Air Fryer Apple Fritters – Crispy, Sweet, and Coated with Apple Cider Glaze

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the perfect treat for fall, with a crispy exterior, tender apples, and a delicious apple cider glaze. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these fritters bring all the comforting flavors of a classic apple dessert without the extra oil from frying.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are a traditional fall favorite, usually deep-fried to create a crunchy, golden exterior. This air fryer version offers a healthier twist by using less oil but still achieves a satisfyingly crisp crust. Fresh apple pieces and apple cider in the batter bring a rich apple flavor to every bite, while the glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with fresh apple flavor. They’re easy to make in the air fryer and don’t require a pot of hot oil. The apple cider glaze adds a final touch of sweetness, making these fritters perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 2g

These fritters are indulgent but lighter than their deep-fried counterparts, perfect for enjoying a fall treat without overindulging.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve these Air Fryer Apple Fritters warm with a drizzle of the apple cider glaze and a dusting of cinnamon. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra fall touch, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes to refresh their crispiness. The glaze will still be deliciously sticky, so no need to reapply!

Fun Fact: The History of Apple Fritters

Apple fritters have been enjoyed for centuries, originating as a popular dessert in European cuisine. Traditionally, they were deep-fried and dusted with sugar, often served during festive occasions. Today, they’re a beloved comfort food, especially in the fall when apples are in season.

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Cooking Tips

Use Fresh Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.

Pat the Apples Dry: Removing excess moisture from the apples helps prevent soggy fritters.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each fritter gets enough airflow for a crispy exterior.

Optional Variations

Add Pecans: Stir chopped pecans into the batter for a nutty crunch.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the apple cider in the glaze for a different fall flavor.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Ingredients:

Fritters:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into ¼-inch pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Cider Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: Place the chopped apples on a kitchen towel and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the fritters from becoming too wet.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Add apples to the flour mixture: Stir the apple pieces into the dry mixture, coating them well to distribute evenly.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Mix batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
6. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
7. Scoop the batter: Use an ice cream scooper to scoop 3-4 dollops of fritter dough into the air fryer basket, keeping them spaced apart. Spray the tops with a light coating of oil.
8. Cook the fritters: Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip the fritters over and cook for an additional 4 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and pourable.
10. Glaze the fritters: Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the warm fritters. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.

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These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a delightful fall treat with a crisp exterior and warm, apple-studded interior, topped with a sweet apple cider glaze. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite!