Apple Fritters: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a great modern alternative to deep-frying food in oil. They can be used to make apple fritters, which are like a mix between a doughnut and a cake. This healthier alternative still has crispy, golden edges, but is light and fluffy on the inside. The apple fritters can be served with a brown butter glaze, a cinnamon sugar dusting, or even vanilla ice cream.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Ingredients

The Dry Ingredients:

To make apple fritters in an air fryer, you will need the following dry ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the apple fritter dough and creates a light and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough and balances the tartness of the apples. You can also use brown sugar.
• Baking powder: This helps the fritters rise and become light and airy.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warm and spicy notes that pair perfectly with apples.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the other flavours in the fritter.
• Ground nutmeg: This adds extra spice and warmth to the apple fritters.

The Wet Ingredients:

For the wet ingredients, you will need:

• Milk: This adds moisture to the dough and creates a tender texture. It can also be used to thin out the glaze.
• Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness to the fritters.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a subtle tang and helps activate the baking powder.
• Vanilla extract: This adds a sweet, aromatic flavour that complements the apples and cinnamon.
• Butter: Butter is used in the glaze to add richness and a nutty flavour when browned.

The Apples:

For the apples, you will need:

2 medium Honeycrisp apples, or 3 small ones, peeled and chopped. You can also use Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples.

Other Ingredients:

Finally, you will need:

• Cooking spray or oil: To ensure the fritters don't stick to the air fryer basket.
• Confectioners' sugar: Powdered sugar helps to sweeten and thicken the glaze for a smooth finish.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Method

Ingredients

• Oil (for brushing/spraying)
• Apples (2 large or 3 medium-small)
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar (granulated or white)
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Milk
• Eggs
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Butter (optional)
• Confectioners' sugar

Method

• Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. You can also grate cold butter into the apples if you want fluffier fritters.
• Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then, fold in the diced apples.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-410°F.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the basket with parchment paper cut to fit, or use air fryer basket liners. Lightly brush or spray the parchment paper with oil.
• Cook the fritters: Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each fritter. Lightly dab or spray the tops of the fritters with oil. Air fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• Make the glaze: While the fritters are cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners' sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract (if using). You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more sugar or milk.
• Serve: Remove the fritters from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack. Immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Gala for the best results.
• If you want crispier fritters, preheat the air fryer and spritz the tops of the fritters with cooking spray before cooking.
• For a thicker glaze, add more confectioners' sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
• Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Storage

Air fryer apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later consumption. Here are some storage instructions to keep your apple fritters tasting great:

Storing at Room Temperature

Leftover apple fritters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It is recommended to wait to glaze the fritters until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Refrigeration

Apple fritters can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. This extended storage time allows you to enjoy your fritters for a more extended period.

Freezing

If you want to store your apple fritters for an even longer period, freezing is an option. You can freeze unglazed fritters after they have cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the fritters at room temperature and reheat them in the air fryer before glazing and serving.

Reheating

To reheat your apple fritters and bring them back to their crispy glory, preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fritters inside the air fryer, either directly on a parchment paper round or on an air fryer pizza pan or silicone basket to catch any glaze drips. Reheat for about 2-3 minutes. If you're reheating the fritters from a refrigerated state, add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure they're thoroughly heated.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Reheating

Air Fryer Apple Fritters can be reheated in the air fryer to regain their crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your fritters are heated through without burning.
• Place the cooked apple fritters inside the air fryer basket. You can put them on a parchment paper round, an air fryer pizza pan, or a silicone basket to catch any drips and keep your air fryer clean.
• Reheat the apple fritters for 2-3 minutes. If you are reheating them from refrigerated, add an extra 1-2 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
• Enjoy your warm and crispy apple fritters!

Tips for the Best Results:

• It is recommended to reheat unglazed apple fritters. If you have already glazed your fritters, wait to glaze them until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• If you are reheating a large batch of apple fritters, you may need to do so in batches to ensure even heating.
• For the best texture, ensure your air fryer is preheated before adding the fritters.
• If you want to add some extra crispiness, you can lightly spritz the tops of the fritters with cooking spray before reheating.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Troubleshooting

My apple fritters are soggy

If you glazed your apple fritters before storing them, this could be why they are soggy. It is best to wait until just before serving to glaze the fritters to prevent them from becoming soggy.

My apple fritters are not crispy

To achieve a golden and crispy exterior, ensure that your air fryer is preheated and spritz the tops of the fritters with cooking spray before cooking.

My apple fritters are burnt

If your apple fritters are burning, try reducing the temperature of your air fryer or reducing the cooking time.

My apple fritters are not cooked through

Try increasing the temperature of your air fryer or the cooking time. You can check if your apple fritters are cooked by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the fritter; if it comes out clean, your fritters are done.

My glaze is too thin

To thicken your glaze, simply add more confectioner's sugar.

Frequently asked questions