Air Fryer Apple Fritters: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe
These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are delightfully crispy and easy to make, combining tender apple filling with a soft, fluffy dough. Air frying provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while delivering a golden-brown, perfectly cooked fritter. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and optional nut or sprinkle garnish, these fritters make a wonderful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 fritters 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking & Garnish
- Vegetable oil spray for the air fryer basket
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) for garnish (optional)
- Sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until evenly coated, then set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk cold buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract together.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in Apple Filling: Gently fold the prepared apple filling into the dough carefully to maintain texture.
- Shape the Fritters: Method 1: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into rough circles. Method 2: Turn dough onto floured surface, pat into 1-inch thick circle, and cut into wedges or squares.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with vegetable oil spray.
- Air Fry the Fritters: Place fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool the Fritters: Remove fritters and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Dip warm fritters into glaze or drizzle glaze over them. Place back on wire rack to set glaze.
- Add Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles over the glaze while still wet.
- Set the Glaze: Allow glaze to set completely for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve fritters warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji to ensure filling holds texture.
- Do not overmix dough to keep fritters tender and light.
- Air fryer models vary; check fritters frequently after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- For a crispier exterior, spray fritters lightly with oil before air frying.
- Glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk.
- Serve fritters fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Air fryer apple fritters, apple fritters recipe, healthy apple fritters, easy apple fritters, glazed apple fritters
