Air-Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

These Air-Fryer Apple Fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with a rich browned butter glaze. Packed with sweet Honeycrisp apples, they make the perfect fall-inspired treat without the excess oil from deep frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option – Enjoy all the crispy goodness without deep-frying.
• Perfectly Sweet & Spiced – Warm cinnamon and tender apples in every bite.
• Quick & Easy – Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters:

• All-purpose flour – 1½ cups, for structure.
• Sugar – ¼ cup, for sweetness.
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons, for rise.
• Ground cinnamon – 1½ teaspoons, for warmth.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon, to balance flavors.
• 2% milk – ⅔ cup, for moisture.
• Large eggs – 2, room temperature, for binding.
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, adds brightness.
• Vanilla extract – 1½ teaspoons, divided.
• Honeycrisp apples – 2 medium, peeled and chopped.
• Cooking spray – For air frying.

For the Browned Butter Glaze:

• Butter – ¼ cup, browned for rich flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar – 1 cup, for sweetness.
• 2% milk – 1 tablespoon, for thinning the glaze.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Fritter Batter

1. Preheat air fryer to 410°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir just until moistened.
4. Gently fold in chopped apples.

Step 2: Air Fry the Fritters

1. Line the air-fryer basket with parchment paper (cut to fit) and spritz with cooking spray.
2. Drop dough by ¼ cupfuls onto the parchment, spacing them 2 inches apart.
3. Spritz the tops with cooking spray.
4. Air fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
5. Flip the fritters and continue air frying for 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Browned Butter Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter.
2. Cook until the butter starts to brown and foam, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and the remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the browned butter glaze over warm fritters.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

this Recipe

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Sweet Apples – Honeycrisp works perfectly, but you can also use Gala or Fuji.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until moistened to keep the fritters light.
• Monitor the Air Fryer – Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.
• Glaze While Warm – Helps the glaze soak slightly into the fritters.

How to Serve

• With a Cup of Coffee – Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• As Dessert – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For a Fall Treat – Enjoy as a cozy snack on a chilly day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating

• Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Can I use different apples?
Yes! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden.

Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

These Air-Fryer Apple Fritters are crispy, sweet, and drizzled with a luscious browned butter glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

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