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These air fryer apple fritters are a treat: quick to prepare, lighter than traditional deep-fried fritters, and finished with a sticky-sweet glaze that makes them irresistible.
I’ve been experimenting a lot with air fryer desserts lately — from cinnamon bites to air-fried apples and Oreos — and these apple fritters are one of my favorites. They deliver the classic fritter flavor and texture, but use applesauce instead of an egg and air frying instead of deep frying to keep them lighter.
With a tender interior studded with diced apples, warm cinnamon notes, and a sugary glaze, these fritters are perfect for a chilly morning or an easy dessert. They come together by hand in about 20 minutes total, and most of the time is hands-off while the air fryer does the work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They taste like classic apple fritters—soft, slightly crisp at the edges, and full of apple and cinnamon.
- Quick and simple: no mixer needed and minimal hands-on time.
- The glaze adds the ideal balance of sweetness to complement the tartness of the apples.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Gluten-free flour: A 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum works best. If you don’t need a gluten-free option, use all-purpose flour.
- Applesauce: Use pure unsweetened applesauce so you control the sweetness.
- Milk: Any milk—dairy or non-dairy—works for the batter and the glaze.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or crisp Honeycrisp are ideal, but any firm apple will do.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside.
STEP TWO: In a larger bowl mix the sugar with melted butter.
STEP THREE: Stir in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla until combined.
STEP FOUR: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
STEP FIVE: Fold in the diced apple pieces.
STEP SIX: Lightly spray the air fryer basket and preheat to 400ºF. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter and arrange in a single layer in the basket. Cook 5–6 minutes, then transfer to a plate to cool slightly.
STEP SEVEN: Whisk the powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk until you reach a drizzling consistency. For a thinner glaze add milk a tablespoon at a time; for a thicker glaze add more powdered sugar. Drizzle over warm fritters and serve.
These fritters are best the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that glazed fritters will soften over time.
Expert Tips
- Weigh your flour if possible for consistent results; this recipe uses 222 grams (1 1/2 cups) of flour.
- The batter is sticky—use your hands to shape and gently press the fritters when placing them in the basket.
- Air fryers vary; a 2–3 minute preheat at the target temperature is usually sufficient.
- Either grease the basket lightly or use air fryer liners to prevent sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches so each fritter has space and crisps evenly.
- Sift the powdered sugar for a smooth glaze and add milk one tablespoon at a time to control consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Substitute non-dairy butter and your preferred plant milk. Oat milk works well in this recipe.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Glazed fritters will soften over time; they taste best the day they are made.
Did you try these air fryer apple fritters? Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram @justastastyblog with #justastastyblog!
Related Recipes To Try
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Apple Sour Cream Cake
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Chewy Apple Cinnamon Cookies
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The Best Gluten Free Apple Crisp (Easy & Delicious)
-
Easy Apple Blondies
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Fritters:
- 1 ½ cups (222g) flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup (128g) unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk of choice room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple peeled and diced
Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, mix the sugar with the melted butter. Add the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract and stir to incorporate.
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Stir in the dry ingredients until combined. Fold in the apples.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange mounds of batter (about ¼ cup each) in the basket without overcrowding. Cook 5–6 minutes. Glaze while fritters are warm.
Glaze:
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In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with milk until you reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm fritters.
Notes
- You can use all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes at the target temperature for best results.
- Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.