Apple fritters are a delicious and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Traditional deep-fried versions can be heavy on oil, but with an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden fritters with less guilt!
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making Air Fryer Apple Fritters, including step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and some variations to customize your fritters to your liking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy & Delicious – Enjoy the deep-fried texture with a fraction of the oil.
✅ Healthier Alternative – Air frying reduces the oil content while keeping the fritters crispy.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
✅ Perfect for Fall – Made with warm spices and fresh apples.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup milk
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 medium apple (peeled and finely diced, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
For Dusting:
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking:
Cooking spray or a light coating of oil
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir to combine.
3️⃣ Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
4️⃣ Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
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Step 2: Shape the Fritters
1️⃣ Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Using a spoon, drop small mounds of batter onto the parchment, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking.
3️⃣ Lightly spray or brush with oil for extra crispiness.
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Step 3: Air Fry the Fritters
1️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Place the fritters inside the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
3️⃣ Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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Step 4: Dust & Serve
1️⃣ Mix powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2️⃣ While the fritters are still warm, dust them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
3️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters
✅ Use Fresh Apples – Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart balance, while Honeycrisp adds extra sweetness.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter until just combined to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
✅ Oil Lightly – A light spray of oil helps crisp up the fritters without making them greasy.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space between fritters in the air fryer for even cooking.
✅ For Extra Crispiness – Add a minute or two of cook time if you prefer an extra-crunchy texture.
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Variations & Customizations
🥜 Nutty Apple Fritters – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
🍯 Glazed Fritters – Drizzle with a simple vanilla or maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Fritters – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
🍩 Pumpkin Spice Fritters – Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.
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Storage & Reheating
🧊 Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4-5 days.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a 1:1 substitute.
❓ Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Any non-dairy milk will work just as well.
❓ What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these fritters in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy fall snack! 🍏✨
Try this recipe today and let us know how they turn out! Would you dip these in caramel sauce or enjoy them as is? Let us know in the comments! 🍩🔥
