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Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters offer a delightful, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic fall treat. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, tender apple fritters with a perfectly crisp exterior, showcasing the magic of air frying for less oil and maximum flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Active Prep and Cooking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 8 fritters
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apples
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces (about 2 cups)
For Air Frying
  • Cooking spray or a light brushing of oil for air frying

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to create an even base for your fritters.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  2. In a separate, smaller bowl, lightly beat the large egg. Then, whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until well blended.
    1 large egg, 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
  4. Add the diced apples to the batter. Using a spatula, gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Again, be careful not to overmix at this stage.
    2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.
    Cooking spray or a light brushing of oil
  6. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Leave a little space between each fritter to ensure even cooking and crisping.
  7. Air fry the fritters for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-6 minute mark). They should be golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your fritters.
  8. Carefully remove the cooked fritters from the air fryer basket. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Serve them warm and enjoy the delicious, crispy texture.

Notes

These fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer, not the microwave, to maintain crispiness.