Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air fryer apple fritters are soft on the inside yet crisp and crunchy on the outside. They start with cinnamon chopped apples that are dunked in batter, air fried until golden, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Why this recipe works

Though we love a good deep-fried fritter (these banana fritters are to-die-for), making air fryer apple fritters saves you a lot of hassle in the kitchen by eliminating the need for oil that the traditional method requires.

Instead, you’ll combine all your ingredients and scoop the dough straight into a parchment-lined air fryer for a slightly healthier version of your favorite fall spiced treat.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

APPLE – Honeycrisp apple works well here. You can leave the peel on if you prefer. Cut the apple into about 1/2-inch cubes. You can also use Granny Smith if you like a bit of tart flavor. Gala and Golden Delicious are other great options for sweet apples in this recipe.

GLAZE – This is a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, half and half, butter, and vanilla extract. You can use whole milk or heavy cream instead of the half and half if desired.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Mix together the chopped apple and lemon juice in a medium bowl and set aside for now.
2. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in the milk, egg, and vanilla. Fold in the apple.
3. Preheat an air fryer to 400F. Line the basket with a piece of parchment paper. Spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Scoop 1/4 cup of the batter into each quadrant of the air fryer basket on top of the parchment paper. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
5. Air fry until golden on the first side, about 4 to 6 minutes. Then flip the fritters over, spray them again with cooking spray, and air fry until golden on the second side, about 4 to 6 minutes more.
6. The fritters are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, transfer them to a wire rack placed above a baking tray.
7. Cook the remaining batter the same way (you will need to do this in 3 batches total).
8. Whisk together all ingredients for the glaze, adding more half and half if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
9. Spoon the glaze onto the cooked fritters; note that if they’re still hot when you glaze them, the glaze will thin out and mostly run off. Serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Air fryer apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the day you make them, however, you can store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days kept at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer. You can also store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can prepare the batter for your apple fritters a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. If you want to make the fritters a day in advance for a party, allow the fritters to completely cool and store them in an air-tight container. Add the glaze after reheating and before serving.

Yes, you can freeze these apple fritters. Prepare and air-fry the fritters then allow them to fully cool – with or without the glaze. Once fully cooled, flash freeze them on a baking tray. When frozen, remove the fritters from the baking sheet to a large ziptop bag or an air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

If you prefer, you can dust your apple fritters with powdered sugar instead of adding the glaze. Serve warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea or as dessert. Enjoy!

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Brownies
• Air Fryer Churros
• Air Fryer Apple Fries
• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Air Fryer Baked Apples

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