Name: Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been craving a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, these Air Fryer Apple Fritters are exactly what you need. They combine tender pieces of apple with a lightly spiced, fluffy batter and come out perfectly golden and crisp thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This delightful dessert offers the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple fritter but with less oil and mess, making it a game changer for anyone who loves sweets but wants a simpler way to enjoy them. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these Air Fryer Apple Fritters are bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays an essential role. From the fresh apples bringing natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm spices adding depth and aroma, every component works together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Apples: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced for tender apple chunks in every bite.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g) gives the fritters structure and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) for a touch of sweetness that complements the apples.
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon to help the fritters rise and become airy.
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon adds warm spice that’s classic with apples.
Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon for subtle depth and extra warmth.
Eggs: 2 large, binding the batter together beautifully.
Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) to moisten the batter for tender fritters.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon infuses a lovely aromatic note.
Powdered sugar: for dusting, adding a delicate, sweet finish.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures each fritter bursts with juicy apple goodness. Choosing a crisp apple like Granny Smith or Fuji will give you that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients lay the flavorful foundation for the batter, giving it a light texture and cozy spice notes.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. The milk adds moisture while the vanilla brings out the flavors beautifully, making the fritters all the more inviting.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with care to incorporate all the flour without overmixing; this keeps the batter light. Lastly, fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that when you place your fritters inside, they’ll start cooking immediately, resulting in that gorgeous golden exterior.

Step 6: Form and Air Fry the Fritters

Spoon dollops of batter into the air fryer basket, being sure to leave enough space for the fritters to expand and crisp up properly. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get a perfectly even, crunchy crust on both sides.

Step 7: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Once cooked and slightly cooled, sprinkle the Air Fryer Apple Fritters generously with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and an irresistible, inviting look that makes them even harder to resist.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Garnishes

Consider dusting your Air Fryer Apple Fritters with cinnamon sugar for an extra kick or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup to amplify the sweetness. Fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans also make gorgeous, tasty toppings.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair brilliantly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning treat. They’re also wonderful with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few fritters on a pretty plate with fresh apple slices and a few mint leaves for a colorful, inviting presentation. You could even serve them skewered for parties or breakfast gatherings, making them fun finger foods that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Air Fryer Apple Fritters feast, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the fritters on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully and can be kept for up to 3 months for whenever a sweet craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat and recapture that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispness, pop the fritters back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method revives their texture much better than a microwave, so they taste almost as good as when you first made them.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for these fritters?

It’s best to use fresh apples because they hold their texture better during cooking. Frozen apples can release extra moisture, which might make the batter soggy and affect the final crispness of your Air Fryer Apple Fritters.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal. They maintain their shape well and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep an eye on the batter consistency—sometimes a little adjustment in liquid may be needed.

Is the batter supposed to be thick or runny?

The batter should be fairly thick but still spoonable, similar to a thick pancake batter. This helps the fritters hold their shape in the air fryer without spreading too thin.

Can I add other spices or flavorings?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or even a splash of orange zest for a citrus twist. The Air Fryer Apple Fritters are versatile and open to your personal touch.

Final Thoughts

Making Air Fryer Apple Fritters is a joyful way to bring homemade goodness into your home without the fuss of deep frying. They’re easy, flavorful, and perfect for any time you want a little something sweet and comforting. I hope you dive in with enthusiasm and find these fritters become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 8 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Apple Fritters featuring tender apple pieces coated in a spiced batter, air-fried to golden perfection, and dusted with sweet powdered sugar. A perfect crispy and fluffy treat for breakfast or dessert with less oil and mess than traditional frying methods.

Instructions

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the fritters.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy. Fold in the diced apples carefully.
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 5 minutes to ensure consistent cooking temperature.
Form and place fritters: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, spacing each fritter evenly to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
Air fry the fritters: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning on both sides.
Finish with powdered sugar: Once cooked and golden, remove the fritters and dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense fritters; gentle folding is key.
Ensure enough space between fritters in the air fryer basket to allow air circulation and even cooking.
If you prefer, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the fritters instead of dusting.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American