I have always loved the cozy feeling of fall, when the air turns crisp and the aroma of baked goods fills the kitchen. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this season is by making apple fritters. Over the years, I experimented with different methods, trying to balance flavor and health. Traditional fritters can be heavy and oily, but I discovered that using an air fryer changes everything. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a tender, apple-filled center—without drowning in oil. This recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it combines the indulgence I crave with a healthier approach.
You will love this recipe because it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. The sweetness of fresh apples, combined with warm cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, makes each fritter irresistible. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these apple fritters are sure to please both kids and adults alike. They are crisp on the outside yet soft and flavorful on the inside, offering a comforting texture that reminds me of classic homemade treats.
These fritters are incredibly versatile. You can serve them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze, or even pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. The recipe is easily adjustable depending on your preferences or the apples you have on hand. Whether you prefer tart Granny Smiths or sweet Fuji apples, the result is always delicious.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is affordable. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and the apples are the star without requiring extra fancy additions. You don’t need expensive oils, butter alternatives, or specialty flours—just simple ingredients you likely already have. The air fryer method also saves on oil, making it lighter for both your wallet and your waistline.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Cooking spray or light oil for the air fryer
How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Making apple fritters in the air fryer is simple, quick, and rewarding. The key is to follow each step carefully to ensure a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. This method allows you to enjoy a classic treat in a healthier way, with less oil and fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Even sizing ensures they cook evenly and stay soft but not mushy. Set aside.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The vanilla adds a warm flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly lumpy for tender fritters.
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Fold in the apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Ensure all pieces are coated evenly with the batter, which helps achieve a consistent texture.
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Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking from the start.
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Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
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Form the fritters: Using a spoon, scoop small mounds of batter and place them in the basket. Leave space between each fritter for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
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Air fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip the fritters to ensure even browning on both sides. The fritters should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
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Cool slightly: Remove fritters from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This step helps maintain their crisp exterior.
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Optional finishing touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Using an air fryer drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional frying.
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Dice apples uniformly to avoid uneven cooking.
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The batter can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few hours if needed.
Customizable Options
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Swap apples for pears or add a handful of raisins for variation.
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Adjust cinnamon or sugar to your taste for more warmth or sweetness.
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For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Popular with Many People
These fritters are a hit at brunches, fall gatherings, and family breakfasts. The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and light batter appeals to a wide audience. Children love the sweet, tender bites, while adults appreciate the healthier air-fried method.
Print
. Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe – Healthier Fall Treat!
These air fryer apple fritters are a healthier twist on a classic fall favorite. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Using simple ingredients and the air fryer method makes them quick, easy, and less oily without compromising flavor.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or light oil for the air fryer
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Batter should remain slightly lumpy.
- Fold the diced apples into the batter gently until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Scoop small mounds of batter into the basket, leaving space between each fritter. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- Remove fritters and let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure apples are diced evenly for uniform cooking.
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain tender fritters.
Reheating in the air fryer restores crispiness for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
FAQs – Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Too much water can make the batter runny and affect cooking.
2. How do I store leftover fritters?
Store fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh the crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes before serving.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the batter and fold in the apples just before air frying. This prevents the apples from releasing too much liquid into the batter.
4. What type of apples works best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape during cooking and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.
5. Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk. The fritters will still turn out tender and flavorful.
6. Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Certainly! Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom complement the apples beautifully. Adjust to taste for a personal twist.