Oh, you’re going to love me for this one! Picture this: crispy, golden apple fritters with a sticky-sweet glaze, ready in under 20 minutes—no deep fryer mess, no guilt, just pure, warm, cinnamon-spiced joy. That’s the magic of these air fryer apple fritters glazed to perfection. I stumbled onto this recipe last fall when my craving for apple fritters collided with my laziness (and my fear of hot oil splatters). Turns out, the air fryer works like a dream for this! The fritters get that irresistible crunch outside while staying tender inside, and that glaze? Just wait—it’s the kind of drizzle you’ll want to lick off your fingers. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them every time apples pile up on your counter. Let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Listen, I know we all have those days when we need something sweet fast—without the hassle. That’s where these little miracles come in. Here’s why they’re my go-to:
- Crazy quick: From bowl to plate in 20 minutes flat (no waiting for oil to heat up!)
- Easy cleanup: One bowl, minimal mess—no greasy stovetop to scrub
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives them a crisp shell while keeping the centers pillow-soft
- The glaze, oh the glaze: That sweet drizzle turns them from good to “can I have another?” status
- Versatile: Equally perfect with morning coffee or as a midnight snack (I won’t judge)
Seriously, they’re like happiness in fritter form—warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy. Just try not to eat them all straight from the air fryer basket (no promises though).
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Okay, let’s gather the good stuff—you probably have most of these in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need for those dreamy fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The trusty base for our batter (don’t even think about packing it—just spoon and level!)
- 1 tbsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to make the apples sing
- 1 tsp baking powder: Our little lift magic
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Warm spice that makes everything cozy
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances all the flavors—don’t skip it
- â…“ cup milk: Any kind works, even dairy-free
- 1 egg: Binds it all together beautifully
- 1 cup diced apples: About 1 medium apple—I like ’em chunky for texture
- ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk: For that irresistible glaze (you might want to double this… just saying)
See? Nothing fancy—just simple ingredients that turn into something magical in that air fryer. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these little pockets of joy! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, glazed fritters in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a big bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. No need to sift—just make sure there aren’t any clumps hiding in there. This is where the magic starts!
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and crack in the egg. Stir gently until everything’s just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing makes tough fritters, and we want these babies tender.
Step 3: Fold in the Apples
Now, toss in those diced apples and fold them in gently. I like to leave some bigger chunks for that satisfying bite. The batter will be thick and chunky—that’s exactly what we want!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up for about 3 minutes. Trust me, preheating makes all the difference for that perfect crispiness. For more on air fryer technology, check out how air fryers work.
Step 5: Cook the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket—leave space between them so they don’t stick together. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them carefully (I use a fork or small spatula). Cook another 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oh, that smell!
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm fritters—the glaze will soak in just enough to make them irresistible.
And there you have it! Crispy, tender, glazed perfection in under 20 minutes. Now, try not to eat them all at once (good luck with that).
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Alright, let’s make sure these fritters are absolutely foolproof. Here are my tried-and-true tips for getting them just right every time:
- Use firm apples: Granny Smith are my go-to—they hold their shape and add a nice tartness. Learn more about the best apples for baking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each fritter some space to crisp up evenly. I cook them in batches if needed.
- Flip halfway: This ensures they get that golden crunch on all sides.
- Serve warm: They’re best fresh out of the air fryer, when the glaze is still slightly gooey.
- Double the glaze: Because, honestly, can you ever have too much? Trust me, it’s worth it.
Follow these, and you’ll have fritters that are crispy, tender, and totally addictive. Happy frying!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients—because sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got! Granny Smith apples are my top pick for these fritters. Their tartness balances the sweet glaze perfectly, and they hold their shape during cooking. No Grannies? Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work too—just avoid mushy varieties.
Out of milk? No sweat! Almond, oat, or even coconut milk substitute beautifully. For a dairy-free glaze, swap the milk for apple juice (bonus apple flavor!). And if you’re feeling fancy, toss in a handful of walnuts or pecans with the apples. The best part? This recipe forgives little tweaks, so make it yours!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Oh, these fritters shine brightest when served warm—that’s when the glaze is still glossy and the centers are at their fluffiest. My favorite way? With a steaming cup of coffee for breakfast (don’t tell anyone it’s basically dessert). For an extra treat, plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while they’re still warm—the contrast of hot fritter and cold cream is heavenly. Tea lovers, try them with chai for a cozy spice match made in heaven!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s be real—leftovers are unlikely with these fritters, but just in case! Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (glaze will soften them slightly). To revive that crispy magic, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but that warm cinnamon scent will still make your kitchen smell like happiness!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Each glorious fritter comes in around 120 calories—way lighter than deep-fried versions! But listen, these numbers are just estimates. Exact amounts change based on your apple size or whether you (like me) go heavy on the glaze. Treat these figures as friendly guidelines, not strict rules!
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed
Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! Granny Smiths are my favorite for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Jazz apples work great too. Just avoid super soft varieties—you want those apple bits to hold their shape when cooked.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can bake these at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for about 12-15 minutes (flip halfway). They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, shallow-fry them in oil—just be ready for extra cleanup!
Can I make these ahead of time? The batter keeps for about an hour in the fridge (any longer and the apples might weep). But honestly? They’re so quick to make fresh, I’d recommend it! The glaze is best added right before serving anyway.
Why are my fritters soggy? Two likely culprits: overcrowding the air fryer basket (steam needs room to escape) or not preheating the air fryer. Give ’em space and that hot initial blast of air—they’ll crisp right up!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Apple Fritters Glazed to Perfection
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy air fryer apple fritters with a sweet glaze. A quick and easy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk and egg, stir until combined.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm fritters.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American