Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Few things smell as irresistible as apples frying in a warm spiced batter. Traditionally, apple fritters are deep-fried to golden perfection, but thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy this beloved treat with less oil and guilt while still keeping that deliciously crispy exterior and tender inside. The Air Fryer Apple Fritters recipe brings together juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a lightly sweet glaze for a dessert (or breakfast!) that’s quick, comforting, and perfect any time of the year.

Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cool autumn evening, need a festive holiday dessert, or just want a sweet snack to pair with coffee, these air-fried fritters deliver everything you love about the classic version—without the mess of deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Twist: Enjoy the taste of fried fritters with less oil.
Quick & Easy: Air fryer cooks them faster than traditional frying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or desserts.
Make Ahead Friendly: Batter can be prepared ahead for convenience.

These fritters have just the right balance of sweet, spiced apples with a slightly crisp coating—truly the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

For the Fritters:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 large egg
⅓ cup milk (any kind)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups apples (peeled, cored, diced small; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
½ tsp vanilla extract

(Optional: a dash of cinnamon in the glaze for extra flavor.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and ensure the fritters hold together better.

2. Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix). Gently fold in the diced apples.

3. Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3–4 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

4. Form the Fritters

Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of batter for each fritter and drop them into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Slightly flatten the tops with a spoon so they cook evenly.

5. Air Fry the Fritters

Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer model, times may vary slightly.

6. Glaze the Fritters

While the fritters cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form a smooth glaze. Once fritters are finished, dip them in the glaze or drizzle it over the top while warm.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches for even crispiness.
Use the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness best, but mixing sweet and tart apples adds depth.
Keep fritters uniform: Similar sizes ensure even cooking.
Glaze while warm: The glaze sets beautifully when applied to warm fritters.
For extra crunch: Lightly spray fritters with cooking oil before air frying.

Serving Suggestions

Apple fritters are incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

Breakfast Treat: Pair with hot coffee or tea.
Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Snack: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
Holiday Brunch: Arrange on a platter with other baked goods for a festive spread.

Variations to Try

Caramel Drizzle: Add caramel sauce over the glaze for a caramel apple twist.
Apple-Cinnamon Sugar Fritters: Toss fritters in cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.
Nutty Apple Fritters: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use an egg replacer.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Storage: Keep leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft.
Freezing: Fritters freeze well. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the air fryer.

Nutritional Snapshot (per fritter, approx.)

Calories: ~160
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~4g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~12g

(Values vary based on portion size and glaze amount.)

Why the Air Fryer Method Works

Air frying has revolutionized home cooking. With just a fraction of the oil, you can achieve crispy, golden apple fritters that still have all the rich flavors of the traditional version. The hot circulating air ensures even cooking while reducing the heaviness of deep-fried dough.

This makes the fritters lighter, but still indulgent. You’ll enjoy the same warm, cinnamon-apple goodness wrapped in a tender, slightly crisp shell—with less cleanup and healthier results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without glaze?
Absolutely! A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar works just as well.

Why are my fritters sticking to the basket?
Be sure to use parchment paper or spray the basket lightly with oil before cooking.

Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but fresh apples give a better texture and less soggy result.

Do I need to flip them?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures they cook evenly and get golden brown on both sides.

Final Thoughts

Apple fritters are a timeless comfort food, and this Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe gives you a healthier, easier way to enjoy them without sacrificing flavor. With warm apples, cozy spices, and a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Thanks to the air fryer, you can have freshly made fritters in under 20 minutes with less oil and mess. Whether you’re making them for family, guests, or just to satisfy your own craving, they’re guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

So, grab your apples, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the best batch of apple fritters you’ve ever had—crispy on the outside, soft and spiced inside, and absolutely irresistible.