There’s something about the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla sugar wafting through the kitchen that instantly takes me back to my childhood Saturday mornings. I’ll never forget the first time I bit into an apple fritter at a local donut shop—crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, with that perfect shiny glaze that made every bite feel like a little celebration.
After years of tweaking, I finally nailed a version that you can make at home with your air fryer. Yes, air fryer apple fritters that taste just like those glazed donut shop favorites, but with way less mess and a fraction of the oil. I’ve made this recipe about 10 times now (no shame), and every single time the glaze gets licked clean before the fritters even cool down.
So, if you’re craving that warm, sweet, cinnamon-y goodness but want to skip the deep fryer drama, this Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe Easy Glazed Donut Shop Style is about to become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
Okay, real talk—this recipe has completely spoiled me when it comes to apple fritters. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- ✅ Crispy but tender: The air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy outside without turning the kitchen into a grease disaster zone. Plus, the inside stays soft and chewy, just like your favorite donut shop fritters.
- ✅ Quick and easy: From mixing to frying, it takes less than 30 minutes. I’ve whipped these up even with a toddler tugging at my leg and a million other distractions.
- ✅ Glaze that actually sticks: The classic shiny glaze sets just right without being too runny or too thick. Bonus: you can double the glaze for an extra sweet finish.
- ✅ Real apple chunks: No fake apple flavor here—chunks of fresh apple add juiciness and texture that make every bite exciting.
- ✅ Less oil, less guilt: Air frying means you get that perfect fried texture with a fraction of the oil, so it feels like a treat you can actually enjoy more than once a week.
This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you can conquer air fryer magic without any fancy skills. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—my family keeps asking for “those apple fritters” every weekend now.
What Ingredients You’ll Need for Irresistible Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Here’s what I love about this ingredient list: you probably have most of these already, and the few you don’t are totally worth picking up. I’ve broken them down by what they do in the recipe, because understanding the why makes you a better cook (or at least saves you from weird surprises).
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups / 180g) — This is the base that gives the fritters their structure. I’ve tried whole wheat, but it makes them dense and less fluffy, so I stick to all-purpose for the best texture.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tsp) — Helps the fritters puff up and get that light, airy feel inside.
- Sugar (¼ cup / 50g) — Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart apples and cinnamon without being overwhelming.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) — Because apple + cinnamon is basically a love story. I always use ground cinnamon from a fresh jar for the best flavor punch.
- Salt (¼ tsp) — The unsung hero that brings all the flavors together.
- Egg (1 large, room temperature) — Binds everything and adds richness. Pro tip: I always let my eggs sit out for 30 minutes before baking—it mixes better.
- Milk (½ cup / 120ml) — Use whole milk if you have it; it makes the batter richer. I’ve also used oat milk and it works fine for a dairy-free twist.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) — I swear by Nielsen-Massey vanilla—it’s worth the splurge for baking.
- Apple (1 medium, peeled and diced) — Use a crisp apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. I dice them small so every bite has a juicy pop.
- Oil spray or neutral oil — For greasing the air fryer basket. I use avocado oil spray because it handles heat well.
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup / 120g) — Sifted to avoid lumps.
- Milk (2-3 tbsp) — Adjust to get the perfect glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp) — To keep that classic glazed donut shop flavor.
Quick note: I always recommend peeling the apple for this recipe because the skin can get chewy and distract from the fritter’s soft texture. Also, if you want to save time, you can dice the apple the night before and store it in a little lemon water to keep it fresh.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make these air fryer apple fritters—I’ve made them with the most basic setup, and they turned out amazing every time.
- Air fryer — Mine’s a 5-quart model from Cosori, but any air fryer with a basket that fits small fritters will work.
- Mixing bowls — Two is ideal: one for dry ingredients, one for wet. Less washing, more efficiency.
- Whisk or fork — For mixing the batter. I use a whisk because it’s faster and gets lumps out.
- Spoon or small cookie scoop — To portion the fritters into the air fryer basket evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons — Baking is chemistry; I don’t eyeball this kind of recipe.
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer — For powdered sugar, so your glaze is smooth and shiny.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a sifter, you can just push powdered sugar through a fine sieve or even shake it through a clean mesh kitchen towel. Also, if you don’t have a cookie scoop, a tablespoon works just fine.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s make these irresistible air fryer apple fritters! I’m walking you through exactly how I do it, with all the little tips I’ve picked up along the way.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. (I learned the hard way—no one wants fritters stuck to the basket.)
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This ensures your leavening and spices are evenly spread out.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, ½ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet gently, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable—don’t overmix or you’ll end up with dense fritters.
- Stir in the diced apple. Make sure the chunks are evenly distributed but be gentle to keep the batter light.
- Portion the batter into the air fryer basket using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop. Aim for fritters about 2-3 inches in diameter, spaced apart so hot air can circulate (don’t overcrowd). You’ll probably need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-9 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through (around 4 minutes). They should be golden brown and puffed up. The air fryer’s hot circulating air is what gives you that crispy crust without deep frying.
- Check doneness by poking a fritter lightly; it should feel springy and cooked through. If they’re browning too fast but still raw inside, lower the temp by 10 degrees and add a minute or two.
- Make the glaze while the fritters cook: whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the fritters. Once fritters are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Let the glaze set for about 5 minutes before serving. Or don’t—sometimes I just eat them right away with glaze dripping everywhere.
At this point, you’ve got that perfect combo of crispy edges, soft inside, and shiny glaze that makes these apple fritters feel like a donut shop treat… but better, because you made them yourself.
My Best Tips & Techniques for Perfect Apple Fritters
Okay, here’s where I share everything I’ve learned from making these way too many times (and eating my fair share).
- Don’t skip the air fryer spray. I learned the hard way that even non-stick baskets can be sticky with fritters. A quick spritz keeps them coming out clean.
- Use fresh, crisp apples. Softer apples will get mushy and watery, messing up your batter. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my go-tos.
- Let the batter rest 5 minutes before frying. This lets the baking powder activate and the apples hydrate the batter slightly, which helps with fluffiness.
- Flip halfway through. This ensures even browning and that crispy outside on both sides.
- Watch your air fryer temps. Every model is different. Mine runs hot, so I often reduce the temp to 340°F on the second batch to avoid burning.
- Mix the glaze until smooth. No lumps allowed here. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Add powdered sugar by the tablespoon.
- Eat warm. I promise you—the second you take a bite straight from the air fryer and glaze it fresh, you’ll be hooked.
And one last thing—don’t rush the glaze setting! It’s tempting to dive in, but those few minutes make your fritters look glossy and feel just right.
Ways to Mix It Up
Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, here are some fun twists you can try. I’ve tested all of these, and they work beautifully.
- Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the glazed fritters. For extra oomph, sprinkle chopped pecans on top while the caramel is still warm. I made these for a friend’s party, and they were gone in minutes.
- Spiced Up: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. It gives the fritters a cozy, fall vibe that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
- Berry Apple Mix: Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries along with the apples. Just don’t thaw frozen berries first, or you’ll end up with purple batter (which is fun but messy!).
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend like Bob’s Red Mill. Texture is a bit different—slightly more crumbly—but still tasty.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of egg, oat milk instead of regular milk, and coconut oil in place of butter. I’ve made this for vegan friends and they loved it.
And if you’re feeling wild, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before air frying for extra crunch. Just don’t blame me if you get hooked!
Serving Ideas & Storage
This air fryer apple fritters recipe is super versatile when it comes to serving and storing.
How to Serve: I love these warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, but they’re also amazing plain. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They get a little softer but still delicious.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 4 days. I reheat mine in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 320°F to crisp them back up.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled fritters individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for 5 minutes—just like fresh.
Pro tip: If your glaze starts to get sticky in storage, a quick dusting of powdered sugar freshens them right up.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s why I feel good about enjoying these apple fritters (in moderation, of course).
| Per fritter (makes about 8) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
Why it’s better than your average donut: The fresh apples add fiber and natural sweetness, which means you can cut back on added sugars. Plus, because these are air fried, they contain less fat than traditional deep-fried fritters.
And yes, they’re still a treat, but one that feels a little less like a sugar bomb and more like a cozy homemade indulgence.
Final Thoughts on This Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
So that’s my Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe Easy Glazed Donut Shop Style! I know I’ve gone on about it, but when you find a recipe this good, you want to shout it from the rooftops.
This recipe has become my go-to for weekend breakfasts, impromptu brunches, and whenever I need a little comfort food magic without the hassle of deep frying. I hope you love it as much as my family does.
Remember—make it your own! Try the variations, swap ingredients based on what you have, or add your favorite toppings. That’s how the best recipes grow and get even better.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I get genuinely excited seeing your versions.
Happy frying! Hope your kitchen smells as incredible as mine does right now.
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Q: Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
A: You can, but I don’t recommend thawing them first because they’ll get mushy and watery. Toss the frozen apple chunks straight into the batter and mix gently—you might need to cook the fritters a little longer to get them fully done.
Q: My fritters came out soggy—what did I do wrong?
A: Usually that means the air fryer basket wasn’t sprayed enough or the fritters were too close together, blocking airflow. Also, if the batter is too wet, try reducing the milk by a tablespoon next time. Flipping them halfway helps crispiness too.
Q: Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
A: Yes! I swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend like Bob’s Red Mill. Texture changes slightly—more crumbly—but they taste great. Just watch the cooking time; sometimes they need a minute or two more.
Q: How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked?
A: They should look golden brown and feel springy when you press lightly. If you’re unsure, break one open—the inside should be cooked through without raw batter. The air fryer’s even heat makes this pretty foolproof.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
A: Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. The cooking time stays about the same. Just be warned—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you might have to hide the fritters from family and friends!
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Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe Easy Glazed Donut Shop Style
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these air fryer apple fritters taste just like glazed donut shop favorites but with less oil and mess. Perfect for a quick, sweet treat with real apple chunks and a shiny glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup sugar (50g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup milk (120ml), whole milk preferred or oat milk for dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Oil spray or neutral oil for greasing (avocado oil spray recommended)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g), sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; the batter should be thick but spoonable.
- Stir in the diced apple, distributing evenly but gently to keep the batter light.
- Portion the batter into the air fryer basket using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, spacing fritters 2-3 inches apart to allow air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through at about 4 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Check doneness by poking a fritter; it should feel springy and cooked through. If browning too fast but raw inside, lower temperature by 10°F and add 1-2 minutes cooking time.
- While fritters cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Adjust milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Once fritters are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip or drizzle glaze over them. Let glaze set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Peel apples to avoid chewy skin in fritters. Let batter rest 5 minutes before frying to activate baking powder and hydrate apples. Spray air fryer basket well to prevent sticking. Flip fritters halfway for even browning. Adjust glaze thickness with milk or powdered sugar as needed. Eat warm for best taste. Store in airtight container up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days refrigerated. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple fritters, air fryer recipes, glazed donuts, easy dessert, cinnamon apple, homemade fritters, healthy fried treats
