Description
Whip up easy, healthy air fryer apple fritters! This recipe uses less oil for a sweet, crispy, and warm treat that tastes like childhood without the guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 large egg
- Flavor Boosters:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Glaze Goodness:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or water)
- Optional Sprinkles:
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prep Your Apples: First things first, get those apples ready! Peel, core, and chop them into really small pieces, about 1/4 inch. This is where I sometimes get impatient and chop them too big, which means they don’t get tender enough. You want them almost minced, honestly. It ensures every bite of your healthy air fryer apple fritters is packed with soft, sweet apple. The smell of fresh apples, even before cooking, just makes my kitchen feel so welcoming.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and that optional pinch of nutmeg. Make sure it’s all really well combined; you don’t want a lump of baking powder in one bite, trust me! I once rushed this, and the fritters had pockets of unmixed flour. Oops! This step is simple but important for even flavor and texture in your healthy air fryer apple fritters.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, gently whisk your milk, egg, and vanilla extract until they’re just combined. Don’t overdo it here, we’re not making meringue! This wet mixture will bring all the dry ingredients to life, creating that perfect fritter batter. It should look a little pale and creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen for your healthy air fryer apple fritters.
- Form the Batter: Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix until *just* combined. A few lumps are totally fine, even desirable! Overmixing is the enemy of tender fritters. Then, gently fold in your chopped apples. The batter will be thick, almost like a drop biscuit dough. This is the consistency you want for lovely, plump healthy air fryer apple fritters. Don’t mash the apples, just incorporate them.
- Air Fry Time: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a little oil spray. Drop spoonfuls of the batter (about 1.5-2 tablespoons each) into the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Work in batches! I once tried to cram too many in, and they didn’t get crispy. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. These healthy air fryer apple fritters should look puffy and inviting.
- Glaze and Serve: While the fritters are still warm, whisk together your powdered sugar and a tiny bit of milk (or water) until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Dip each warm fritter into the glaze, or drizzle it over generously. The warmth of the healthy air fryer apple fritters will help the glaze set just right. They’re best served warm, honestly, straight from the air fryer. The smell of the warm glaze and cinnamon is just heavenly!