If you’re craving a sweet treat but want a lighter option, this baked apple fritter recipe is for you! These fritters are made with juicy apples, warm spices, and a delightful glaze—all prepared in your air fryer for a healthier twist. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe ensures you’ll never miss the deep-fried version.
This air fryer apple fritter recipe is a healthier twist on a classic treat, as it skips the deep frying and uses hot air circulation to create a crispy texture. The fritters are made with wholesome ingredients, including applesauce, which keeps them moist and naturally sweet. Perfectly spiced and topped with a light glaze, these fritters are a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time!
I love using my air fryer because it makes cooking so much easier and healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. Recently, I air-fried some sliced potatoes, and they turned out perfectly crispy on the outside with just a fraction of the oil I’d typically use. The air fryer is incredibly versatile, whether I’m making savory snacks like potatoes, honey baked chicken wings recipe (air fryer) or sweet treats like homemade churros. It’s fast, efficient, and consistently delivers delicious results with minimal cleanup!
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy, fried texture with little to no oil. It operates similarly to a convection oven but on a smaller scale, making it faster and more energy-efficient. Air fryers are popular for creating healthier versions of fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and apple fritters. Its ability to deliver a golden-brown finish and retain moisture inside makes it a must-have for quick and healthier cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Baking in an air fryer significantly reduces oil use while still delivering a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
- Quick and Easy: These fritters are ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or impromptu dessert cravings.
- Versatile: Great for enjoying fresh, but you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven for a delicious snack.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredient List
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and base for the fritters.
Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder for extra lift.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of caramelization during baking.
Cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice to the fritters.
Nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle earthy flavor.
Applesauce: Keeps the fritters moist and light while adding a natural sweetness.
Milk: Provides moisture and binds the ingredients together.
Eggs: Give the fritters structure and help them hold their shape.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a comforting aroma.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a soft, tender texture.
Apples: The star ingredient, providing bursts of juicy, fresh flavor.
Light Olive Oil Spray:
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Olive Oil: Ensures the fritters achieve a golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth finish.
How to Make Apple Fritters in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: applesauce, milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape the Fritters
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter onto parchment paper. Shape them into rough mounds to mimic traditional fritters.
Step 3: Air Fry the Fritters
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the fritters in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Spray with light olive oil.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat with remaining batter as needed.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle or dip the warm fritters in the glaze.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Bake Apple Fritter Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Fritter Dough
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- â…“ cup whole milk can use buttermilk for a tangier flavor
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1½ cups apples Peeled, diced apples (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tartness)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Apple Fritter Dough
- Prepare the Batter:Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: applesauce, milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape Fritters:Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter onto parchment paper. Shape batter into rough mounds to mimic traditional fritters.
- Air Fry Fritters:Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the fritters in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Spray with light olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter as needed.
Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or dip the warm fritters in the glaze. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Tips for Baking Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures the fritters cook evenly and get a golden-brown crust like an oven.
Use olive oil spray lightly. A light spritz of olive oil spray on the fritters helps them achieve a crisp exterior without adding unnecessary oil.
Cut parchment paper to size. To prevent the parchment from wrapping around the fritters, cut it to match the size of each piece of dough. This keeps their shape intact during cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave space between each fritter so hot air can circulate properly, ensuring even cooking.
Keep an eye on cooking time. Air fryers can vary in performance, so check the fritters a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
Create texture with a spoon. Use the back of a spoon to lift and create small nooks and crannies in the dough. This helps the fritters achieve a crispy, rustic texture.
Crisp them up by slightly overcooking. If you love an extra crispy fritter, let it cook an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Serving and Storing
Best Enjoyed Fresh
These baked apple fritters taste best when fresh out of the air fryer. The warm, tender interior and sweet glaze are irresistible!
Reheating Tips
To reheat, place fritters in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
Why Air Fryer Fritters Are a Game-Changer
This baked apple fritter recipe proves you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy a classic dessert. The air fryer achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and lightness, making these fritters a guilt-free indulgence. They’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite flavors and toppings. Try them today and treat yourself to a healthier version of this timeless delight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Yes! Try pears, peaches, or even berries for a fun twist on this recipe.
These fritters can also be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste delicious. I baked them in the oven, and they became more like soft, smooth cookies.
Why Air Fryer Fritters Are the Ultimate Treat
This baked apple fritter recipe proves you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy a classic dessert. The air fryer achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and lightness, making these fritters a guilt-free indulgence. They’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite flavors and toppings. Try them today and treat yourself to a healthier version of this timeless delight!
Thank you so much for stopping by and spending time here! I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Until next time, happy baking and have a fantastic day filled with delicious treats and creativity!
Cheers,
Photo Credits:Â MyPhotography.com
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