Print

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Easy Cinnamon Maple Glaze

air fryer apple fritters - featured image

These air fryer apple fritters are crispy, golden, and packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a sweet maple glaze. A healthier, quick twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole or dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze)
  • 23 tablespoons milk (for glaze, adjust for thickness)
  • Nonstick cooking spray or oil mister
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice apples into small cubes (about 1/2-inch). Set aside; toss with lemon juice if prepping ahead.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold to combine.
  5. Fold diced apples into the batter using a spatula. Batter should be thick but scoopable; add a tablespoon of milk if too dry.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2-3 minutes. Lightly spray basket with nonstick cooking spray or oil mister.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  8. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then gently flip each fritter. Cook another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy (total 12-16 minutes).
  9. While fritters cook, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and 2-3 tablespoons milk for the glaze. Adjust thickness as needed.
  10. Transfer cooked fritters to a wire rack. Drizzle or dip each fritter in the cinnamon maple glaze.
  11. Serve warm or at room temperature. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later.

Notes

For best texture, use cold apples and dice them small. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough fritters. Space fritters in the air fryer for crispiness. Glaze while warm for best results. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritters, air fryer, cinnamon, maple glaze, easy dessert, brunch, comfort food, healthy, gluten-free option, quick recipe