If you’re looking for a treat that’s undeniably cozy, golden, and blissfully easy, look no further than this Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of apple nestled inside a warmly spiced batter, all air-fried to pillowy perfection—then finished with a sweet, buttery glaze. This recipe captures everything we love about classic bakery apple fritters, with the added bonus of using your air fryer for quick cleanup and far less oil. There’s a reason this is a household favorite, and the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe keeps things delightfully simple and lets each ingredient shine. From warm spices to crisp apples and that dreamy glaze, every item brings something essential to the table—or should we say, to the plate!

Plain flour (1½ cups/180g): This forms the tender, fluffy base for the fritters.

White sugar (¼ cup/50g): Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the apples and spices.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Makes the fritters puff up light and airy.

Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor and keeps things from tasting flat.
Cinnamon powder (1½ teaspoons): The warmly spiced heart that gives genuine fritter flavor.

Full-fat milk (⅓ cup/80ml for batter, plus 3 tbsp for glaze): Contributes to the rich, moist batter and silky-smooth glaze.
Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Vanilla essence (2 teaspoons for batter, 1 teaspoon for glaze): Rounds out the flavors with a gorgeous aroma.

Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Brightens the apples and balances out the sweetness.
Butter, melted, unsalted (2 tablespoons for batter, 1 tablespoon for glaze): Adds luxurious flavor both in the fritters and in the final icing.
Medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (2, about 2¾ cups/335g): The star of the show—choose tart apples for extra flavor pop!

Icing sugar (1 cup/120g): Dissolves perfectly for the classic glossy glaze.
Nonstick spray and parchment paper: Ensure easy release from the air fryer with zero sticking.

How to Make Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. This creates the perfect base, evenly distributing all those essential elements that guarantee a fluffy and flavorful fritter. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice—this combo will make your fritters both rich and bright. Keeping these mixtures separate at first ensures everything blends perfectly once combined.

Step 2: Combine the Mixtures and Add Apples

Next, make a well in your dry ingredients and pour in that lovely wet mixture you just made. Add the melted butter, and gently stir until you have an even batter with no dry pockets left. Now for the fun: add your chopped apples and fold them in gently—this keeps the batter tender and ensures each fritter is packed with juicy apple bites. Try not to overmix, which helps keep the texture just right.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

If your air fryer requires it, preheat to 375°F. Line the basket with parchment paper for fuss-free cleanup, and give it a good spray with nonstick spray. This duo makes sure your fritters lift right out after cooking, so you don’t lose any of that golden exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Fritters

Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop four even mounds of batter onto the prepared parchment in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, then flip each fritter and give them a final 3-minute cook so both sides become perfectly browned and cooked through. Transfer the hot fritters onto a wire rack to cool slightly, and repeat with the rest of the batter in batches—it’s worth every minute for that nutty, golden finish.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the fritters cool, whisk together icing sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until silky smooth—then whisk in the melted butter for a luscious, shiny finish. The glaze clings to those crispy nooks and crannies, adding just the right amount of sweetness to every bite.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve the Fritters

Dip the tops of each fritter into the fresh glaze, letting it run down the sides (it’s messy, but that’s half the fun). Place fritters back on the wire rack so the excess can drip off and the glaze can set just a bit. Now is the best part: serve while still slightly warm, when every bite is a perfect balance of crispy, tender, and sweet.

How to Serve Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly bakery-worthy finish, dust your fritters with an extra pinch of cinnamon or a whisper of icing sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few finely chopped toasted nuts or a swirl of whipped cream alongside—these simple flourishes bring a touch of elegance and extra flavor to your Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair beautifully with a mug of hot spiced cider, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can also set out a bowl of fresh berries or a fruit compote for a little tart contrast. However you serve them, these fritters are always the star!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange fritters on a rustic board lined with parchment for a casual brunch feel, or stack them high on a cake stand and drizzle with extra glaze for a show-stopping centerpiece. Mini versions make adorable party nibbles, and you can even thread fritters onto skewers for a playful presentation the kids will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a few fritters left (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container once completely cool. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The glaze may soften over time, but a quick warm-up brings them right back to life.

Freezing

Fritters freeze surprisingly well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, freeze without glaze, then dip in fresh glaze after reheating. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months.

Reheating

Bring that just-made magic back by warming fritters in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. You can also use a toaster oven or regular oven, though the air fryer gives you that ideal crispiness. If you’ve frozen them unglazed, glaze them while warm so the glaze perfectly melts into every groove.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or whatever apples you have on hand. Tart or firm apples hold their shape best, but even sweet apples will taste delicious in this Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you’re out of parchment, a piece of foil sprayed very well with nonstick spray will work. Just be gentle when removing the fritters, as they may stick a bit more than with parchment.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prep the chopped apples and dry ingredients in advance, but for light and airy fritters, combine everything and cook immediately. Leaving the batter to sit could result in denser fritters, so it’s best to mix and fry right before serving.

Is it possible to make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes! A cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe. The texture will be a little different, but you’ll still get to enjoy the flavors of the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe with a gluten-free twist.

How do I know when the fritters are done?

Perfectly cooked fritters will be golden on both sides and firm to the touch in the center. If in doubt, insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Air fryer models vary, so a minute or two more or less may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing treat. It’s irresistibly tasty, endlessly adaptable, and sure to warm up any morning or dessert table. Give it a go and treat yourself to something truly special—fresh, homemade apple fritters are always worth it!