Indulge in a lighter take on a classic dessert with these Air Fryer Apple Fritters! This recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love in a traditional fritter, but with less oil and mess.
Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters boast juicy apple chunks and are coated in a delightful glaze for an irresistible treat. They’re surprisingly easy to make, using simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer.
Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making delicious Air Fryer Apple Fritters:
Ingredients
- For the Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk (any type)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prep the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 3-4 minutes. This ensures the basket is nice and hot for even cooking.
2. Make the dry mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well incorporated.
4. Combine everything: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fritters tough.
5. Add the apples: Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the basket with parchment paper or a perforated air fryer liner for easier cleanup. Lightly grease the bottom with cooking spray if using parchment paper.
7. Form the fritters: Scoop out about ¼ cup of batter for each fritter. You can use a cookie scoop for even portions. Place the batter mounds in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation (don’t overcrowd).
8. Air Fry: Cook the fritters for 5-6 minutes at 400°F (204°C) or until golden brown and cooked through. You can gently flip them halfway through for even browning, but be careful not to break them.
9. Make the glaze (optional): While the fritters are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon for a simple glaze.
10. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a wire rack to cool slightly. Drizzle with the glaze (if using) and enjoy warm!
Tips
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your fritters. Start checking for doneness after 5 minutes.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter in the batter.
- You can experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mixture for a flavor twist.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.