Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer
Air fryer apple fritters have a golden, crackly edge, a tender middle and big pieces of cinnamon apple, without a pot of hot oil. This version uses a stiff, scoopable dough that holds its shape, so you can form each fritter by hand and place it straight into the basket. A simple vanilla glaze finishes them.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 54min
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 8
- Per serving
- 250kcal
Why the air fryer works for apple fritters
A classic apple fritter is a dense, cake-like dough studded with apple and fried in oil until the edges are crisp and craggy. The air fryer imitates that effect with hot, fast-moving air. The surface of the dough dries and browns quickly while the inside steams from the moisture in the apple, so you get the crunchy edges without frying.
The dough is the key. A thin batter would drip through the holes in the basket, but a stiff, shapeable dough with plenty of flour holds its form. The cold butter melts as it bakes and helps create flaky, crisp bits on the outside. The apple should be diced small, because large pieces release water and make the dough heavy.
How to make apple fritters in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Make the dough Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Whisk the egg with ⅓ cup milk, pour it in and stir until a thick, shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in the apple Stir in the diced apple. The dough should be stiff enough to hold a shape in your hand; if it is sticky, add 1 tbsp flour. If you can pour it, it is too wet for the air fryer.
- Shape and chill Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten to a disc about ¾ inch thick. Place the discs on a plate and chill for so they hold their shape.
- Preheat and prepare Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for , then brush the basket lightly with oil. Place 4 fritters in the basket with space between them.
- Cook and flip Cook for , flipping after , until deep golden and firm. Cook the second batch the same way.
- Glaze Whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk and the vanilla into a smooth glaze. Dip the warm fritters, set them on a rack and let the glaze set for .
Times and temperatures
| Apple Fritters | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular fritters, ¾ inch thickFlip after 6 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 12 min |
| Mini fritters, 2 inches | 350 °F (180 °C) | 8–10 min |
| With biscuit doughRefrigerated dough, shaped | 330 °F (170 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Reheating a fritter | 320 °F (160 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Keep the dough stiff. It should hold a shape when pressed in your hand. If it sticks to your fingers, add flour a spoonful at a time.
- Dice small. Pieces of ¼ inch cook through in the short bake and distribute evenly through each fritter.
- Glaze while warm. The glaze clings best to warm fritters and sets into a thin shell as it cools.
What to serve with apple fritters
Apple fritters go well with a mug of hot coffee or cider for breakfast, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce as a fall dessert. If you like the flavor of baked apple but want a different shape, try apple pie for the weekend. For a dessert board, add a few donuts and let everyone pick.
Storing and reheating
Store the cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes (frozen: 6–7 minutes) until warm and crisp at the edges. Glaze again if you like.
Variations
- Cinnamon sugar: Skip the glaze and toss the warm fritters in ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Brown butter glaze: Brown 2 tbsp butter in a small pan, then whisk it into the powdered sugar and milk.
- Pie filling fritters: Replace the fresh apple with ¾ cup chopped canned apple pie filling, drained well.
- Caramel apple: Press a spoonful of caramel into the center of each disc before sealing the dough around it.
If it does not turn out right
- The fritters spread out flat
- The dough was too wet or too warm. Add a spoonful of flour, chill the discs for the full 15 minutes and keep the apple pieces small.
- The inside is doughy
- The fritters were too thick. Keep them to ¾ inch and cook until deep golden. If the outside is browning too fast, lower the heat to 330 °F and add 2 minutes.
- The apple pieces are hard
- Dice the apple small, about ¼ inch, and use a variety that softens such as Gala or Golden Delicious. Larger pieces stay crisp.
Questions and answers
How long do apple fritters take in the air fryer?
About 12 minutes at 350 °F, flipping halfway. Smaller fritters, about 2 inches wide, take 8–10 minutes. The tops should be deep golden and firm.
Can I make apple fritters from pancake mix or biscuit dough?
Yes, as long as the dough is stiff enough to shape. Mix 1 cup pancake mix with 3 tbsp milk and the diced apple, or cut refrigerated biscuits into pieces, toss with apple and shape the pieces by hand.
Can I reheat apple fritters in the air fryer?
Yes. Warm them at 320 °F for 3–4 minutes. Add glaze after reheating, not before, so it does not melt off.
Can I use a wet batter?
No. A pourable batter drips through the basket and does not set into a fritter. Use a thick dough that holds its shape, as in this recipe.
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