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Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe Easy Homemade with Maple Glaze

crispy air fryer apple fritters - featured image

These crispy air fryer apple fritters are a quick and easy treat with a golden, crunchy exterior and tender apple-studded inside, topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for brunch or dessert without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup diced)
  • Vegetable oil spray
  • For the maple glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice one medium apple into small 1/4-inch (6 mm) cubes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk, 1 large room-temperature egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking them up.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto a parchment-lined plate or tray, about 2 1/2 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
  8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray. Place fritters in a single layer without touching.
  9. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely as air fryer models vary.
  10. While fritters cook, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
  11. Transfer fritters to a cooling rack and drizzle with maple glaze while warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough fritters. Keep fritters uniform in size for even cooking. Preheat the air fryer for a crisp crust. Flip fritters halfway through cooking. Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking. Use fresh apples for best texture. Maple glaze is best drizzled just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour. For vegan, use a flax egg and plant-based milk, and substitute milk in glaze with almond milk.

Nutrition

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