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Air Fryer Apple Fritters: The Crispiest, Easiest Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 fritters 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the crispiest and easiest homemade treats you can make! Featuring a tender, buttery dough filled with spiced apples and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they’re a deliciously healthier twist on classic fried fritters. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze and optional nut or sprinkle garnish, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling

  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (or more as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Cooking & Garnish

  • Vegetable oil spray for the air fryer basket
  • Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for garnish (optional)
  • Sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture for the fritters.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Make the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
  6. Incorporate the Apple Filling: Gently fold the prepared apple filling into the dough, being careful not to overwork the batter.
  7. Shape the Fritters: Choose your method: (1) Drop Fritters – Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into rough circles; or (2) Rolled Fritters – Lightly flour your work surface, pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle, then cut into wedges or squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  8. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
  9. Arrange Fritters: Place the shaped fritters in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  10. Air Fry the Fritters: Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even, golden-brown crust and fully cooked centers.
  11. Cool Slightly: Remove the fritters and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
  12. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add more milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve your preferred glaze consistency.
  13. Glaze and Garnish: Dip each warm fritter into the glaze to coat evenly, or drizzle the glaze over the fritters. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
  14. Add Optional Garnish: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for extra texture and visual appeal.
  15. Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to fully set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
  16. Serve: Enjoy the fritters warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Use cold butter and cold buttermilk to help create a tender and flaky dough texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough fritters.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding milk incrementally.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
  • These fritters are best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature.
  • Apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best for a sweet and juicy filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple fritters, air fryer recipe, apple dessert, glazed fritters, easy fritters, holiday treats

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/air-fryer-apple-fritters-the-crispiest-easiest-recipe/