Air-Fryer Fritters: Is It Possible?

Fritters are a popular snack and side dish, and they can be made in an air fryer! Fritters are essentially fried patties made from fruits, vegetables, or meat. While they are typically deep-fried, air fryers offer a healthier alternative that produces the same crispy texture and taste with minimal oil. Air-fried fritters are also less messy and easier to clean up. Some popular varieties of air-fried fritters include apple, zucchini, and sweetcorn fritters.

Air fryer apple fritters

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying fritters, as they still achieve that characteristic golden crust without the need for excessive oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 apple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar
• ½ teaspoon caramel extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Milk
• 1 egg
• Salt
• Cooking spray

Method:

• Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a parchment paper round into the bottom of the air fryer and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, milk, egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with cinnamon in another bowl and sprinkle over apples until coated. Mix apples into the flour mixture until combined.
• Drop the batter using a cookie scoop onto the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 5 minutes. Flip the fritters and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden.
• Meanwhile, mix confectioners' sugar, milk, caramel extract, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
• Transfer the fritters to a cooling rack and drizzle with the glaze.

Tips:

• The best apples for apple fritters are those that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Fuji apples.
• For extra crunch, try pressing a layer of breadcrumbs onto the outside of the fritters before frying.
• You can also swap out the milk in the glaze for applesauce.

Air fryer zucchini fritters

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, plus more for serving, and sour cream for serving

Method:

• Start by shredding the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
• Using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much liquid from the shredded zucchini as possible.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, egg, flour, and any optional ingredients you wish to include. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
• If desired, place the patties in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to help them hold their shape better.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the zucchini patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the patties and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a garnish of chives, if desired.

Tips:

• To prevent sogginess, remove excess water from the zucchinis by squeezing them with a cheesecloth or kitchen towel.
• Mix all ingredients thoroughly for even flavour throughout the fritters.
• For uniform cooking and texture, shape the mixture into patties of similar size.
• Chilling the patties in the freezer for a few minutes can help them hold their shape during cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the patties halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning on both sides.
• Keep a close eye on the fritters towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft but set inside.

Air fryer corn fritters

Yes, fritters can be made in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for Air Fryer Corn Fritters:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed and liquid drained (or fresh corn)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose baking mix
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• Pinch of salt and ground black pepper
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes

Instructions:

• Prepare your ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine corn, green onions, garlic, and egg.
• Add dry ingredients: To the mixing bowl, add the all-purpose baking mix, baking powder, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix thoroughly: Stir the ingredients well until everything is thoroughly combined.
• Prepare the air fryer: Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Form patties: Divide the fritter batter into patties.
• Air fry: Place the fritter patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 380 °F and cook for 12-14 minutes. Flip the fritters after 7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Serve: Once the corn fritters are golden brown and crispy, use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for cheesy corn fritters.
• Serve the fritters with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Add diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fritters in batches if necessary to prevent them from sticking together.
• Make sure to thaw the frozen corn before using it and drain any excess liquid.

Air fryer carrot fritters

Yes, fritters can be made in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for Air Fryer Carrot Fritters:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: plain Greek yoghurt or sour cream, and fresh chives, for serving

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
• In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, milk, flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. The mixture should be thick.
• Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the air fryer basket, or spray with cooking spray.
• Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, form the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized fritters. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry the fritters for 10 minutes.
• Flip the fritters, spray with oil or cooking spray, and air fry for a further 3-6 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve immediately, with yoghurt or sour cream and chives, if desired.

Tips:

• To make the fritters extra crispy, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated carrots before adding them to the mixture.
• For a vegan option, replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative, and serve with vegan yoghurt or sour cream.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
• You can also add other ingredients to the mixture, such as grated zucchini, onion, or cheese.

Air fryer halloumi fritters

Yes, fritters can be made in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for air-fried halloumi fritters:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
• 225g block halloumi, coarsely grated
• 150g (1 cup) frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 eggs, lightly whisked
• 100g (2/3 cup) self-raising flour
• 3 tsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• Natural yoghurt, to serve
• Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle (optional)
• Fresh oregano extra sprigs, to serve

Method:

• Squeeze out the excess liquid from the zucchini and place it in a bowl.
• Add the halloumi and corn to the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Make a well in the centre and add the eggs, flour, and oregano. Season and stir until well combined.
• Preheat your air fryer to 200C.
• Drop tablespoonfuls of the zucchini mixture onto the air fryer rack.
• Cook for 8 minutes or until crisp and golden.
• Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining mixture in two more batches.
• Arrange the warm fritters on a serving plate. Place yoghurt in a small serving bowl and season with black pepper.
• Drizzle with olive oil, if using, and serve scattered with extra oregano.

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