Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze

Craving a sweet treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make? Get ready for the best Air Fryer Apple Fritters! Forget messy deep-frying; your air fryer transforms these classic apple fritters into a healthier, golden-brown delight.

With a tender, apple-filled interior and a perfectly crispy exterior, these fritters get an irresistible finish from a rich brown butter glaze. They are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fritters

You are going to adore these Air Fryer Apple Fritters for so many reasons. They offer all the comfort of a traditional fritter without the fuss.

• Classic Flavor, Healthier Twist: Enjoy the beloved taste of apple fritters with significantly less oil than deep-fried versions.
• Quick & Simple: This recipe is designed for busy parents and beginners, making delicious homemade treats accessible and stress-free.
• Perfectly Crisp: The air fryer delivers an amazing crispy outside, while the inside remains wonderfully tender and full of apples.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert.
• Irresistible Glaze: The homemade brown butter glaze adds a nutty, sweet finish that takes these fritters over the top.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to delicious Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Everything is common and easy to find!

For the Air Fryer Apple Fritters:

• 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ⅓ cup Milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Large Eggs
• 2 large Apples (such as Honeycrisp or Green Apples), peeled, cored, and diced small
• Canola or Vegetable Oil, for brushing/spraying

For the Brown Butter Glaze:

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (½ stick)
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Milk, if needed

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt these crispy apple fritters to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Best Apples: For the best texture, use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala. These hold their shape well and provide a pleasant tartness.
• Dairy Alternatives: Feel free to swap dairy milk for non-dairy options like almond or oat milk in both the fritter batter and the glaze.
• Extra Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the fritter batter along with the cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Option: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work wonderfully here. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar in the fritter batter to your taste, especially if your apples are very sweet or tart.

Equipment

You won’t need much special equipment to make these delightful apple fritters in the air fryer. This list covers the essentials.

• Air Fryer: Either a basket-style or oven-style air fryer works perfectly for this recipe.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for making the rich brown butter glaze.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one small and one medium bowl for the glaze and batter.
• Whisk & Spatula: For mixing ingredients smoothly and gently.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key for baking.
• Vegetable Peeler, Knife, Cutting Board: For preparing your fresh apples.
• Parchment Paper Liners or Oil Sprayer: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Ideal for cooling the fritters and allowing the glaze to set evenly.

Instructions

Let’s make these fantastic Air Fryer Apple Fritters! Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time.

Make the Brown Butter Glaze:

• Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Continue melting the butter until it starts to foam and turn a lovely brown color. You’ll notice a distinct, nutty aroma and see tiny brown specks at the bottom of the pan – that’s how you know it’s perfect.
• Promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the brown butter to cool slightly for a few minutes.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the slightly cooled browned butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the glaze is smooth and uniform.
• If the mixture seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, half a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will thicken it right up. Set this delicious glaze aside while you prepare your fritters.

Prepare the Apple Fritter Batter:

• First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Setting the temperature and allowing the basket to heat up for about 3-4 minutes ensures an immediate crisp when the fritters go in.
• Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure these are thoroughly combined.
• Next, create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the wet ingredients: milk, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and eggs. Stir everything gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender fritter. Finally, fold in your finely diced apples.

Air Fry the Fritters:

• Carefully line the basket of your preheated air fryer with a piece of parchment paper or an air fryer basket liner. It’s a good idea to cut the parchment to fit the bottom so there’s no overlapping around the edges, which could block airflow.
• Lightly brush or spray the parchment paper with a little canola or vegetable oil. Drop about ¼ cup of the apple fritter batter onto the lined air fryer basket for each fritter.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit 2-3 fritters at a time. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this ensures proper air circulation and gives you that desired crispy texture.
• Once the fritters are placed, lightly dab or spray the tops with oil. Air fry the fritters at 400°F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes, until they are beautifully deep golden brown on top.
• Gently flip each fritter over, spray the other side with a little oil, and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until both sides are golden and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining batter until all your delicious Air Fryer Apple Fritters are cooked.

Studies show that air frying can significantly reduce the fat content compared to deep frying, making it a healthier alternative.

Glaze and Serve:

• As soon as the fritters come out of the air fryer, transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Place a piece of parchment paper or foil underneath the rack to catch any glaze drippings.
• While the fritters are still warm, generously drizzle them with your prepared brown butter glaze. The warmth helps the glaze adhere beautifully. Serve your amazing Air Fryer Apple Fritters immediately and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect apple fritters in the air fryer is simple with these pointers.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, not tender, fritters.
• Even Apple Dice: Dice your apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and integrate well into the batter.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Air fry fritters in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in soggy fritters.
• Use an Oil Sprayer: A light, even mist of oil on both the parchment and fritters is key for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add milk a tiny bit at a time. Too thin? Whisk in more powdered sugar until it’s perfect for drizzling.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This provides an immediate burst of heat that helps the fritters crisp up quickly.
• Watch Closely: Air fryer models vary, so cooking times are approximate. Keep an eye on your fritters and adjust time as needed to prevent burning.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These homemade apple fritters are delicious in so many ways! Here are some ideas to enjoy and keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy your Air Fryer Apple Fritters warm and fresh, right after glazing.
• Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
• These are perfect for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a satisfying dessert.
• For an extra indulgence, serve warm fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

• Store any cooled, glazed fritters in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze them, do so before glazing. Place cooled, unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen fritters in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warmed through, then glaze and serve.

Variations

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cloves to the batter for a more complex spice profile.
• Different Fruits: This recipe works beautifully with other firm fruits like diced pears, peaches, or even berries.
• Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the brown butter glaze, try drizzling warm caramel sauce over the fritters for a different kind of sweet finish.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the fritter batter for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute some of the milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a delicious maple-flavored twist.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful fritters.

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to create the most delicious and easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters with a delectable brown butter glaze! This recipe proves that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated or overly indulgent.

You’ll love the healthier approach and how simple it is to achieve perfectly crispy, tender apple fritters in your air fryer. Give them a try this week and share your creations with us! We can’t wait to hear how much you love them!

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze

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These crispy air fryer apple fritters are a delightful treat featuring diced apples folded into a sweet batter, air-fried to a golden perfection, and finished with a rich brown butter glaze. They offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic dessert with less oil.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 fritters

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Brown Butter Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 0.25 cup Butter ½ stick
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tbsp Milk if needed

Apple Fritters

• 1.5 cups All Purpose Flour
• 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 0.33 cup Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh
• 2 Eggs
• 2 large Apples such as Honey Crisp or Green Apples, peeled, cored and diced small
• Canola or Vegetable Oil for brushing/spraying

Equipment

• air fryer
• small saucepan
• whisk
• Medium bowl
• Cooling Rack
• Pastry Brush or Oil Sprayer

Method

 

Glaze Preparation

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it foams and turns brown, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
2. Combine the browned butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl, whisking until smooth for the glaze; set aside.

Fritter Preparation

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes to ensure the basket is hot.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Create a well in the dry ingredients and add milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs; stir until combined, then fold in the diced apples.
4. Line the preheated air fryer basket with parchment paper or a liner, brush lightly with oil, and be sure not to overcrowd by cooking only 2 fritters at a time.
5. Drop approximately ¼ cup portions of batter into the lined basket and lightly dab the tops of the fritters with additional oil.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown, then flip and repeat for the other side.
7. Transfer the cooked apple fritters to a cooling rack and immediately drizzle with the prepared brown butter glaze.
8. Serve your crispy apple fritters warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 7gFat: 20gSodium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25g

Notes

• If the glaze mixture is too thin for your liking, simply add more powdered sugar.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the fritters get crispy.
• Place a piece of parchment paper underneath the cooling rack to catch any glaze drippings.

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