Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
These healthier Air Fryer Apple Fritters are the perfect solution! At just 5 WW points per fritter, they give you all the flavor without the extra calories of traditional fried versions. The warm spices, fresh apples, and light glaze make these fritters irresistible, and theyโre made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, with the air fryer, they come together in minutesโcrispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and healthier than ever!
Ingredients in Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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For Healthier Air Fryer Apple Fritters, you’ll need 2 ยผ cups of diced apples (about 2-3 apples), โ cup of plain unsweetened almond milk (plus an additional 1-2 tbsp if needed), 1 egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix 1 ยฝ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ยผ tsp of salt, 2 tsp of cinnamon, ยฝ tsp of nutmeg, and โ cup of brown sugar. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in 3 ยฝ tbsp of melted light butter substitute (I used I Canโt Believe Itโs Not Butter, Light). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-aerosol avocado oil cooking spray as needed. For the glaze, whisk together 1 ยผ cups of powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp of water or unsweetened almond milk, adding maple extract (optional) for extra flavor.
Preheat and Prepare Wet Ingredients
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Preheat your air fryer to 375ยฐF. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the melted butter substitute, ensuring itโs well combined.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center, then pour in the wet mixture. If the batter seems too thick, add 1โ2 tablespoons of milk to thin it out. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.
Fold in the Apples
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Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, taking care not to overmix. This will help prevent the fritters from becoming tough.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket
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Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, ensuring space around the edges for airflow. Generously grease the parchment. Scoop the fritter batter into the basket, leaving room for them to spread. Spray the tops with avocado oil or your preferred cooking spray. Air fry the fritters for 5 minutes, then flip them, spray again, and cook for an additional 4โ6 minutes or until cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Make the Glaze
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Whisk the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, then gradually add 1 tablespoon of water or milk at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Add maple extract if using.
Glaze the Fritters
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When the fritters are done, immediately drizzle them with the glaze while theyโre still hot using a spoon. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
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For variations and substitutions, you can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg, adding about 1 ยฝ to 2 teaspoons for a flavorful twist. If you have extra points to spare, consider making a brown butter glaze, which has a richer flavor that enhances the taste of the apple fritters, though regular butter can also be used in the batter. For a simpler option, try coating the fritters in cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot to ensure it sticks betterโif needed, lightly spray them first. When choosing apples, go with your preference; I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sugary glaze, but Honey Crisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, or Golden Delicious are great options too.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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When making air fryer apple fritters, ensure the centers are fully cooked before removing them from the air fryer, and avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. For consistency, you can weigh the batter and divide it evenly to make fritters of the same size. Customize the glaze to your taste by adjusting its thickness and experimenting with flavors like vanilla, almond, or rum, and adding spices such as cinnamon. For the best results, glaze the fritters immediately after they come out of the air fryer to create a crisp shell. Lastly, dice the apples into small, even pieces to help the fritters hold together and cook uniformly.
