Warm light spills through the kitchen window, and the scent of cinnamon and apples wraps around you like a worn quilt. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the kind of treat that makes the house slow down — like a porch swing on a late afternoon. If you love simple, cozy desserts, you might also enjoy this easy 3-ingredient air fryer cookies to keep the warm oven magic going.
Why make this recipe
There’s something tender about apple fritters that reminds me of family fairs and Sunday suppers — crispy edges, soft centers, and a sweet glaze that melts into every nook. Using the air fryer gives you that crisp without deep frying, and it’s quick enough for a weekday treat or a lazy Saturday breakfast.
How to make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
This method keeps things simple: whisk the dry, whisk the wet, fold in apples, air fry until golden, then dress them in a simple powdered sugar glaze. It’s the kind of hands-on, heart-forward baking that feels like passing a secret recipe to the next generation.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (222g) flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or all-purpose)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (128g) unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk of choice, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2–3 tablespoons milk of choice
Directions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C); line or lightly oil basket.
- Whisk dry ingredients.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately.
- Fold wet into dry until just combined; fold in diced apple.
- Scoop mounds into basket; lightly mist with oil.
- Air fry 7–9 minutes, flipping at 5 minutes, until golden and springy.
- Whisk glaze to ribbon consistency; cool fritters briefly, then glaze.
- Set 5 minutes; serve warm.
How to serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Serve them warm, right from the basket, with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a little butter tucked into the warm center feels like a Southern hug. If you’re hosting a brunch, place them on a platter and let guests help themselves — I sometimes pair them with a slice of this lovely 3-ingredient apple cake for a true apple-lover’s spread.
How to store Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat gently in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp them back up. Glaze separately if you plan to store them glazed for best texture.
Tips to make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Use a firm apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) so the pieces hold their shape.
- Don’t overmix the batter — folded, slightly lumpy is perfect.
- Lightly misting with oil helps the exterior crisp without making them greasy.
- Space fritters apart in the basket so air can circulate; cook in batches if needed.
Variations (if any)
- Brown butter glaze: brown the butter before whisking into the glaze for a nutty depth.
- Maple glaze: swap a tablespoon of milk for pure maple syrup in the glaze.
- Add-ins: fold in a pinch of nutmeg, or a handful of chopped pecans for a Southern crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes — use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1) and follow the same method. Texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
Q: Can I bake them in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: You can. Preheat oven to 400°F, spoon batter onto a lined baking sheet, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden. They won’t be quite as crisp as the air-fried version but will still be tender and delicious.
Q: How do I get the glaze smooth and not runny?
A: Add milk a little at a time to the powdered sugar until you reach a ribbon consistency — thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but pourable. If it’s too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well so excess moisture doesn’t thin the batter.
Q: Are these suitable for breakfast or dessert?
A: Both — they’re lovely alongside eggs and coffee for breakfast, or plated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic dessert.
Conclusion
Thank you for letting these little fritters bring a moment of home to your kitchen. If you’re curious about a richer take, try the Air Fryer Apple fritters with Brown Butter Glaze on Wine a Little, Cook a Lot for a lovely twist: Air Fryer Apple fritters with Brown Butter Glaze – Wine a Little, Cook …. For another trusted variation and tips from a baking blog, see this Air Fryer Apple Fritters recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters – { THE BEST RECIPE! } OwlbBaking.com.
Drop a note about how yours turned out — I love hearing about the little kitchen moments, the sticky fingers, and the stories that come with sharing food.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C); line or lightly oil basket.
- Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined; gently fold in the diced apple.
- Scoop mounds of the batter into the air fryer basket; lightly mist with oil.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping at 5 minutes, until golden and springy.
- Whisk glaze to a ribbon consistency; cool fritters briefly, then drizzle glaze over.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving warm.