Air Fryer Apple Fritters - Small Batch

Air fryer Apple Fritters are made without yeast and makes a small batch! Skip deep frying and make this light and tender fritter that is loaded with chunks of fresh apples.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Yeast free Apple Fritters are perfect for when your family craves for something sweet yet, you are not in the mood to bake or deep fry. They are an easy mix and cook recipe that does not need an electric mixer or heating up hot oil.

Fall season is all about pumpkins and apples - Cozy and comforting with all the fall spices. You guys have been loving our Baked Apples made in the air fryer, that we decided o come up with another air fryer apple recipe.

WHAT IS AN APPLE FRITTER?

They are technically apple donuts. The most popular bakery kind are where chopped apples are mixed into leftover yeast donut scraps, deep fried and then glazed. However, some homemade versions include apples dipped in a simple batter and then cooked. Another fun creation called "Apple fritter rings" is where apples are cored, cut into rings, dipped into batter and then cooked, thus giving a more homemade donuts look.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE?

1. No deep frying - Making it so much healthier and is a time saver.
2. No yeast dough - Old fashioned apple fritters are made with a yeast dough and then deep fried. If you are familiar working with yeast dough, then you know that it takes several hours for proofing and rising.
3. Light and Tender
4. Small Batch - Makes a single batch of 6 small ones.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS?

• The batter is made with egg yolk, which not only gives richness but also makes it tender.
• Brown sugar adds a touch of caramel notes that mimics an old fashion doughnut.
• Sour cream along with baking soda reacts during the cooking process, giving a nice lift.
• Cooking at two different temperatures ensures a light & fluffy donut.
• Butter gives a wonderful richness and flavor.

BEST APPLES TO USE

Varieties like Honey crisp, Gala, Granny smith are all delicious additions. You want to choose a fruit that is crisp, sweet and tart.

WHAT TEMPERATURE TO FRY?

TheY is "fried" at two different temperatures. The appliance is left to pre heat at 350° for 5 minutes and then cooked at 340°. The pre heating works similar to oven by making sure that the appliance is hot enough to kick start the "frying process" as soon as it is placed into it.

HOW TO REHEAT?

Place 1 to 3 glazed fritters (we do not recommend more) in a pre heated 350°F air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes (one minute if heating 1 fritter | 2 minutes if heating 3 fritters).

DON'T PREFER GLAZE?

Toss hot cooked fritters in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and serve OR sprinkle confectioners sugar on top (make sure that fritters are not hot).

INGREDIENTS

1. Apple - Peeled and chopped into ¼-inch cubes
2. All purpose flour
3. Sugar - Golden or light brown sugar.
4. Leavening - Baking powder and baking soda
5. Egg - Use only the yolk
6. Dairy - Milk and sour cream
7. Flavorings- Cinnamon, Vanilla extract and salt

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• What happens if you cook without the preheating? The fritters tend to be flatter and not as light and tender.
• Don’t over mix – As with all baking recipes, over mixing the batter tends to make a tougher baked product.
• Using yogurt – Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Using greek yogurt - To use plain greek yogurt, use 1 tablespoon of greek yogurt plus 1 tablespoon water instead of sour cream.
• Air Fryer used – This recipe was tested in Instant Pot 6qt Vortex Air Fryer, cooking time may vary for other brands.
• Fritter size - About ¼ cup measure was perfect to make 6 medium size fritters in our air fryer basket.
• Grease the air fryer basket well with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that fritters do not stick.
• Be gentle when removing hot fritters from the air fryer basket.

TOPPING IDEAS

Switch up the glaze

• Use maple syrup instead of water
• Add a tablespoon of melted butter or brown butter to the glaze
• Use ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg instead of vanilla
• Use ground cardamom instead

HOW TO MAKE?

Make batter

Step-1: Peel, core and chop an apple into ¼-inch cubes.

Step-2: Whisk flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl.

Step-3: Whisk egg yolk, milk, sour cream and melted butter together.

Step-4: Mix wet ingredients along with flour mixture and then stir in chopped apples.

Air fry

Step-1: Pre heat air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes at 350 degrees, while you prepare the batter.

Step-2: Drop about ¼ cup measure fritters in a GREASED air fryer basket and then flatten them slightly. Cook for about 10 minutes at 340 degrees.

Glaze

Mix confectioners sugar, water, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Drizzle glaze on top of fritters or dip the top of fritters into the glaze.

Let glaze set for couple of minutes before serving.

How Long Are these Good For?

These are best eaten as they are made. They taste and texture are best enjoyed while still warm. The best part about this recipe is that it just makes a small batch, hence you will not end up with any leftovers. However, if you have any leftover fritters then check for reheating instructions in recipe notes.

Can these be frozen?

This recipe makes a small batch of just 6 guys, that we don't find a need to freeze. However, if you wish to freeze leftovers, then place cooled ones (without glaze) on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.

Transfer to a zip lock bag, seal well and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees, until heated through. Glaze and serve.

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