Short Description

A delightful batch of air-fried apple fritters featuring a tender, cinnamon-spiced batter studded with sweet apples and finished with a sweet glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp exterior with a moist, cake-like interior
Flavored with warming cinnamon and real apple chunks
Made in the air fryer—less oil, faster cooking, easy cleanup
Simple glaze adds just the right sweet finish without overpowering

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll Find The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

1½ cups plain flour (180 g)
¼ cup white sugar (50 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon powder
⅓ cup full-fat milk (80 ml)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted)
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2¾ cups or 335 g)

For The Glaze:

1 cup icing sugar (120 g)
3 tablespoons full-fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 tablespoon butter, melted (unsalted)

Directions

Prepare The Dry And Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla essence, and lemon juice.
Combine Mixtures And Add Apples – Pour the wet mixture into the dry, add melted butter, and stir until fully combined. Gently fold in chopped apples.
Prepare The Air Fryer – Preheat to 375°F. Line the basket with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
Cook The Fritters – Scoop four leveled ¼ cup portions of batter into the basket. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flip, and cook 3 more minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
Make The Glaze – Whisk icing sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in melted butter.
Glaze And Serve – Dip tops of warm fritters into the glaze and set back on the rack to drip. Serve while warm and fresh.

Servings And Timing

Servings: About 8 to 10 fritters
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25–30 minutes including glaze

Variations

Milk Substitutes: Use almond, oat, or soy milk
Spice Additions: Try nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon
Apple Swap: Use pears or peaches for a different twist
Glaze Options: Add maple syrup or a touch of lemon juice to the glaze

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness

FAQs

Can I Freeze These Fritters?

Yes. Let them cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. Reheat before serving.

Do I Have To Use Parchment Paper?

It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, especially with a sticky batter.

Can I Make The Glaze Ahead Of Time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before using.

Can I Fry These Instead Of Air Frying?

Yes. Deep-fry at 350°F until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Are These Healthier Than Traditional Fritters?

Air frying uses much less oil, making them lighter and lower in fat than deep-fried versions.

Can I Use Any Type Of Apple?

Yes. Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for balanced flavor.

Can I Make Mini Fritters?

Yes. Use smaller scoops and reduce air frying time slightly—watch closely.

Are These Gluten-Free?

Not as written. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Can I Make Them Dairy-Free?

Yes. Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Can I Leave Out The Glaze?

Of course. Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain if preferred.

Conclusion

These Apple Fritters are a warm, comforting treat with soft centers, crisp edges, and a delicious cinnamon-apple flavor. The air fryer makes them quicker, lighter, and just as satisfying as traditional versions—perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ezabella