Air-Fried Fritters: A Healthy, Guilt-Free Treat

Air fryers are a handy kitchen gadget that can crisp up foods to perfection, giving them a classic fried texture and taste with little to no oil. You can make fritters in an air fryer, and there are many recipes available online. For example, apple fritters, zucchini fritters, and chickpea fritters are all possible.

Air fryer apple fritters

Yes, you can make fritters in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for apple fritters, a tasty treat that is healthier than the traditional deep-fried version.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup white/granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped/diced
• 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon caramel extract (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Oil/cooking spray for brushing/spraying
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium/large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Butter (optional, for the glaze)

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350 to 410°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the batter by combining the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) in a large mixing bowl and whisking to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract).

Next, make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients. Stir until combined, then gently fold in the diced apples. You can also add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.

Carefully line the basket of your preheated air fryer with parchment paper cut to fit, and lightly spray or brush with oil. Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter onto the lined basket, making sure not to overcrowd the fritters (you may only be able to fit 2-4 fritters at a time). Lightly spray or dab the tops of the fritters with oil.

Cook the fritters for 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown. While the fritters are cooking, you can make the glaze by combining the confectioners' sugar, milk, butter (if using), and any additional flavourings (caramel extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger).

Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend like Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 flour.
• Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Pink Lady for the best texture and flavour.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• If you want to make the fritters ahead of time, you can store the uncooked batter in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before frying.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute non-dairy butter and milk.
• The fritters are best consumed the day they are made, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Air fryer zucchini fritters

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/3 cup flour (or substitute almond flour)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 green onion, finely sliced
• Sour cream and additional green onion for garnish (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Oil spray

Method:

• Shred the zucchini with a grater into a strainer placed over a towel. Add salt to the zucchini and toss to coat. Let the zucchini sit with the salt to remove the water.
• While the zucchini is resting, combine the egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the sliced green onion in a large bowl.
• Dry the zucchini with a towel, then add to the bowl with the other ingredients and toss to combine thoroughly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Form the zucchini mixture into 4 cakes (about the size of burgers) and add to the air fryer. Air fry the fritters for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Serve topped with sour cream and sliced green onion, if desired.

Tips:

• If you don't own an air fryer, these fritters can also be made in a skillet or in the oven. For the skillet, just heat up some oil of your choice and fry on medium heat, about 5 minutes per side. Or, for the oven, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake on a lightly oiled baking sheet for around 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
• For a crispier fritter, press the zucchini pancakes flatter before frying.
• The secret to crispy fritters is removing as much moisture as possible.

Air fryer chickpea fritters

Yes, you can make fritters in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for Air Fryer Chickpea Fritters with a sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe makes 2 dozen fritters and 1 cup of sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°.
• In a small bowl, combine the red pepper flakes, chickpeas, cumin, garlic powder, and ginger. Refrigerate this mixture until you are ready to serve.
• Place the chickpea mixture into a food processor and process until finely ground.
• Add the egg and baking soda to the food processor and pulse until blended.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cilantro and green onions.
• In batches, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the chickpea mixture onto a greased tray in the air fryer basket.
• Cook until lightly browned, for 5-6 minutes.
• Serve with the sauce.

Sauce

To make the sweet and spicy sauce, combine the first six ingredients (the red pepper flakes, chickpeas, cumin, garlic powder, ginger, and egg) in a small bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

Air fryer apple fritters prep

Air fryer apple fritters are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried dessert. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and can be made in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing apple fritters in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Fuji apples are recommended)
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Sugar (granulated or white)
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Milk (any type)
• Butter (unsalted or non-dairy)
• Applesauce (unsweetened)
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Confectioners' sugar
• Caramel extract (optional)
• Salt

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together and set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, mix the sugar with the melted butter. Then, add the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until they are fully incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. You can also grate the apples if you prefer a finer texture. Fold the apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper cut to fit. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 410°F.

Step 6: Scoop the Batter into the Air Fryer

Scoop out about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and leave some space between each fritter.

Step 7: Air Fry the Fritters

Cook the fritters for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown. If needed, flip the fritters and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the fritters are cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. You can also add caramel extract for extra flavour. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve the Fritters

Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and enjoy! Air fryer apple fritters are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Air fryer zucchini fritters prep

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/3 cup flour (or almond flour)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 green onion, finely sliced
• Sour cream and additional green onion for garnish (optional)
• Salt

Method

• Shred the zucchini with a grater into a strainer placed over a towel. Add salt to the zucchini and toss to coat. Let the zucchini sit with the salt to remove the water.
• Combine the egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the sliced green onion in a large bowl.
• Dry the zucchini with a towel, then add to the bowl with the other ingredients and toss to combine thoroughly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Form the zucchini mixture into 4 cakes (about the size of burgers) and add to the air fryer. Air fry the fritters for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Serve topped with sour cream and sliced green onion, if desired.

Tips

• If you don't own an air fryer, these fritters can also be made in a skillet or in the oven. For the skillet, just heat up some oil of your choice and fry on medium heat, about 5 minutes per side. Or, for the oven, preheat to 400 degrees F and bake on a lightly oiled baking sheet for around 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
• For a crispier fritter all the way through, press the zucchini pancakes flatter before you fry them.
• The secret to crispy fritters is removing as much moisture as possible.

Frequently asked questions