Name: Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups plain flour (180g); ¼ cup white sugar (50g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon powder; ⅓ cup full-fat milk (80ml); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla essence; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted); 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (yields about 2¾ cups or 335g); 1 cup icing sugar (120g); 3 tablespoons full-fat milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla essence; 1 tablespoon butter, melted (unsalted)

If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet treat that feels nostalgic yet lightened up, look no further than this Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe. These classic fritters have that signature crunchy outside and fluffy, cinnamon-kissed inside, but the magic here is they’re air fried—not deep fried—making them a little healthier, a lot less messy, and just as comforting! With simple pantry staples, juicy apples, and a swoon-worthy vanilla glaze, you’ll have a batch of irresistible fritters in under 40 minutes. Whether it’s apple season or you just want to brighten up brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe is how every ingredient pulls its weight—each one adding flavor, texture, or that golden hue. Expect straightforward pantry staples and a few fresh, tangy apples to create incredible fritters without any fuss.

Plain flour: The essential base that gives these fritters their soft crumb yet sturdy shape.
White sugar: Adds that gentle sweetness and helps the fritters brown beautifully.
Baking powder: This is your key to fluffy, not dense, fritters every single time.
Salt: Just a touch brings out all the best flavors in the apples and cinnamon.
Cinnamon powder: Warm spice that makes each bite extra cozy and aromatic.
Full-fat milk: Keeps the crumb rich and tender, while adding subtle creamy notes.
Eggs: Offer structure and a little lift, helping the fritters set together.
Vanilla essence: Brings out the sweetness of the apples and adds depth of flavor.
Lemon juice: Brightens the apples and balances the sweet glaze perfectly.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and a touch of buttery flavor; use unsalted for best results.
Apples: The star—go for a crisp, slightly tart variety for superb flavor and texture.
Icing sugar: The secret to a satiny glaze—don’t skip it!
Milk (for glaze): Helps you achieve that pourable, glossy finish.
Vanilla essence (for glaze): Layers more warmth and rounds out the sugary icing.
Butter (for glaze, melted): Gives just a hint of richness to the sweet coating.

How to Make Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a roomy bowl. This will ensure your fritters are evenly spiced and rise just right. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla essence, and lemon juice. Combining everything separately at first means the fritter texture will be perfectly light—not heavy or doughy!

Step 2: Combine the Mixtures and Add Apples

Make a small well in your dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and add the melted butter. Stir until you no longer see streaks of flour. Now’s the magic moment: gently fold in the diced apples. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the apples—overmixing can make the batter tough, so keep it gentle for a lovely bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F. While it warms up, line your basket with parchment to keep your fritters from sticking (and to make clean-up a breeze). A quick spray of nonstick spray keeps every batch slick and easy to lift out once cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Fritters

Scoop 4 leveled ¼ cup portions of your batter into the lined basket, leaving space between each mound for air to circulate. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, then finish with another 3 minutes. This gives you perfectly golden, crisp outsides and a pillowy-soft apple center. Move cooked fritters to a rack and let them cool just enough before glazing. Repeat with your remaining batter for more delicious batches!

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together icing sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth—this is your luscious, pourable glaze! Stir in the melted butter and beat well so it shines. You want this mixture silky enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat for that bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve the Fritters

Dip the tops of the slightly cooled fritters in your glaze, letting it run over the sides. Place them back on the rack for a minute, so any extra glaze can drip right off. The glaze will set into a shiny, sweet shell—just the thing to complement the tender apple bites inside. Serve the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe straight away for ultimate gooey, crunchy, apple-y goodness!

How to Serve Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Garnishes

These fritters are downright gorgeous fresh from the air fryer, but a little extra flourish never hurts! Try dusting with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or icing sugar right before serving, or add a handful of finely chopped toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch. If you really want to impress, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes things to next-level delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a breakfast platter, or serve with a hot cup of coffee or chai for an afternoon pick-me-up. For dessert, they’re wonderful alongside vanilla ice cream or even with a scoop of cinnamon gelato for a special treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your fritters on a rustic wooden board with a pile of crisp apple slices, or plate each fritter individually with a swirl of glaze and a few tiny apple wedges. For parties or brunch buffets, serve them in mini parchment cones so guests can grab and go. A little edible flower or mint sprig on the side adds a charming, homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras, let the fritters cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze will help lock in moisture, but air frying means they won’t get soggy like deep fried ones sometimes do. For the absolute best texture, enjoy within the first day if possible.

Freezing

Believe it or not, these fritters freeze beautifully! Place the cooled, unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat, then glaze right before serving for that freshly made effect.

Reheating

To bring Day Two fritters back to life, just pop them in your air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through and lightly crisp. You can microwave instead, but you’ll lose some of that good crunch. Add glaze afterward if it needs a refresh or add a new drizzle for extra shine!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith add a balance to the sweetness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any apple you enjoy—just aim for a crisp, not mealy, type so the texture holds up wonderfully in the fritters.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples gives the fritters a soft, bakery-style bite, but if you prefer more texture and color, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to dice them small so they cook through nicely.

Can I make the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe gluten-free?

Great news: You can swap the plain flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and proceed as usual—the recipe still produces delicious, fluffy fritters!

Why do my fritters sometimes stick to the parchment?

If your parchment isn’t sprayed with nonstick spray, the batter can be a bit clingy. The combination of parchment and spray guarantees easy release every time, so don’t skip this simple step.

Can I skip the glaze or use something else?

Sure! You can simply dust the fritters with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey instead of glazing, or even use a maple or lemon glaze for a twist. The glaze is classic, but feel free to adapt to your taste or whatever you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer can deliver such an outrageously tasty, heartwarming treat. If you haven’t tried the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe, now’s the perfect time—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl and make these fritters your new favorite cozy comfort!