Some mornings still smell like grandma’s kitchenwarm apples, bubbling cinnamon, and that sweet fried dough scent curling through the air. These Air Fryer Apple Fritters bring that memory back in the best way. They’re cozy, lightly crisp, and ready in no time thanks to the magic of air frying. No splattery mess, no giant pot of oil. Just golden, apple-studded bites that make the whole house smell like fall.

This recipe starts with chopped apples (Granny Smiths work great), a simple spiced batter, and a few pantry staples. You mix, scoop, and air fryno deep fryer needed, no mixer either. And best part? They turn out soft inside, a little crisp on the edges, and just sweet enough. Like your favorite fairground treat, but way easier to pull off on a random Tuesday. We even added a drizzle option if you’re feeling extra fancy.

I started working on these the fall my youngest went off to college2021, lots of tears, lots of snacks. The first batch wasn’t pretty, but my neighbor stuck her head in the door and said, “What are you baking, and can I have three?” That day I learned: scoop the batter loose and lumpydon’t over-mix, or they’ll turn heavy. Years of testing cozy recipes taught me it’s the little tricks that keep simple food special.

Yesica Andrews

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe: Simple and Delicious

Enjoy a delightful treat with this Air Fryer Apple Fritters recipe. These apple fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with sweet apple flavor and warm spices. Perfect as a quick snack or dessert, this Apple Fritters Recipe is easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 12 fritters

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Method

 

1. Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them into small pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fritter.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
8. Remove fritters and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Use sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat fritters in the air fryer for best results.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Easy, Crispy & Irresistibly Cozy

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10-12 minutes | Total time: 20-22 minutes | Yields: 8-10 fritters

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These air fryer apple fritters are about to become your new favorite treat, blending comfort with convenience. Here’s why you’ll be making them on repeat:

• Quick & No Mess: Forget the splattering oil! These come together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, making them perfect for a spontaneous craving.
• Healthier Indulgence: You get all the crispy edges and warm, spiced apple sweetness you love, but with significantly less fat than traditional deep-fried versions.
• Nostalgic Charm: Each bite conjures memories of classic fairground treats, delivering that comforting, homemade feel without the fuss.
• Effortlessly Simple: No advanced kitchen skills required! If you can mix a batter and scoop it, you can make these golden-brown beauties.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fritters

You’ll only need a handful of everyday pantry staples and a couple of fresh apples to create these delightful fritters. Here’s a closer look:

• Apples: For the best results, choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Their texture holds up well, and they infuse each fritter with a burst of natural sweetness. (Granny Smith works too if you prefer a tarter bite!)
• Warm Spices: Ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg are essential for that classic, comforting apple fritter flavor.
• Batter Foundation: All-purpose flour, whole milk, large eggs, granulated sugar, and baking powder combine to create a light, fluffy batter that encases the apples perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, adding a fragrant, bakery-quality aroma.
• Powdered Sugar: An optional but highly recommended finishing touch for a sweet, elegant dusting.

Ingredient Reference Table

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Step-by-Step

Get ready to create some magic! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly crisp and tender apple fritters in your air fryer:

1. Prepare Your Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your chosen apples into small, uniform bite-sized pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). Smaller pieces cook more evenly. If your apples are very juicy, you can lightly pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine & Fold: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a tender fritter. Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the fritters start cooking immediately and achieve a crisp exterior. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Shape & Air Fry: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the apple fritter batter into the preheated and greased air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each fritter for hot air to circulate. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping the fritters halfway through with tongs, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Sweet Finish: Once cooked, transfer the warm fritters to a plate. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Quick Timing Chart

Storage and Reheating Tips

Should you miraculously have any fritters leftover (it’s a rare occurrence!), here’s how to keep them tasting their best:

• Storage: Allow the fritters to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: For best results and to regain that delightful crispiness, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!

Pro Tip: Avoid reheating fritters in the microwave. It tends to make them soft and rubbery rather than restoring their wonderfully crispy edges.

Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Using an air fryer for apple fritters is a game-changer, not only reducing excess oil but also ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior with a tender, moist interior. The rapid, even circulation of hot air is crucial for achieving that ideal texture while locking in the apple’s natural sweetness and aromatic spices. For truly exceptional results, ensure your apple pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly, and always preheat your air fryer. A quick spritz of cooking oil on the fritters themselves before frying can also enhance browning and crispness, mimicking the deep-fried texture without the added fat.

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My Journey to Perfecting Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Like many home bakers, I’ve had my share of kitchen experiments! My quest for the ideal air fryer apple fritter involved several delightful (and sometimes frustrating) rounds of tweaking. From battling soggy middles to fine-tuning for that perfect golden-brown crisp, each attempt brought me closer to a recipe that truly shines. I learned that the secret lies in not just the ingredients, but in the techniquelike the precise temperature and avoiding overcrowding the basket. This recipe is the culmination of those efforts: tender inside, beautifully crisp outside, and packed with warm apple goodness. It’s a labor of love, designed to bring you comfort in every easy-to-make bite, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special breakfast.

FAQs ( Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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Conclusion: A Cozy Treat Made Simple

This Air Fryer Apple Fritters recipe truly delivers on its promise: a delightful, soft, cinnamon-kissed treat with perfectly crisp edges, all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s amazing how simple pantry ingredients can transform into such a warm, inviting dessert or snack that feels genuinely homemade and full of heart. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert, they’re sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a delightful twist, consider stirring in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, or swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract to add a different aromatic depth. Remember to store any rare leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, and reheat them briefly in the air fryer to revive that fresh-baked crispness. These little tips, born from countless kitchen experiments, truly make all the difference in elevating your fritter experience.

Did these apple fritters bring back any sweet childhood memories for you? I’d love to hear your stories or see your photos if you try the recipe! Share your special spins on this classic in the comments below, or pass this recipe on to someone who could use a cozy, homemade moment. You’re not just making food; you’re creating cherished moments worth savoring.