• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Bit Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Desserts

    Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 11, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe
    Apple fritters cooked in an air fryer.
    Air fryer apple fritters on a plate.
    Air fryer apple fritters plated.
    Air fryer apple fritters: crispy and delicious!

    Discover the secret to perfectly golden air fryer apple fritters. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of cinnamon-spiced apples in a light and crispy cake.

    Apple cinnamon fritters on a plate.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    Did you know that traditional apple fritters are deep-fried and loaded with unhealthy fats? Well, now you have a better option!

    You can easily make apple fritters in the air fryer! These golden delights are made with fresh apples, coated in a light batter, and perfectly cooked without needing oil. So say goodbye to the excess grease and hello to a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

    Reasons to Love

    • Same great taste without oil. With the magic of air frying, you can achieve that golden brown crust and mouthwatering flavor without using oil.
    • Reduced calories and fat. Air fryers use hot air circulation to crisp up food so you can get results similar to deep frying without adding all the fat and calories.
    • Crispy outside, soft inside. The hot circulating air in an air fryer creates that perfect balance, resulting in golden and crunchy fritters on the outside while remaining moist and fluffy inside.
    • Quick and convenient. Mix your ingredients, shape them into fritters, pop them into the air fryer, and let it work its magic.

    Ingredients

    If you're looking for a delicious treat that's easy to make, look no further than these easy air fryer apple fritters. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time.

    Ingredients for air fryer apple fritters recipe.

    Here are the items needed to make the recipe:

    • all-purpose flour
    • granulated sugar
    • Granny Smith apple
    • cinnamon
    • nutmeg
    • baking powder
    • egg
    • heavy whipping cream
    • vanilla extract
    • powdered sugar

    Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

    Instructions

    Once you've gathered the ingredients, you'll want to line the air fryer basket or try with parchment paper. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and follow the steps below to make the apple fritter recipe.

    A white bowl with batter ingredients.

    Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, egg, heavy whipping cream and vanilla to a mixing bowl, and whisk to combine.

    A white bowl with batter and chopped apples.

    Fold in the apples. If the batter is too thick, add in additional heavy whipping cream as needed.

    Apple fritter batter piles on parchment paper.

    Make four piles of the batter on the parchment paper inside the air fryer.

    Air fryer apple fritters before glazing on parchment paper.

    Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning over halfway through.

    Pouring powdered sugar in white bowl for glaze.

    Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to make a glaze.

    Brushing glaze over warm air fryer apple fritter.

    Brush the powdered sugar mixture onto the cooked apple fritters before serving.

    Hint: They are best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the air fryer. So if possible, savor these delectable treats as soon as they are ready.

    Variations

    Customizing your apple fritters is a fun and creative way to take this classic treat to the next level. Here are a few variations you can try:

    • Raisins - add natural sweetness and chewiness by stirring raisins into the batter. You can use regular raisins or even experiment with golden raisins for a slightly different taste.
    • Chopped Nuts - walnuts, pecans, or almonds can bring extra texture to your fritters. Toast them lightly before adding them to the batter for an even richer nutty flavor.
    • Spices - try adding cardamom or ginger for a unique twist. These spices will infuse your fritters with aromatic warmth and complexity.
    • Brown butter - use a brown butter glaze made with butter, powdered sugar, and milk.
    • Lemon juice - adding lemon juice to the apples helps balance the sweetness.

    Check out our air fryer apples too. It's another easy air fryer dessert to enjoy in fall.

    Tips

    Top tip: It's important not to over mix the batter. Just like when you're mixing pancake batter, a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough and dense fritters. So, mix until all the ingredients are just combined.

    • Let the batter rest. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes before cooking. This resting time helps activate the baking powder so it can create air pockets in the batter which results in a light and airy texture.
    • Use cold ingredients. The cold temperature helps slow gluten formation, resulting in a softer texture. So make sure to use your cream and eggs right from the refrigerator.
    • Avoid overcrowding. Leaving enough space between each pile of batter allows for proper airflow and even cooking. If you overcrowd them, they may not cook evenly and end up soggy instead of crispy.
    Glazed apple fritters on a plate.

    Serving suggestions

    One of the best things about air fryers is their versatility, and that includes making delicious apple fritters. But what’s the best way to serve these golden treats? While apple fritters are delightful on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate them and make them even more mouthwatering.

    For an extra burst of flavor, try drizzling your apple fritters with a warm caramel or vanilla glaze. The sweetness from the glaze pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples, creating a delectable combination that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take it a step further and turn your air fryer apple fritters into a decadent dessert? Top each fritter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. The contrast between the warm fritter and cold ice cream creates a heavenly experience that is sure to impress your guests.

    Storage

    Transfer the cooled fritters into an airtight container. Place the container in a cool, dry place like your pantry or kitchen counter. By storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, they can stay fresh for up to 2 days.

    Reheat them in a preheated air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm. Reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fritters. Keep an eye on them as they heat up to avoid overcooking.

    A person holding up a piece of apple fritter.

    Related Recipes

    Want to try more air fryer recipes? Here are some more easy recipes for one or two to try:

    • Banana lumpia is a delicious Filipino dessert.
    • Air fryer baby back ribs are a tasty dinner idea.
    • Bacon-wrapped onion rings are glazed with real maple syrup.
    • Air fryer pineapple ring bites are wrapped in crispy bacon.
    • Brioche bread french toast is perfect for a weekend breakfast.

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.

    Eat at Home and Save!

    Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.

    Recipe

    Apple fritters on a plate with apples and cinnamon sticks, made with an air fryer.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    4.99 from 51 votes
    Deliciously crispy air fryer apple fritters offer a modern twist on a classic treat. Our easy recipe makes the perfect fall dessert.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time12 minutes mins
    Total Time22 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings (Adjustable): 4
    Calories: 264kcal
    Share on Facebook Share on X
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 small Granny Smith apple peeled and diced
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 pinch nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 large egg
    • 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream additional as needed
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Glaze:

    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions

    • Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper.
    • Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, egg, heavy whipping cream and vanilla to a mixing bowl, and whisk to combine.
    • Fold in the apples.
    • If the batter is too thick, add in additional heavy whipping cream as needed.
    • Make four piles of the batter on the parchment paper inside the air fryer.
    • Cook at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning over halfway through.
    • Whisk together the glaze ingredients, and brush onto the cooked apple fritters before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

    Equipment

    air fryer

    © LittleBitRecipes.com - All content and photographs are copyright protected by us. We appreciate sharing our recipes; but copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to us along with a link back to the original content.

    More Small Batch Desserts For One Or Two

    • Two stacked chocolate brownies on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, with extra chips scattered around.
      Coconut Flour Brownies (Low-Carb, Keto)
    • Apple pastry with icing on a white plate, accompanied by sliced apples and a scoop of ice cream topped with syrup.
      Apple Puff Pastry Tart in Air Fryer
    • Sliced pumpkin cake with white icing on a white plate, set on a wooden table.
      Mini Gingerbread Loaf
    • A stack of pecan bars on a white plate, with chopped pecans on top and layers of paper between the bars.
      Easy Pecan Pie Bars (Keto, Gluten Free)

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.99 from 51 votes (48 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sheila

      October 11, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Didn't know I can make apple fritters in the air fryer. My son asked what am I cooking cause it smelled so good. The taste is very delicious as well--they didn't leave me a piece!

      Reply
    2. Milan

      January 23, 2024 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      This apple fritters recipe just landed on the top spot in my dessert craving favorites! Mine turned out really crispy outside but soft inside! Air-fried, no excess grease, reduced calories! Who could say no to that?

      Reply
    3. Steve

      February 16, 2025 at 4:17 pm

      4 stars
      Crepe like interior not like a yeast dough. very similar to a dutch baby pancake

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Stories

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2025. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.