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Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters (Gluten-Free) Recipe

3.9 from 58 reviews

These Easy Air Fryer Apple Fritters are a delightful gluten-free treat perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with fresh apples, warm pumpkin spice, and a tender gluten-free batter, they are air-fried to golden perfection, offering a crispy outside and soft inside without the extra oil. A light almond milk glaze adds a touch of sweetness, making them irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 regular lemon (juice)
  • Milk (amount as needed to thin batter, optional)

Fruit

  • 3 large apples

For Glaze (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp almond milk

Other

  • Coconut oil spray for air fryer basket

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for frying the fritters.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the 3 large apples into small pieces. In a bowl, combine the chopped apples with the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of butter. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients and Apples: In another bowl, gently beat the 2 eggs. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the apple mixture. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients just until combined. If the batter feels too thick, thin it slightly with a little milk to achieve a spoonable consistency.
  5. Spoon Batter into Air Fryer: Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the preheated air fryer basket, spacing them apart. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with coconut oil spray to promote browning and crispiness.
  6. Air Fry the Fritters: Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden, then carefully flip them and continue air frying for another 3-4 minutes. Once cooked through and golden on both sides, remove them and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  7. Prepare the Optional Glaze: Place a piece of parchment paper under a baking rack or plate. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon almond milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled fritters for added sweetness and shine.

Notes

  • For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
  • You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • If you don’t have pumpkin spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves works well.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep fritters tender.
  • Adjust air frying time depending on your model, checking for a golden-brown crust.
  • The glaze is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch; you can also omit or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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