When you think of warm and cozy treats, these air fryer apple fritters come to mind. They are sweet, tender, and oh-so-easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these fritters bring a delightful burst of apple flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!
Why You Will Love This Apple Fritters
This recipe is fantastic because it’s simple and quick to whip up. You just need a few everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that crispy exterior with a soft, warm inside without the hassle of deep frying. Your family will love the fresh apple flavor, and they’re a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
How to Make Apple Fritters
Making these fritters is straightforward and beginner-friendly. The air fryer does most of the work for you, and with minimal cleanup, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Just mix your ingredients, spoon out the batter, and let the air fryer do its magic.
What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful fritters:
- 1.5 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large apples
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 regular lemon (juice)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
- Peel, clean, and chop 3 apples. Mix them with the juice of 1/2 lemon and the butter. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.
- In another bowl, gently beat the eggs. Stir in the vanilla, and then gently fold in the chopped apples. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. If the batter is too thick, thin it with a little milk.
- Use a spoon to drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the tops with coconut oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, then allow to cool for a few minutes before glazing if desired.
How to Serve Apple Fritters
These apple fritters are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little extra sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for gatherings, breakfast, or cozy afternoons.
How to Store Apple Fritters
To keep your fritters fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to chop the apples into small pieces for even cooking.
- For a sweeter fritter, you can add more brown sugar to the batter.
- Keep an eye on them while frying to prevent overcooking.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought gluten-free flour blends.
- Try adding chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Variations & Swaps
Feel free to get creative with these fritters! Here are some ideas:
- Add chocolate chips or caramel bits for a sweet twist.
- Swap the pumpkin spice for cinnamon for a classic flavor.
- For a healthier option, incorporate oats for added texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Use different types of apples for varied flavors, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
FAQs
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze these apple fritters?
Absolutely! Freeze them after they’ve cooled. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen.
How do I reheat leftover fritters?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for about 3-5 minutes until they’re crispy and warmed through. This helps retain their texture compared to microwaving.
What if I don’t have gluten-free flour?
You can use regular all-purpose flour in the same quantity if you’re not concerned about gluten. Enjoy them as a delightful treat!
What’s the best way to serve these fritters?
They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a simple glaze, powdered sugar, or even vanilla ice cream for a lovely dessert. Enjoy!
Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups gluten-free flour You can use regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Add more for a sweeter fritter.
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice You can substitute with cinnamon.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs Gently beaten.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter Melted.
- 1/2 regular lemon juice
Apples
- 3 large apples Peeled, cleaned, and chopped.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
- Peel, clean, and chop the 3 apples. Mix them with the juice of 1/2 lemon and the butter. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.
- In another bowl, gently beat the eggs. Stir in the vanilla, and then gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. If the batter is too thick, thin it with a little milk.
Cooking
- Use a spoon to drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the preheated air fryer basket.
- Spray the tops with coconut oil spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, then allow to cool for a few minutes before glazing if desired.
