Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters are my go to cure for a sweet snack craving that hits out of nowhere. Picture this. it is a chilly afternoon, you want something warm and cozy, but you do not want to stand over hot oil or make a huge mess. These fritters are quick, light, and so satisfying. They come out golden and craggy on the outside, soft and apple filled inside, and with a shiny glaze that sets just right. If you have an air fryer and a couple apples, you are halfway there.
Air Fryer Apple Fritter Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make a batch that disappears faster than you think. The amounts below are friendly for most baskets, and you can double for a crowd.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced small
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 6 to 8 tablespoons milk, as needed for a thick batter
- Spray oil for the basket
For the glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or a squeeze of lemon juice
Pro note. Keep the batter thick enough that it holds a mound shape when you scoop it. This is key for those classic fritter bumps and ridges.
By the way, if you like crispy snacks with a dipping vibe, these crispy air fryer avocado fries are another favorite in my house.
Best Apples for Apple Fritters
The right apple really does matter. You want a firm type that keeps its shape and has a nice sweet tart balance so the flavor does not fade when cooked. I reach for Granny Smith most often. They hold up, they pop with brightness, and they keep the fritters from being too sweet.
Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are awesome choices too. If you like a more mellow fritter, try Gala. You can even mix two kinds for more texture. Whatever you pick, dice the apples small so they soften in the short air fry time.
What about other varieties?
McIntosh and Red Delicious can get mushy. If that is all you have, go extra small on the dice and keep the batter thicker. And if your apples taste a little flat, add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch more cinnamon.
I tried these with Honeycrisp and Granny Smith together and the flavor was perfect. The fritters were crisp outside, fluffy inside, and the glaze set like a dream. Making them in the air fryer felt so easy compared to frying in oil.
Love apple treats? You might also enjoy these air fryer apple fries with cinnamon dip for a quick dessert board.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the apples
Peel the apples and cut into a small dice, about pea size. Toss with a teaspoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like extra spice. This wakes up the fruit and helps it caramelize. Set aside while you mix the batter so a little juice pulls out, which keeps the fritters moist.
Mix the batter
In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk the egg, vanilla, melted butter, and 6 tablespoons of milk. Pour wet into dry and stir gently. Add more milk if needed so the batter is thick but scoopable. Fold in the apples. The batter should cradle the apple pieces, not drown them. If it feels loose, sprinkle in another tablespoon of flour.
Consistency check. Scoop up a spoonful and let it drop back into the bowl. It should mound and slowly settle, not run flat.
Air fry and flip
Warm the air fryer to 360 degrees F for 3 minutes. Mist the basket lightly with oil. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop mounds of batter into the basket, leaving space between them. Do not flatten. Mist the tops lightly with oil so they crisp nicely.
Cook 6 to 8 minutes, flip gently, and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, until deep golden and set in the center. Every air fryer runs a little different, so peek during the last minutes. They should look craggy and firm when you tap them with a spoon.
Move fritters to a wire rack as they finish, and glaze while warm.
If you are building a whole air fryer meal night, these crispy air fryer fish sticks make a fun savory start before dessert, and kids love the switch from salty to sweet.
Expert Tips
- Chill the apple dice for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Cool apples help keep the batter thick.
- Do not overcrowd. Air needs to flow around each fritter. If they touch, they steam and stay pale.
- Flip with care. Use two forks and turn them gently so the craggly edges stay intact.
- Spray lightly. A quick mist is enough. Too much oil can darken the outside before the center is set.
- Size matters. Small mounds cook evenly. Big scoops might look cute but will undercook in the middle.
- Spice swap. Try apple pie spice, cardamom, or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Storage. Unglazed fritters can chill in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes. Glaze just before serving.
For another crispy bite that is great for sharing, check out this crispy air fryer tortellini recipe. It pairs surprisingly well with a plate of these fritters for a sweet and savory spread.
Glaze for the Apple Fritters
The glaze is easy and makes everything look bakery level. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, starting with 1 tablespoon of milk. You want a slow ribbon that drips off a spoon and disappears into the bowl in a few seconds. If it is too thick, add a few drops more milk. If it is too thin, add a teaspoon more sugar.
No mess glaze trick
Set your rack of warm fritters over parchment. Spoon glaze back and forth in quick lines, then let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. The heat from the fritters helps it grab on and form that shiny, soft shell that cracks just a little when you bite in. For extra glam, whisk in a pinch of cinnamon into the glaze or swap vanilla for maple extract.
Want a salty bite to balance dessert night? Make a quick batch of air fryer bacon to crumble over vanilla ice cream next to your fritters. Trust me, it is a fun contrast.
Note on sweetness. The fritters themselves are lightly sweet, so the glaze brings it all together. If you prefer less sweet, drizzle lightly and skip any extra sugar in the batter.
Common Questions
Can I make the batter ahead?
You can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. Combine and fold in apples right before cooking for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer bite. If you like more texture, keep the peel on and dice smaller.
Why did my fritters spread?
The batter was likely too thin or the basket was not preheated. Add a bit more flour and make sure the air fryer is hot before you drop the batter.
How do I keep them crispy?
Place cooked fritters on a wire rack, not a plate, so steam does not soften them. Reheat for a minute or two if needed before glazing.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes and glaze fresh.
Sweet, Simple, and So Worth It
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters deliver everything I love about a cozy bake in a fast, tidy package. The batter comes together in minutes, the apples shine, and the glaze brings a gentle sweetness that feels just right. If you are building a fun air fryer menu, add a savory win like air fryer baked potatoes or dessert friendly air fryer churros to round things out.
When you are ready to play with flavors, try a nutty twist inspired by this helpful guide to air fryer apple fritters with brown butter glaze. You will love the depth brown butter adds to the glaze. However you spin it, keep the batter thick, the apples bold, and your air fryer hot. Now grab those apples and make another batch of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 medium medium apples, peeled and diced small Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for texture and flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- a pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 6-8 tablespoons milk, as needed for a thick batter Add as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
- spray oil for the basket
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk Use to achieve desired glaze consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or a squeeze of lemon juice For flavoring the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the apples and cut them into a small dice, about pea size. Toss with a teaspoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and 6 tablespoons of milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently.
- Fold in the diced apples. The batter should hold the apple pieces but not drown them. Adjust with more milk or flour as necessary.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes and lightly mist the basket with spray oil.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the basket, ensuring they are spaced apart. Mist the tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flip gently, and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until deep golden and firm in the center. Transfer cooked fritters to a wire rack.
- Glaze while warm.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you achieve the desired consistency for the glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the fritters placed over parchment paper and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes.
