Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe

Apple fritters are a classic fall treat, and making them gluten-free in an air fryer is a game-changer! These Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters are light, fluffy, and packed with delicious apple flavor, offering a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious treats with minimal effort and no need for a deep fryer. Perfect for any occasion, they’re especially great for using up those extra apples from the season.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters that are as tasty as they are easy to prepare. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just looking to enjoy a lighter version of a classic dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• Healthier than deep-fried versions: Air frying requires little to no oil, making this a healthier choice.

• Bursting with apple cinnamon flavor: These fritters are the perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, these fritters come together quickly without the hassle of frying.

• Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

• Kid-friendly: This recipe is fun for the whole family to make together, especially during apple season!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

Dry Ingredients:

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill)

• Brown sugar for sweetness

• Baking powder to help the fritters rise

• Salt to balance the sweetness

• Pumpkin spice or cinnamon for that warm, cozy flavor

Wet Ingredients:

• Eggs to provide structure

• Vanilla extract for extra flavor

• Lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning and add a touch of tartness

• Melted butter for richness and to coat the apples

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered sugar to make the glaze sweet and creamy

• Almond milk or regular milk to thin the glaze to your desired consistency

Best Apples for Apple Fritters

The best apples for this recipe are those that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp apples are a popular choice for their sweetness, but you can also use Pink Lady, Jonagold, or Braeburn apples. While some prefer the tartness of Granny Smith apples, sweeter varieties tend to work best for apple fritters, giving you a more balanced flavor.

How to Make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Making Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters is a breeze when you follow these simple steps. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the fritters cook evenly and ensures they get that perfect golden brown color.

2. Prepare the Apples
   While the air fryer is heating, peel, core, and chop 3 large apples into small pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the apple chunks with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. The lemon juice will help prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups of gluten-free flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice (or cinnamon, if you prefer). These dry ingredients will form the base of your fritter batter.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, crack 2 eggs and lightly beat them. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor. Then, gently fold in the apple mixture from Step 2.

5. Form the Batter
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the batter to stay slightly lumpy and thick. If the batter feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up to the desired consistency.

6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray to prevent the fritters from sticking. Be sure to avoid using regular cooking spray as it can damage the basket. Using a spoon, scoop out heaping spoonfuls of batter and place them in a single layer in the basket. You should fit around 4-6 fritters at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.

7. Air Fry the Fritters
   Air fry the fritters at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes on one side. After 4 minutes, gently flip them over with a spatula, spray the other side with a bit of coconut oil, and air fry for an additional 4 minutes. The fritters should turn golden brown and crisp on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

8. Cool and Glaze
   Once done, carefully remove the fritters from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for a few minutes. If you’re making the optional glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon almond milk (or regular milk) to reach your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the fritters while they’re still warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

• Test the First Fritter: Before air frying the entire batch, test one fritter to ensure that the cooking time and temperature work well with your air fryer. This will help you make any necessary adjustments for future batches.

• Add Milk if the Batter is Too Thick: If the batter is too stiff, add a little more milk to help loosen it up and make it easier to work with.

• Spray with Coconut Oil: Be sure to spray the fritters with coconut oil for a golden brown finish and a crispy texture.

• Air Fry in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fritters in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking.

How to Store Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

If you have leftovers (or if you simply want to prepare them in advance), here’s how to store your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters:

• At Room Temperature: Allow the fritters to cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste great, though the texture may soften slightly.

• Freezing: You can freeze the fritters for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

What are the best apples to use for air fryer apple fritters?

The best apples for Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters are those that provide a balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Jonagold apples are excellent choices because they retain their texture and flavor when cooked. If you prefer a slightly more tart flavor, you can use Granny Smith apples, but keep in mind that they are more tart and may need a bit more sweetness from sugar.

Why are my apple fritters soggy?

Soggy apple fritters can occur for a few reasons. First, if the batter is too wet, it will cause the fritters to be dense and soggy. To prevent this, make sure the batter is thick enough to hold the apple pieces without becoming runny. Second, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fritters. Always air fry the fritters in batches to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.

Why are my apple fritters raw in the middle?

If your Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters are raw in the middle, it’s likely because the fritters were too thick or not cooked long enough. Be sure to test one fritter before cooking the entire batch to adjust the time and temperature as needed. If your fritters are too thick, consider flattening them slightly before placing them in the air fryer, which helps them cook more evenly.

Final Thoughts

Making Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters is a fun, easy, and healthier way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, these fritters come together quickly and require no deep frying. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just looking for a lighter alternative to the classic apple fritter, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Enjoy them fresh, or store them for later – either way, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Add a drizzle of glaze or enjoy them plain, either way, they are a delicious, guilt-free treat that’s perfect for fall!

Recipe Card for Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters:

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or cinnamon)

• Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 3 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

• Optional Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon almond milk (or regular milk)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop 3 large apples. Toss them in a medium bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons melted butter.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups gluten-free flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2.5 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, crack 2 eggs and beat them. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and then gently fold in the apple mixture.

5. Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. If the batter feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.

6. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray. Using a spoon, scoop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

7. Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and air fry for another 4 minutes until golden brown.

8. Cool and Glaze: Let the fritters cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If making the glaze, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon almond milk (or regular milk). Drizzle the glaze over the fritters before serving.

Notes:

• Test one fritter before cooking the entire batch to adjust time and temperature if necessary.

• If the batter is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to make it more workable.

• For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, air fry the fritters in batches.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 175 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34.5g

• Protein: 2.7g

• Fat: 3.4g

• Saturated Fat: 1.7g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 245mg

• Sugar: 14g

• Fiber: 1.8g

• Iron: 1mg

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 23 minutes

• Method: Air Fryer

• Cuisine: American, Dessert

• Servings: 10 fritters

• Calories per serving: 175 kcal

• Yield: 10 fritters