Whip up these irresistible Air Fryer Apple Fritters for a treat that’s golden and crispy on the outside, soft and apple-filled on the inside—without the deep-fried guilt! Trust me, you’re going to love how quick and easy these come together. They’re the kind of brunch-or-dessert magic that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without the Oil: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crunchy bite without deep frying.
- Ready in 20 Minutes: Quick prep, quick cook, and on the table before you know it.
- Perfect for Sharing: Sweet little fritters that everyone at the table will grab in seconds.
- Customizable: Try adding a drizzle of glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even swap in pears for a twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these apple fritters (full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below):
- Apple – The star! Brings sweetness, juiciness, and that cozy apple flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Holds everything together.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the fritters.
- Baking Powder – Gives the fritters a nice fluffy lift.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm, spiced depth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- Milk (any kind) – Moistens the batter; dairy or non-dairy both work.
- Egg – Binds the batter and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract – A flavor booster that makes the fritters extra aromatic.
- Olive Oil or Neutral Oil Spray – Helps the fritters crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Note: Full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and line the basket with parchment paper. Give it a light mist of oil spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apple pieces—don’t overmix!
Step 5: Cook the Fritters
Drop about 2–3 tablespoons of batter per fritter onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each. Lightly mist the tops with oil spray. Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove from the basket and let them cool for just a minute or two (they’ll be hot!). Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently so the fritters stay fluffy, not dense.
- Spray Twice: A light mist of oil on top before cooking and after flipping ensures a golden, crisp finish.
- Small Batches: Cook in batches so the fritters have room to crisp up evenly.
- Make Them Fancy: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze for a bakery-style finish.
How to Serve
- Sweet Treat: Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- Brunch Hero: Serve alongside coffee, tea, or even mimosas.
- Dessert Twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
- On-the-Go Snack: Wrap in parchment and enjoy warm as a handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 3 days.
Freezing
Let fritters cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even finely chopped berries can work beautifully. Just make sure to pat juicy fruits dry before adding.
Do I need parchment paper in the air fryer?
It’s highly recommended—keeps the batter from sticking and makes flipping easier.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Don’t overcrowd the basket, and always let them rest briefly on a wire rack after cooking to keep the bottoms crisp.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway for even cooking.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm fritters if desired.