Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Welcome to the world of apple fritters made in an air fryer—where you get to indulge your sweet tooth without feeling like you just ran a marathon to earn a treat. Let’s dive into this wonderfully crispy recipe that will make your taste buds do a happy dance while your kitchen stays nice and tidy.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Why is this recipe the bee’s knees, you ask? Well, brace yourself because it is idiot-proof—even I didn’t mess it up. Seriously, if a kitchen novice like me can whip these up, you are in for a guaranteed win. Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to cook—now that is way quicker than dealing with a pot of boiling oil and a messy kitchen. You’ll get that delightful crunch and sweet apple goodness without the guilt. Who knew being a domestic goddess could be this easy?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab your shopping list or your phone—whatever works for you. Here’s what you’ll need to channel your inner pastry chef:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (because gluten is life)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for that magical rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (a little seasoning makes all the difference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because apples and cinnamon are BFFs)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for sweetness, duh)
- 1/2 cup milk (any milk that doesn’t feel like a stranger in your fridge)
- 1 large egg (the real MVP of binders)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (a little fat never hurt, am I right?)
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (the star of the show)
- Cooking spray (to prevent the fries from getting clingy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to mix things up? Let’s get to it. Follow these simple steps, and you will have the crispiest apple fritters in no time.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Give it a good stir like you’re trying to wake it up.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure they mingle nicely.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be gentle here; no one likes over-mixed batter. Fold in the diced apples like you’re tucking them into bed.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Yes, you HAVE to do this step. Don’t skip it.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. We want these fritters to glide out easily, not cling and cause drama.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop batter into the basket, leaving space between fritters. Think of it like giving each fritter their personal bubble.
Cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. Turn on your favorite tunes to help pass the time.
Remove and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your guilt-free apple fritters!

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s get real for a second because we all make rookie mistakes. Here are some hilarious ones to watch out for:
Thinking you don’t need to preheat the air fryer. Rookie mistake. Your fritters will walk into the heat like they were just invited to a party.
Using whole apples instead of diced. Unless you want a game of “Fritters versus Danger,” I definitely suggest dicing them up nicely.
Not waiting for them to cool before biting. Trust me on this. Your tongue will forever resent you if you don’t let them chill for a sec.
Skipping the cooking spray. If you want a sticky disaster instead of deliciousness, by all means, do it. But I wouldn’t recommend that.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, if you’ve peered into your pantry and realized you’re missing a key ingredient, fear not. Here are some simple alternatives:
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour works just fine. It’ll give your fritters a bit of a nutty flavor. You fancy, huh?
Milk can be replaced with almond milk, oat milk, or even plain old water. Just don’t expect your fritters to be as creamy.
No apples? No problem! Pears or even mashed bananas can step in. Just keep in mind that bananas are sweet, so you may want to adjust the sugar.
Not a fan of cinnamon? You can skip it or go wild and use nutmeg instead—it’s a rebel move, but we support that journey.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Let’s tackle some common questions like we’re at a brunch with mimosas in hand.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is the gold standard for a reason.
What if I want chocolate in my fritters? Are you a genius? Add chocolate chips. You’re clearly living your best life.
How do I know when they are done? Look for that perfect golden-brown color. If they look like a lovely tan, they’re good to go!
Can I freeze these bad boys? Absolutely! Freeze them after cooling, and whenever you have a craving, toss them in the air fryer. Boom, snack magic.
Is this recipe adjustable for more servings? You bet! Just scale it up like you’re inflating a hot air balloon. Just make sure your air fryer has enough space.

Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. After all, crispy air fryer apple fritters are the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy goodness. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or just because you feel like treating yourself, you’ve earned it. So whip out your air fryer, throw on your favorite tunes, and let’s get cookin’!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delightful and crispy apple fritters made effortlessly in an air fryer for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; gently fold in the diced apples.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop batter into the basket, leaving space between fritters.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Wait for fritters to cool slightly before biting into them to avoid burning your tongue.
