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Apple Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer apple fritters are enhanced by a rich brown butter glaze, delivering a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 fritters
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 175

Ingredients
  

For the Brown Butter Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Adds a sweet, creamy texture.
  • 1/4 cup Butter (1/2 stick) Rich foundation for the glaze.
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Milk (if needed) For consistency of the glaze.
For the Fritters
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour Foundation for a fluffy fritter.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the batter.
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder Helps fritters rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon Infuses warm spice notes.
  • 1/3 cup Milk Adds moisture.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extra aromatic qualities.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh) Prevents browning of apples.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the ingredients together.
  • 2 large Apples (such as Honey Crisp or Green Apples), peeled, cored, and diced small Provides juicy bites.
  • Canola or Vegetable Oil (for brushing/spraying) Ensures crispy finish.

Method
 

Brown the Butter
  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, cooking until it starts to foam and turn brown. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, browned butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed.
Preheat the Air Fryer
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-4 minutes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, adding in the milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs. Mix gently then fold in the diced apples.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
  1. Line the basket with parchment or air fryer liners and brush lightly with oil.
Cook the Fritters
  1. Drop ¼ cup of batter onto the lined basket without overcrowding. Lightly dab tops with oil.
Air Fry to Perfection
  1. Cook fritters for 4-5 minutes until golden, flip them and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Glaze and Serve
  1. Transfer fritters to a cooling rack while warm and drizzle with brown butter glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Adjust cinnamon to taste. For added texture, top with nuts or salt.