Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes. This apple fritters air fryer recipe is a true weekday-friendly win.
• No deep fryer needed. You get a golden, crispy exterior without a pot of oil in sight.
• Packed with nutrition. Greek yogurt and whole wheat flour bring 5g of protein and 2g of fiber to every single fritter.
• Crowd pleaser. Kids and adults both love these, making them perfect for brunch, snack time, or a cozy fall dessert.

Ingredients

Fritters:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 large apples, diced small

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and maple syrup. Using a spatula, stir together to combine.
3. Fold in the diced apples to form a thick fritter dough.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Scoop about 1/4 cup mounds of batter into the air fryer basket, about 5 to 6 at a time depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air fry for 8 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown.
7. While the fritters cook, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Once the fritters are cooked, drizzle the glaze over warm fritters and enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: All-purpose flour works just as well if you do not have white whole wheat on hand.
• Sweetener: Swap the maple syrup for honey in equal amounts.
• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon and cardamom for a little extra warmth.
• Glaze: Stir a tiny splash of vanilla extract into the glaze for added depth of flavor.
• Apples: Any baking apple works here. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are naturally sweet, while Granny Smith gives you a slightly tarter fritter.
• Dairy free: Use a plain coconut or almond milk yogurt in place of Greek yogurt and a splash of non-dairy milk in the glaze.

How to Store Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the glaze separate and drizzle it on after reheating. To freeze, place unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes straight from the fridge, or 5 to 6 minutes from frozen. They crisp right back up like fresh.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fritters

These air fryer apple fritters are best served warm, right after glazing. A few ways to enjoy them:

• As a fall breakfast or brunch alongside scrambled eggs and coffee
• As a lighter dessert with a small scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream
• As an after-school snack the whole family will reach for
• On a holiday brunch spread next to other seasonal favorites

A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving takes them over the top if you want to skip the glaze entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you air fry apple fritters?

Absolutely. Air frying apple fritters works beautifully and is actually one of the best ways to make them at home. The hot circulating air creates a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, no deep fryer or pot of oil required.

How long do you air fry apple fritters?

These air fryer apple fritters cook for 8 minutes at 350°F, then 1 to 2 more minutes at 400°F to get the tops deep golden brown. Total cook time is about 10 minutes per batch.

Can you bake or air fry apple fritters?

You can do both, but the air fryer gives you a much crispier result than the oven in less time. Baking tends to produce a softer, more cake-like texture. If you have an air fryer, it is the way to go for that classic fritter finish.

How do you make air fryer apple fritters?

Mix your dry ingredients, fold in Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and diced apples to form a thick batter, then scoop into a preheated air fryer and cook at 350°F for 8 minutes followed by 1 to 2 minutes at 400°F. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze and serve warm. Full instructions are in the recipe card above.

Is an apple fritter considered a donut?

Technically yes, apple fritters are a type of donut. Traditional versions are made from a yeasted or batter-based dough mixed with apple pieces and deep fried, just like a donut. This version skips the deep fry and uses Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein take on the classic.

Can an air fryer make food taste like it has been fried?

It gets pretty close, especially with recipes like these air fryer apple fritters that are designed for the appliance from the start. The key is finishing at a higher temperature, not overcrowding the basket, and using a light spray of oil so the exterior gets that satisfying crisp.