Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are everything I love about fall in one little golden bite. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and filled with warm chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples. And thanks to the air fryer, they’re way lighter than deep-fried ones — but still totally delicious. You can whip up a batch in about 30 minutes and enjoy them warm with a sweet glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.

this recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

The first time I made these was on a chilly Saturday morning. I had one apple left and didn’t want to make a full pie — so I air fried a batch of fritters instead. Now, they’re on repeat anytime I want a cozy treat without the oil splatter or heavy cleanup.

• Uses basic pantry ingredients
• Comes together in under 30 minutes
• No deep frying (and no grease!)
• Crispy edges, soft middle — just right
• Smells like a bakery while they cook

Servings and Time

Makes: 8–10 small fritters
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (in batches)
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

What You’ll Need

For the fritters:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small

For the glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tsp milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Pro Tips

• Dice the apples small so they cook through quickly in the air fryer
• Don’t overmix the batter — stir until just combined
• Spray the fritters with oil before air frying for a crispier finish
• Work in batches — crowding the basket makes them cook unevenly
• Let them cool slightly before glazing so it sets nicely

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon or small scoop
• Small bowl for glaze
• Spatula or tongs
• Parchment paper (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

• Use maple syrup instead of glaze for a fall twist
• Swap cinnamon for apple pie spice
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Use dairy-free milk and butter if needed
• Try it with pears instead of apples

Make Ahead Tips

You can dice the apples and prep the dry mix the night before. Store the apples in an airtight container in the fridge and mix everything together when ready to fry. The glaze can also be made ahead and kept covered at room temp.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp melted butter to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined — the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in 1 peeled and diced apple, making sure the pieces are evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fritters

Scoop small spoonfuls of batter into a preheated air fryer basket lined with parchment or sprayed with oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and puffed.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tsp milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Fritters

Leftovers and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving if you want that crispy texture.

Macros Information (Per Fritter – Approximate)

Calories: 145
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

The baking powder helps the batter puff up in the air fryer, creating that soft cake-like inside. The diced apples release moisture as they cook, keeping the fritters tender. A quick flip halfway ensures even browning on both sides. And the air fryer’s hot circulating air crisps the edges without needing deep oil.

Common Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter: Makes them dense. Stir just until combined.
• Cutting apples too big: They won’t cook through in time. Dice small.
• Not flipping the fritters: They won’t brown evenly on both sides.
• Skipping oil spray: Makes the surface dull and less crispy.
• Adding glaze too soon: It melts off — let fritters cool a bit first.

What to Serve With

• Hot coffee or a chai latte
• A side of yogurt for contrast
• Fresh apple slices and peanut butter
• Maple syrup drizzle instead of glaze
• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish

FAQ

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Pan fry them in a little oil or bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

What apples are best?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji — anything crisp and tart.

Can I freeze them?
Yep! Freeze after air frying and reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly, but it works!