Air-Fried Apple Fritters: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Air fryer apple fritters are a tasty treat that can be made in under 30 minutes. They are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, with a soft, buttery texture and a crisp, golden crust. The magic of making apple fritters in an air fryer is that they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without the need for excessive oil. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to your taste, with a variety of apples, spices, and glazes to choose from. So, if you're looking for a delicious dessert or a fun breakfast treat, air fryer apple fritters are definitely worth trying!

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Ingredients

Air fryer apple fritters are a tasty dessert that can be made in under 30 minutes. They are healthier than traditional apple fritters, but still retain a delicious flavour. The fritters are crispy and golden on the outside, with a soft, cake-like texture on the inside.

The ingredients for the apple fritters are:

• Oil (for brushing or spraying the air fryer basket)
• Apples (Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Green Apples are recommended)
• Flour all-purpose or gluten-free
• Sugar (granulated or white)
• Baking Powder
• Cinnamon
• Milk
• Eggs
• Lemon Juice
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt

For the glaze, you will need:

• Butter
• Powdered Sugar (also known as confectioner's sugar)
• Milk

Some recipes also include additional flavourings such as caramel extract or nutmeg, and you may want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the other flavours.

The apple fritters are easy to make and are a great treat to enjoy during the autumn months.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Method

Ingredients

• Oil (for brushing/spraying)
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Butter (for glaze)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
• Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
• Fold in the chopped apples.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and brush or spray lightly with oil.
• Drop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the lined air fryer basket, leaving space between each fritter.
• Lightly dab or spray the tops of the fritters with oil.
• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Flip the fritters over and air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes.
• Place the fritters on a cooling rack.
• To make the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it starts to brown and foam.
• Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and serve immediately.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Storage

Air fryer apple fritters are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later. It is important to note that apple fritters are best eaten within a couple of days of cooking, and there are different methods for storing them depending on whether you have added the glaze or not.

Storing Air Fryer Apple Fritters at Room Temperature

If you have leftover apple fritters, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It is best to wait to glaze the fritters until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing Air Fryer Apple Fritters

You can also freeze unglazed apple fritters. First, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw the fritters at room temperature and reheat them in the air fryer before glazing and serving.

Reheating Air Fryer Apple Fritters

To regain the crispy texture of your apple fritters, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Storing Glazed Air Fryer Apple Fritters

If you have already glazed your apple fritters, it is best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tips for Storing Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• To ensure your apple fritters stay fresh and crispy, it is important to let them cool completely before storing.
• If you plan to freeze your apple fritters, it is best to freeze them as soon as possible after cooking to maintain their freshness.
• You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough before cooking for extra flavour.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Reheating

If you have leftover apple fritters, you can reheat them in the air fryer to regain their crispiness. Here are the steps to reheat apple fritters in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 320°F to preheat. This temperature will help ensure your apple fritters get warmed up without burning.

Step 2: Place the Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer

Place the apple fritters inside the air fryer basket. You can put them directly on the parchment paper or use an air fryer-safe pan or rack to avoid any mess from the glaze.

Step 3: Reheat the Apple Fritters

Cook the apple fritters for about 2-3 minutes in the air fryer. If you are reheating refrigerated fritters, add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly heated.

Tips for Reheating Apple Fritters:

• If you are reheating glazed apple fritters, skip the glaze and add it right after reheating. This will help prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
• For best results, reheat in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This will help ensure even heating and crispiness.
• If your apple fritters are straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add a bit more time to ensure they are warmed through.

Storing Apple Fritters:

Apple fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze unglazed apple fritters for up to three months.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Tips

• For the best results, use a firm apple that won't turn mushy when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Fuji apples.
• To achieve a golden and crispy exterior, ensure that the air fryer is preheated and spritz the tops of the fritters with cooking spray before cooking.
• If you want to add a little extra crunch to your fritters, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
• If you don't want to make a glaze, you can simply dust the fritters with cinnamon sugar before serving.
• To store apple fritters, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze unglazed apple fritters for up to three months.
• To reheat apple fritters in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes. If you're reheating them from the refrigerator, add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure they're fully heated.
• For fluffier apple fritters, use cold butter grated into the batter instead of melted butter.
• To avoid sticking and dripping, use parchment paper rounds in the air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions