Air Fryer Apple Fritters – 6-Minute Crispy Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something nostalgic about biting into a warm, sweet fritter, especially when it’s homemade. Air Fryer Apple Fritters bring back that joy but skip the greasy mess. I remember the first time I tried recreating apple fritters from a fair I visited during college—too oily, too messy. Fast forward to now, my air fryer changed everything. The texture? Spot-on. The taste? Like fall wrapped in a pastry. And the smell of apples and cinnamon in the air? Heavenly. This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t leave your house smelling like a deep fryer.

Why Air Fryer Apple Fritters Are a Game-Changer

Healthier comfort food made fast

Let’s face it—fried foods taste good, but they come with a health cost. That’s where air fryer apple fritters shine. They pack all the flavor with way less oil. Traditional apple fritters are deep-fried in hot oil, absorbing tons of fat. But when you use an air fryer, you only need a light mist of spray. The result is crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. Plus, no greasy cleanup after.

You still get that rich flavor thanks to real apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and a touch of butter in the batter. If you’ve ever made baked apple donuts, this gives similar vibes but with a crustier edge. It’s the best of both worlds.

Why the air fryer wins every time

Besides being healthier, the air fryer is just convenient. Preheat, load in the batter mounds, and six minutes later—you’ve got golden fritters. The hot circulating air cooks them evenly and quickly. No need to flip or babysit them on the stove.

Even better? You’re saving money by not using up bottles of oil. And let’s not ignore the time saved: no frying pan to scrub, no oil splatters to wipe. These air fryer apple fritters are your new favorite shortcut to an old-fashioned treat.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters – 6-Minute Crispy Recipe You’ll Love

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• Author: recipesloop.com
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 8 fritters 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Air Fryer Apple Fritters are golden, crisp, and lightly glazed—made without deep-frying. A quick treat with real apple flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ cups (222g) flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp fine sea salt

¼ tsp cinnamon

⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar

3 tbsp (42g) melted butter

½ cup (128g) applesauce

¼ cup (60ml) milk of choice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large apple, peeled & diced

Glaze:

1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp milk of choice

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Instructions

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

2. In another bowl, mix sugar with melted butter, then add applesauce, milk, and vanilla.

3. Combine dry and wet ingredients; fold in apples.

4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray basket.

5. Scoop ¼-cup batter mounds into the basket.

6. Air fry 5–6 minutes until golden.

7. Stir powdered sugar and milk for glaze.

8. Drizzle glaze on warm fritters and serve.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches.

For crispier fritters, add 1 extra minute.

Use firm apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fritter
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Apple Fritters, easy apple fritters

The Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritter Recipe

Ingredients that matter

What makes these air fryer apple fritters irresistible is the combo of simple pantry staples with fresh fruit. You’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups (222g) all-purpose flour
  
• 2 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
  
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  
• 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
  
• ½ cup (128g) unsweetened applesauce
  
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk (any variety works)
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 large apple, peeled and diced
  

For the glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  
• 2–3 tbsp milk of choice
  

These ingredients come together for a soft, flavorful fritter with just the right sweetness. The diced apple adds juicy bites, and applesauce keeps the texture moist without extra fat.

Step-by-step: From batter to bliss

Start by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in one bowl. In another, stir sugar with melted butter. Then add applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.

Now stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the diced apples last. You want the batter thick and spoonable.

Lightly spray your air fryer basket. Preheat it to 400°F. Scoop ¼-cup mounds of batter into the basket, spacing them apart. Air fry for 5–6 minutes until golden.

While they’re still warm, drizzle on the glaze. The sugary topping hardens slightly for that classic bakery finish. These air fryer apple fritters are now ready to devour.

Pro Tips for Better Apple Fritters Every Time

How to keep Air Fryer Apple Fritters crispy, not soggy

A common issue with air fryer apple fritters is sogginess. The culprit? Too much moisture. Here’s how to fix it:

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Softer apples break down during cooking.
  
• Dice small but not too fine. Tiny pieces release more juice.
  
• Don’t overmix your batter. That leads to dense fritters.
  
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If fritters are too close, they steam instead of crisp.
  

If your fritters come out a little soft, pop them back in for 1–2 more minutes. Every air fryer model varies slightly in heat output.

Ingredient swaps and variations

Want to change things up? Try these:

• Replace cinnamon with apple pie spice for deeper warmth.
  
• Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
  
• Swap milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  

You can even skip the glaze and dust them with cinnamon sugar for a doughnut-like coating. However you tweak them, air fryer apple fritters are endlessly adaptable.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Storing, Reheating

How to store and reheat leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely!), they store well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. This brings back the crispness. Microwave reheating works too but softens the outside.

Freezing? Yes, but skip the glaze. Wrap each fritter individually, freeze, and reheat in the air fryer when ready. Add fresh glaze after warming.

Conclusion : Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Apple Fritters bring everything we love about fall desserts into a lighter, faster format. From the nostalgic scent of cinnamon to the satisfying crack of that sugary glaze, these fritters deliver bakery-level results right at home. The best part? They take less than 15 minutes start to finish, without turning on your oven or using a drop of oil for frying.

Whether you’re treating yourself or whipping up a family favorite, this recipe is bound to impress. And once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly request. Try it today—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it

Related Recipes on RecipesLoop

Love warm apple treats or cozy air fryer ideas? You’ll also enjoy:

The gooey comfort of Apple Pie Baked Oats—perfect for chilly mornings
A magical 3 Ingredient Apple Cake that’s quick and foolproof
Crumbly, moist Apple Crumb Bread that doubles as breakfast or dessert
The playful crunch of Apple Pie Cookies for lunchbox treats
Or try a layered showstopper like Thousand Layer Apple for your next fall dinner

Let’s Wrap It Up!

Now you’ve got the easiest way to enjoy crisp, golden Air Fryer Apple Fritters—sweet, satisfying, and no deep-frying required. Made them already? Drop your favorite twist in the comments, share with your brunch crew, and save this cozy treat for apple season and beyond!

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FAQs about Air Fryer Apple Fritters