Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze – Quick & Easy Recipe

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are ready in just 20 minutes, delivering a crispy outside and soft, cinnamon-spiced inside every single time. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, this shortcut recipe skips the mess of deep frying while still delivering that indulgent flavor you crave.

Traditional apple fritters take loads of oil and clean-up, but with this easy air fryer method, you’re saving time and cutting back on the fuss. Plus, the nutty, rich brown butter glaze pulls everything together for a chef-level touch that takes no extra effort. If you’re a fan of fast, delicious treats, you’re about to become obsessed.

Why This Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe Is a Game-Changer

• Ready in half the time: Skip the deep-fryer wait—these fritters only need 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.
• Less oil, less mess: A light spritz of oil is all you need, making this version lighter and easier to clean up.
• Consistent results: The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures even cooking and golden-brown perfection.
• Perfectly glazed: That brown butter glaze clings to each fritter, adding a rich sweetness with zero hassle.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Your air fryer is, of course, the star of the show here. If you’re new to air frying, don’t worry—it’s incredibly simple and produces results that rival deep frying without all the oil. Here’s what you’ll need:

• An air fryer: Any model will work, but a basket-style air fryer (with a temperature of up to 400°F) is ideal for this recipe.
• Parchment paper liners: These keep things non-stick and make clean-up a breeze. Just be sure to cut them to size!
• Pastry brush or oil mister: A light touch of oil will help your fritters crisp up beautifully.
• Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized mixing bowls will make your prep a snap.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fritters

This recipe keeps things simple, relying on pantry staples and fresh apples. Here’s the lowdown on the key ingredients:

• Apples: Use a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or green apples for that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives those fritters their signature warm, spiced flavor. If you love cinnamon, you can add an extra pinch!
• Baking Powder: Ensures your fritters come out light and fluffy instead of dense.
• Brown Butter: The secret to an unforgettable glaze—it adds a nutty, caramel-like richness you won’t want to skip.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe – At a Glance

• Servings: Yields 10 fritters
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Complete Ingredients List

Brown Butter Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup butter (½ stick)
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp milk (if needed)

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
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or green apples recommended)
• Canola or vegetable oil, for brushing or spraying

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Apple Fritters Instructions

1. Start with the glaze: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it foam and turn golden brown—watch for those nutty aromas and brown specks. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2. Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and brown butter in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it’s just right. Set aside.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Let the basket heat up for about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs. Stir until combined, then fold in the diced apples.
5. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and lightly spritz it with oil. Drop ¼ cup-sized dollops of batter into the basket, spacing them apart.
6. Spray or brush the tops of the fritters with a light coat of oil. Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
7. Transfer the fritters to a cooling rack and drizzle generously with brown butter glaze while still warm. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• Don’t skip the glaze: It’s quick to make and gives the fritters a bakery-quality finish.
• Keep sizes consistent: Drop the batter in uniform portions to ensure even cooking.
• Use parchment paper liners: Save yourself from sticky clean-ups!
• Serve warm: These shine their brightest when freshly made—warm, crispy, and drizzled with glaze.
• Make-ahead tip: Chop your apples and mix your dry ingredients ahead of time. Combine just before cooking.

Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters Variations

• Chocolate Chip Fritters: Toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the apples for a dessert-worthy twist.
• Maple Glaze: Swap out the brown butter glaze for a quick maple syrup glaze for a breakfast-ready option.
• Nuts for texture: Add crushed walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch with every bite.
• Berry boost: Substitute half the apples for diced blueberries or raspberries for a fruity change-up.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters FAQs

Can I make these fritters without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. However, they won’t be quite as crispy.

Why do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating allows the fritters to start cooking immediately, ensuring they crisp up properly.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the same texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best experience, reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Can I freeze air fryer apple fritters?

Yes! Allow the fritters to cool, skip the glaze, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer, then glaze.

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters are everything you want in a fast, easy-to-make indulgence. Ready to try this out? Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below—I’m here for your feedback and kitchen success stories!