sweetness, and baking powder for that perfect rise and airy texture. Cinnamon and a touch of salt enhance the apple flavor and provide that classic fall spice. Whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract bring everything together, creating a rich, flavorful batter. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- VANILLA GLAZE – This simple, yet essential, vanilla glaze is made with powdered sugar for a smooth consistency, half and half for creaminess, melted butter for richness, and vanilla extract for aromatic depth. For the liquid, you can easily substitute whole milk or heavy cream in place of the half and half. Adjust the amount of liquid as needed to achieve your desired pourable, yet thick, consistency. You can also experiment with a maple glaze by swapping some vanilla for maple extract or syrup.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embark on the journey of making these delightful air fryer apple fritters with these easy-to-follow step-by-step photos and instructions. They are designed to help you visualize each stage of the recipe, ensuring your success. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including all precise measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by preparing your apples. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped apple pieces with lemon juice. Tossing them in lemon juice prevents oxidation (browning) and adds a bright note. Set this mixture aside for now.
Freshly chopped apples, ready for the fritter batter. 
Tossing chopped apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright. - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Next, add the wet ingredients: milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the prepared chopped apples.
Mixing the wet and dry ingredients to form the fritter batter. 
Gently folding the spiced apples into the delicious fritter batter. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Crucially, line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a 1/4-cup scoop, carefully place spoonfuls of the batter into each quadrant of the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced on top of the parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully.
Scooping portions of apple fritter batter into the prepared air fryer basket. - Air fry for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the first side is golden brown and cooked through. Carefully flip the fritters over, spray them once more with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the second side is also golden and the fritters are cooked through.
Flipping the apple fritters to ensure even cooking and browning. - To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a fritter; if it comes out clean, they are ready. Once cooked, gently transfer the hot fritters to a wire rack placed over a baking tray. This allows air to circulate, keeping them crisp while you prepare the next batch and for the glaze to drip.
Perfectly golden air fryer apple fritters being removed from the air fryer. - Repeat the air frying process with the remaining batter until all fritters are cooked. This recipe typically yields about 3 batches.
- While the fritters are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more half and half, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
Whisking together the ingredients for the sweet vanilla glaze. - Spoon or drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm (but not piping hot) fritters. Note that if you glaze them when they are still very hot, the glaze will melt and largely run off. Allow the glaze to set slightly, then serve immediately and enjoy your homemade air fryer apple fritters!
Generously spooning the vanilla glaze over warm apple fritters.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Fritters
For optimal taste and texture, air fryer apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, or, for best results in regaining some crispness, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can certainly prepare parts of this recipe in advance. The fritter batter can be made a day ahead of time. Simply prepare it as instructed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding. If you wish to make the entire batch of fritters a day in advance for a party or gathering, air-fry them completely and allow them to cool fully before storing them in an airtight container. We recommend adding the vanilla glaze just before serving after a quick reheat, as the glaze can get absorbed or become sticky if applied too early.
Absolutely! These apple fritters freeze beautifully. First, prepare and air-fry the fritters according to the recipe. Allow them to cool completely – you can do this with or without the glaze, though glazing after thawing is usually preferred. Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen fritters to a large freezer-safe ziptop bag or an airtight freezer container and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can place them directly into a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and promotes a crispy exterior.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Always use air fryer safe parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. Make sure it’s specifically for air fryers or has holes to allow air circulation.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the start, leading to better results.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary between air fryer models. Always use a toothpick to check if the center of the fritters is cooked through.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: The amount of half and half needed for the glaze can vary slightly. Add it gradually until you reach your desired pourable, yet thick, consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Apple Fritters
These delightful air fryer apple fritters are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. While the sweet vanilla glaze is a classic and highly recommended topping, you have other options too! If you prefer a simpler finish, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and just enough sweetness. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. They make a fantastic breakfast or brunch item alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, or transform into a comforting dessert after any meal. Enjoy them as a cozy snack on a crisp autumn afternoon. No matter how you serve them, these homemade apple fritters are sure to bring smiles!
More Irresistible Air Fryer Recipes to Try
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do so much more than just savory dishes. If you loved these apple fritters, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic air fryer recipes that deliver delicious results with minimal fuss:
- Air Fryer Brownies
- Air Fryer Churros
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer Baked Apples
I genuinely love to bake, cook, and share my culinary adventures and kitchen wisdom with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new ideas can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes straight to your inbox! Don’t miss out on delicious inspiration.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fritters
- 2 cups apples finely chopped, about 1 large apple peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Nonstick cooking spray
Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 4 Tablespoons half and half or more as needed
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Air fryer parchment paper
Before You Begin
- Honeycrisp apple works well here. You can leave the peel on if you prefer. Cut the apple into about 1/2-inch cubes. You can also use Granny Smith if you like a bit of tart flavor. Gala and Golden Delicious are other great options for sweet apples in this recipe.
- You can use whole milk or heavy cream instead of the half and half in the glaze.
- These are best enjoyed fresh on the day you make them; however, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Instructions
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Mix together the chopped apple and lemon juice in a medium bowl and set aside for now.
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Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in the milk, egg, and vanilla. Fold in the apple.
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Preheat an air fryer to 400F. Line the basket with a piece of parchment paper. Spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray.
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Scoop 1/4 cup of the batter into each quadrant of the air fryer basket on top of the parchment paper. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
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Air fry until golden on the first side, about 4 to 6 minutes. Then flip the fritters over, spray them again with cooking spray, and air fry until golden on the second side, about 4 to 6 minutes more.
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The fritters are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, transfer them to a wire rack placed above a baking tray.
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Cook the remaining batter the same way (you will need to do this in 3 batches total).
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Whisk together all ingredients for the glaze, adding more half and half if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
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Spoon the glaze onto the cooked fritters; note that if they’re still hot when you glaze them, the glaze will thin out and mostly run off. Serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 188cal |
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 4g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 39mg |
Sodium: 119mg |
Potassium: 151mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 19g |
Vitamin A: 155IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 63mg |
Iron: 1mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.