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

Apple fritters are traditionally deep-fried doughnuts filled with apple pieces and cinnamon flavour. However, you can also cook apple fritters in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Air-fried apple fritters are cooked without oil, but still have crispy, golden edges and a soft, cakey inside. They are often served with a glaze made from butter, sugar, and milk, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack.

Choosing the right apple

If you prefer a sweeter apple, Golden Delicious is a good option, but be aware that it is a softer apple, so may not hold its shape as well during cooking. You can also use a combination of apple varieties to get a mix of flavours and textures. For example, a mix of sweet and tart apples will add depth to your apple fritters.

The type of apple you choose will depend on your personal preference and the flavour profile you want to achieve. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to taste the apples before using them in your recipe. You can also experiment with different varieties to find the perfect apple for your apple fritters.

Preparing the apples correctly is also key. Coating the apple pieces in cinnamon before adding them to the batter can give an extra flavour boost. You can also try adding a small amount of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

Preparing the glaze

First, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook carefully until the butter starts to brown and foam, which should take about five minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the butter to cool slightly. You should be able to smell a nutty aroma and see brown specks in the butter.

Next, add the confectioners' sugar and milk to the browned butter. You can add more or less milk depending on the desired consistency of your glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more confectioners' sugar. For a thinner glaze, simply add a bit more milk. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and glossy glaze.

For an extra touch of flavour, you can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon to the glaze. A citrus twist can also be achieved by incorporating orange juice and zest. If you're a fan of nuts, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Once your apple fritters are cooked and still warm, drizzle the glaze on top. The warmth of the fritters will help the glaze set and give them a mouth-watering, sticky finish. Enjoy your freshly glazed apple fritters!

Mixing the batter

First, gather your ingredients. You'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, milk, eggs, butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and apples. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter for extra warmth and spice. For the apples, choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavour.

Next, prepare your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and there are no lumps. You can also add the nutmeg or ginger at this stage if you're using it. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients to make it easier to mix in the wet ingredients later.

In a separate bowl, prepare your wet ingredients. Whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated and you have a smooth mixture. If you're using applesauce instead of eggs, add it here. You can also add a little extra butter or oil to the wet mixture if you want your fritters to be extra rich and crispy.

Now it's time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture of your fritters. You should have a thick, sticky batter with no lumps.

Finally, gently fold in the chopped apples. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Make sure the apples are coated with the batter, then you're ready to start scooping your batter into the air fryer!

Remember to work quickly once the batter is mixed, as it can start to thicken and change consistency if left to sit too long. With this delicious batter, you're well on your way to making perfect air fryer apple fritters!

Cooking the fritters

Apple fritters are a delicious treat, and they can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy option than deep-frying. The process is simple and quick, and you can enjoy warm, crispy fritters with a soft, cakey inside and a sticky-sweet glaze.

To start, you'll need to prepare your apples. The best types of apples for apple fritters are firm, such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp, as they provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavours. You can also peel the apples if you prefer, although it's not necessary. Dice the apples into small cubes and set them aside.

Next, you'll make the batter. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for extra warmth. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. You can also add applesauce to the wet mixture, which acts as an egg substitute. Whisk the wet ingredients together until combined.

Now, you'll combine the dry and wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in the diced apples.

Line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper cut to fit, or use an air fryer basket liner. You can also use a simple parchment paper round to avoid any sticking or dripping through the air fryer holes. Lightly spray the parchment or liner with cooking spray to ensure the fritters don't stick.

Scoop the batter onto the prepared air fryer basket in mounds of about 1/4 cup each. Do not overcrowd the fritters, and leave space between them. Set your air fryer to 350-400°F for 4-7 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. Cook the fritters until they are golden brown, and then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-7 minutes.

While the fritters are cooking, you can make the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. You can also add a small amount of butter to the glaze for a brown butter glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters, and enjoy your delicious creation!

Storing and reheating

Apple fritters can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to store them for longer, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

To minimize touching, separate each layer of fritters with a sheet of paper towel or parchment paper. You can also store the batter in the fridge for up to 2 days before air-frying. If you want to store fritters for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Flash-freezing them will prevent them from sticking together in the freezer bag.

To reheat apple fritters, you can use a skillet, an oven, a toaster, or an air fryer. If you're using a skillet, lightly oil it and set it on high heat. Press the fritters down a little to heat them evenly, then fry for 2 minutes on each side. Drain them on a paper towel before serving.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (180°C) and put the fritters on a wire rack to heat for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat apple fritters in an air fryer at 360°F for about 1 minute, depending on the size. Reheating in an air fryer is fast, so be careful not to overheat.

To reheat apple fritters in a toaster, you'll need toaster bags or parchment paper to make a pocket to put the fritters in. This prevents grease from dripping into the toaster. Toast the fritters on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Frequently asked questions