Golden Air Fryer Apple Fritters: 25 Min Joy

You know those days when a craving hits, especially when the leaves start to turn, and you just need something warm, sweet, and comforting? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for these air fryer apple fritters. They’re unbelievably quick, get perfectly golden, and have this simple, dreamy glaze that makes them feel so special. Seriously, you can have these delicious treats, along with a simple drizzle of glaze, ready in about 25 minutes! It reminds me so much of my own journey, moving from feeling completely overwhelmed in the kitchen to finding pure joy in simple cooking, and these air fryer apple fritters are a perfect example of how accessible deliciousness can be, fitting right into those cozy ‘easy fall baking’ vibes.

SAVE

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Seriously, who doesn’t love a warm, sweet treat that feels both homemade and totally effortless? That’s exactly what you get with these air fryer apple fritters.

• They’re a quick apple dessert – think deliciousness in about 25 minutes from start to finish!
• It’s a total no deep fry dessert win, so you get that satisfying crispiness without all the mess.
• They’re perfect for easy fall baking, or honestly, any time you need a little sweet pick-me-up.
• Plus, that simple glaze just takes them over the top!

Gather Your Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Alright, let’s get our goodies together for these amazing air fryer apple fritters! The best part is, you probably have most of this stuff already hiding in your pantry. We’re keeping it super simple here, just like Alex likes it!

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. This is our base, the fluffy stuff that holds everything together.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. For just a touch of sweetness in the fritter itself.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. This is what gives our fritters that little lift, making them airy and light.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Gotta have that cozy cinnamon spice, right? It’s a must!
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Just a pinch to wake up all those other flavors.
• Large Egg: 1. Our binder to hold all this goodness together.
• Milk: 1/4 cup. Any kind works, honestly! Adds the perfect moisture.
• Melted Butter: 1 tablespoon. For that touch of richness and a little extra flavor. So much better than oil here!
• Medium Apple: 1, peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are personal faves for that perfect sweet-tart balance!
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup for our glaze.
• Milk or Water: 1-2 tablespoons for the glaze. This is how we get that perfect drizzly consistency.

That’s it! See? Nothing complicated at all. Just simple ingredients ready to turn into something truly special.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Okay, let’s get into the fun part! Making these apple fritters is honestly a breeze, which totally fits my whole vibe of not wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. Think of it like a little kitchen dance – simple steps, beautiful results. You’re about 10 minutes away from batter, and then just a few more minutes until pure bliss!

SAVE

1. Mix the Dry Stuff: First things first, grab a medium bowl. Toss in your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt. Give it all a good whisk – like you’re waking up those flavors! This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get a bite that’s *too* cinnamony, you know?

2. Whisk the Wet Stuff: In a separate, smaller bowl, crack your egg. Whisk it up with the milk and the melted butter (make sure it’s not piping hot, just nicely melted). This little duo is going to add richness and moisture.

3. Combine Gently: Now, pour those wet ingredients into your dry ingredients. Here’s the most important part: mix them *just* until they’re combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy beating it! A few streaks of flour left are totally fine. Overmixing makes for tough fritters, and we want tender, fluffy magic, not tough little rocks. It’s like folding a delicate pastry, you want to be gentle!

4. Add the Apples: Gently fold in those diced apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so you get a little apple goodness in every bite. This is where the magic really starts! It’s amazing how these simple steps turn out like a dream, just like all the essential kitchen tips & tricks Alex talks about on the site.

5. Preheat is Key: Before your batter is even ready, get that air fryer going. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, give your air fryer basket a little spritz of cooking spray or a light brush of oil so nothing sticks – trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!

6. Basket Time: Drop spoonfuls of your batter into the air fryer basket. How big should a spoonful be? Think about the size of a nice, plump cookie dough ball. Don’t cram them in there! If they’re too close, they won’t get nice and golden. You’ll likely have to work in batches, but it’s worth it for perfection.

7. Air Fry to Golden: Pop that basket in and set your timer for 8-10 minutes. About halfway through, around the 4-5 minute mark, give the basket a little shake or carefully flip the fritters. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color. They should sound a little hollow if you tap them gently.

8. Whip Up the Glaze: While those fritters are doing their thing in the air fryer, let’s make that super simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and about 1 tablespoon of milk or water. If it looks too thick, add a tiny bit more liquid, just a teaspoon at a time, until you get a nice, drizzle-able consistency. You want it thick enough to coat, but thin enough to run like lava!

9. Glaze and Enjoy: Once your fritters are out and cooling slightly on a wire rack (so they don’t get soggy bottoms!), grab your glaze and drizzle away! These are best enjoyed warm, probably with a cozy cup of coffee or tea. Pure comfort!

SAVE

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritters Every Time

You know, when I first started out, baking felt like this impossible puzzle. I remember trying to make bread, and let me tell you, it was a disaster! Dense, hockey-puck-like loaves were my specialty for a while. But pushing through those early struggles taught me so much about how small adjustments can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m so excited to share these little secrets for making your air fryer apple fritters absolutely perfect, every single time!

First off, apple choice matters! I love using a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape when baked, and that little bit of tartness really balances out the sweet cinnamon spice. Don’t overmix the batter – seriously, a few streaks of flour are your friend! Overmixing develops gluten, and we want tender, cakey fritters, not chewy ones. Oh, and for that gorgeous golden-brown color? Make sure your air fryer basket is lightly greased and don’t overcrowd it. Those few extra minutes to cook in batches are totally worth it for beautifully cooked, flavorful fritters.

Remember, the kitchen is a place for joy, not stress! For more amazing tips that’ll boost your baking confidence, check out all of Alex’s essential techniques.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Apple Cinnamon Fritters

Choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference, and I love that these fritters use simple, common pantry staples! If you’ve got a dairy allergy or just prefer to keep things plant-based, feel free to swap out the milk for any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. It works beautifully!

For the apples, a firmer, slightly tart apple is usually best because it holds its shape during cooking and adds a lovely balance to the sweetness. While I adore apples, if you’re not quite feeling them, you could try diced pear or even a handful of blueberries in the batter. Just make sure whatever fruit you choose is cut into small, bite-sized pieces!

SAVE

Serving Suggestions for Your Glazed Fritters

These little moments of joy with our air fryer apple fritters are just perfect on their own, right? But if you want to make them extra special, try pairing them with a warm mug of coffee or a soothing cup of herbal tea. Honestly, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into a warm fritter is pure heaven! They’re the perfect little something to share with friends when they pop over—it really feels like you’re showing them you care. They’re also great for a weekend treat, fitting right into a {meal planning} strategy for simple, happy moments!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Apple Fritters

Okay, so these air fryer apple fritters are seriously the best when they’re warm and fresh from the fryer, straight after glazing!

If you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a day. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, your air fryer is your friend! Just pop them back in at around 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until they’re warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but they might lose a little of that crispness. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Got questions about these yummy air fryer apple fritters? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are some things people often ask, and I’m happy to shed some light!

Can I use a different type of apple for these fritters?

Absolutely! While I adore Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their flavor and how they hold up, you can really use your favorite firm apple. Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady would also be fantastic. Just make sure they’re diced into small, consistent pieces so they cook evenly!

How do I prevent my apple fritters from sticking in the air fryer?

A little bit of prevention goes a long way! Make sure your air fryer basket is properly preheated. Then, give it a light coating of cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil before adding the batter. This little step makes a world of difference and helps them slide right out!

Are these truly a ‘small batch dessert’?

Yes, they are! This recipe is designed to make a manageable batch, typically yielding about 6-8 fritters. It’s perfect for a smaller household or when you just want a treat without making a massive amount. It’s a lovely way to enjoy a fresh dessert without being overwhelmed!

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Definitely! The glaze recipe is super forgiving. For a thinner, more drizzly glaze, just add a tiny splash more milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze that really coats the fritters, add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.

Nutritional Estimate for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Just a little heads-up, these estimates are based on the ingredients listed and how we make them here. Things like the exact size of your apple or how much glaze you drizzle can change the numbers a bit! But generally, one of these yummy fritters gives you around 150 calories, about 5g of fat, 2g of protein, and a nice 25g of carbohydrates, with roughly 15g of that being sugar from the apples and glaze. It’s a sweet treat that feels pretty balanced when you think about it!

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy quick, golden apple fritters made in your air fryer with a simple glaze. These easy treats are perfect for a 25-minute dessert.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 20 min
• Yield: 6-8 fritters 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Gently fold in the diced apple.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
7. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. While the fritters are cooking, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or water in a small bowl. Add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency.
9. Once the fritters are done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle with the glaze.

Notes

• For a thinner glaze, add more milk or water. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor.
• These fritters are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fritter
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg