Air Fryer Apple Fritter Recipe: Crispy, Cozy, and So Easy

Apple fritter recipe air fryer — it’s the answer to your fall cravings when you want something warm, sweet, and crispy without the deep fryer. These fritters are cozy, glazed, and ready in under 20 minutes.

For me, the smell of apples and cinnamon is the official start of the cozy season. It’s a scent that instantly makes a house feel like a home. I still chase that same comforting magic, but my busy schedule requires a faster, easier way to get there.

This air fryer version skips the grease but keeps all the spiced, fluffy goodness. With pantry basics, one apple, and your air fryer, you’ll have golden fritters that feel like a hug on a plate. For another one-pan meal that delivers that same easy comfort, you have to try this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with Ground Beef.

Quick Overview:
These air fryer apple fritters are quick, cozy, and delicious — perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a warm glaze and no frying fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Fritter Recipe

This apple fritter recipe air fryer method makes bakery-style treats with none of the usual fuss.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of treat you can whip up on a whim — for a cozy Sunday breakfast, a last-minute dessert, or a special after-school snack.

Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• No Deep Frying Required: The air fryer gives you a crisp, golden crust without standing over hot oil. Less mess, more magic.
  
• Naturally Sweetened Options: Apples and applesauce add natural moisture and sweetness — and there’s an optional glaze with monk fruit if you want to skip refined sugar.
  
• Quick & Simple: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Mix, scoop, air fry, and drizzle.
  
• Kid-Approved, Adult-Adored: Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with real apple chunks.

What Makes This Apple Fritter Recipe Easy and Healthy

Air-fried, applesauce-sweetened, and ready in minutes — this is your better-for-you bakery fix.

Let’s be honest: traditional apple fritters, while delicious, are usually deep-fried and loaded with sugar. This version flips the script — keeping all the cozy flavor while adding a few better-for-you twists.  If you’re looking for another dessert that perfectly balances indulgence and wellness, these fudgy gluten and dairy-free brownies are a must-try.

Here’s how we do it:

• Air Fryer Simplicity: No oil splatters, no waiting for a pot to heat up. Just scoop and go.
  
• Applesauce for Moisture: Swapping butter or oil for unsweetened applesauce cuts down on fat while keeping the inside tender.
  
• Customizable Sweetness: Use coconut sugar or regular sugar in the batter, and powdered monk fruit in the glaze if you’re looking to keep it lower in sugar.
  
• Simple, Clean Ingredients: No complicated flours or hard-to-find add-ins — just real food you probably already have.
  

With better-for-you swaps like applesauce and no oil, this apple fritter recipe air fryer version checks all the boxes

Ingredients for Apple Fritters in the Air Fryer

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a bakery-worthy treat in minutes.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy, crispy apple fritters:

For the Fritters:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  (Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed — see variation section.)
  
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
  (Or mix 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg.) . Apple pie spice adds more than just cozy fall flavor — cinnamon, one of its main components, is believed to support digestion and blood sugar balance. Learn more at Cleveland Clinic.
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
  
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
  (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully.)
  

For the Simple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  (Or powdered monk fruit sweetener for a refined sugar-free option.)
  
• 1–2 tbsp milk of choice
  

Ingredient Highlight:
Apple pie spice not only adds that nostalgic fall flavor — it may support digestion and reduce inflammation, thanks to warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg [source].

The Secret to the Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fritter Texture

Say goodbye to mushy middles — this scoop-and-chill trick gives bakery-style results every time.

One of the biggest challenges with air fryer fritters? Texture. Too often, they turn out dense, soggy, or undercooked in the middle.

Here’s how we fix that:

The Chill-and-Scoop Method

After mixing the batter, let it rest in the fridge for just 10 minutes. This helps the flour fully hydrate and thickens the batter, making it easier to scoop and shape.

Then, instead of flattening them, gently scoop rounded spoonfuls (about 2–3 tablespoons each) into your air fryer basket. The thicker shape gives you that classic bakery-style bite: crisp edges, fluffy inside, golden top.

A Quick Tip

This is a classic baker’s trick I learned years ago. Letting a batter rest gives the flour time to fully hydrate, which is the secret to a better, more even texture. It’s a tiny step of patience that makes a huge difference in the final result.

How to Make Apple Fritter Recipe in Air Fryer

Here’s how to make this apple fritter recipe air fryer from scratch in just 20 minutes:

1. Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C). If your basket requires it, line it with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 cup sugar
  
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

• Whisk 1 egg
  
• Stir in 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 tsp vanilla
  

4. Combine the Batter

Pour the wet into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Batter will be thick — avoid overmixing.

5. Fold in the Apples

Add 1 finely diced apple and gently fold into the batter.

6. Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Let the batter sit in the fridge for 10 minutes. This helps the fritters hold their shape and cook more evenly.

7. Air Fry the Fritters

Lightly spray your parchment or basket with neutral oil spray. Drop 2–3 tablespoon scoops of batter into the air fryer, leaving space between each.

8. Cook

Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Glaze and Serve

While they cook, whisk together:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1–2 tbsp milk
  Drizzle over warm fritters and serve right away.

Variations for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

From gluten-free swaps to bite-sized delights, here’s how to make this recipe your own.

This apple fritter recipe air fryer is super adaptable for gluten-free and bite-size versions.

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

To make this recipe gluten-free:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum if possible).
  
• Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes before scooping. This helps hydrate the gluten-free flour and improves the texture.
  
• Expect slightly more delicate fritters — still delicious and crisp!  For a naturally gluten-free treat that’s also perfect for keto, check out these easy lemon cheesecake fat bombs.
  

Air Fryer Apple Fritter Bites (Mini Version)

Want snackable, pop-in-your-mouth fritters?

• Use a small cookie scoop to drop 1-tbsp sized portions into the air fryer.
  
• Reduce cooking time to 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway.
  
• These are perfect for toddlers, party platters, or portion-controlled snacking.

Serving and Storing Your Apple Fritters

Best enjoyed warm — but they store beautifully for quick weekday treats.

How to Serve

• Drizzle the glaze while fritters are still warm so it melts slightly.
  
• For extra indulgence, dust with a little cinnamon sugar or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  
• Perfect with chai tea, spiced cider, or a cozy oat milk latte, or this homemade dirty chai tea latte.
  

How to Store

• Let fritters cool completely before storing.
  
• Place in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
  
• Store at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  

How to Reheat

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to revive that crisp exterior.
  
• Oven: 5 minutes at 325°F.
  
• Microwave: 10–15 seconds (softer texture).

Key Takeaways

• 🍏 Quick, healthier twist on the classic apple fritter — no frying required.
  
• 🔥 Crispy outside, fluffy inside, thanks to the chill-and-scoop trick.
  
• 🌾 Easily made gluten-free or refined sugar-free with simple swaps.
  
• 🍽️ Perfect for fall cravings, school snacks, or cozy weekend mornings.

Air Fryer Apple Fritter Recipe

Lena

A quick and cozy fall favorite! These air fryer apple fritters are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and glazed to perfection — all without deep frying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 fritters

Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Fritters:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free blend
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp apple pie spice or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large apple peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit
• 1 –2 tbsp milk of choice

Instructions

 

• Preheat air fryer to 370°F (185°C). Line basket with perforated parchment paper if needed.
• Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, spice, and salt in a large bowl.
• In another bowl, whisk egg, then stir in milk, applesauce, and vanilla.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Fold in diced apples.
• Chill batter for 10 minutes (optional, for best texture).
• Spray air fryer basket. Drop 2–3 tbsp scoops of batter with space between.
• Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
• Whisk glaze ingredients. Drizzle over warm fritters and serve immediately.

Notes

• For gluten-free: use a 1:1 flour blend and rest batter 10–15 minutes before cooking.
• Don’t skip the chilling step — it improves structure and texture.

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Conclusion

There’s something special about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen—it pulls everyone in. This air fryer apple fritter recipe brings that same warmth and joy, minus the fuss. With simple ingredients and zero deep-frying, you get the comfort of a bakery treat in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re making them for a fall brunch or just because the leaves are turning, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite.

What’s your favorite fall baking recipe? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Apple Fritter Recipe Air Fryer: Your Questions Answered