If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both light and bursting with cozy flavors, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze. These fritters bring together tender bites of diced apples enveloped in a cinnamon-spiced batter, all cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic indulgence. Topped with a rich, nutty brown butter glaze that adds a luxurious finish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, creamy mixture that is light beige with tiny darker specks throughout. The mixture has smooth, swirling textures on top, showing it has been stirred, with a silver spoon partially dipped into it, resting against the side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the juicy apples that give the fritters their sweet freshness to the fragrant cinnamon that evokes that perfect fall feeling. The brown butter in the glaze adds a deep, nutty richness that takes these fritters over the top. Here’s the list of essentials to craft this irresistible dish.

Powdered Sugar: For a silky smooth glaze that melts beautifully over the fritters.
Butter (½ stick): Browning this transforms it into the star of the glaze with a buttery nutty aroma.
Vanilla (½ tsp for glaze, 1 tsp for batter): Adds warmth and depth to both batter and glaze.
Milk (⅓ cup for batter, 1 tbsp for glaze): Keeps the batter tender and helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
All Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The base that gives structure to the fritters while keeping them light.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.
Baking Powder (2 tsp): Ensures those fritters puff up with a lovely, soft texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances all the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): The cozy spice that perfectly complements the apples.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, fresh): Keeps the diced apples bright and flavorful, preventing browning.
Eggs (2): Bind the batter for just the right richness and softness.
Apples (2 large): Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Green Apples to add juicy bursts in every bite.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: For brushing, ensuring a beautifully crisp outside without deep frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze

Start by melting the butter over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it as it foams and changes from a golden melt to a rich brown, releasing a heavenly nutty aroma. This process is what makes the glaze so unique and flavorful. Once browned, remove the butter from heat and mix it with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth and glossy. This glaze will be irresistible drizzled warm over your fritters.

Step 2: Make the Batter

While your air fryer heats up, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix gives your fritters their fluffy, flavorful base. Then, create a little well in the center and add the wet ingredients: milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs. Stir gently to combine before folding in the diced apples. The lemon juice is a clever addition that keeps your apples fresh and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper cut to fit the base and lightly brush or spray with oil so your fritters won’t stick. This step helps guarantee that perfect crispy exterior without the need for heavy frying.

Step 4: Cook the Fritters

Drop about a quarter cup of batter onto the prepared basket, leaving space between each fritter — you don’t want them to merge or steam each other. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches if needed. Brush the tops lightly with oil to encourage browning. Cook at 400 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden, then carefully flip and cook the other side. The result? Crispy, pillowy fritters studded with tender apple pieces.

Step 5: Finish with the Brown Butter Glaze

Once cooked, place the fritters on a cooling rack with parchment underneath to catch any drips. While the fritters are still warm, generously drizzle your brown butter glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into every crevice. This final touch gives the fritters a beautiful shine and irresistible flavor boost.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze

The image shows four apple fritters on a black wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each fritter is irregular in shape with a golden-brown, crispy outside covered in a shiny light glaze that pools slightly around the edges, giving a moist look. The fritters have visible chunks of cooked apple throughout, adding texture and a bit of unevenness to their surface. In the upper left corner, there is a whole red apple and one apple cut in half with a smooth pale yellow inside. Two cinnamon sticks are placed above the fritters, near the apples, while a white cup filled with dark black coffee sits in the upper right corner of the image. A woman's hand part of a blue and white checkered cloth is seen in the lower left. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your fritters even more, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon. Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch, and a few fresh apple slices on the side create an inviting presentation. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are also perfect companions for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair wonderfully with warm beverages such as chai tea, spiced cider, or a rich latte for a cozy afternoon treat. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a sweet-salty combo everyone will love. They are versatile enough to star on their own or complement a hearty brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique take, stack the fritters like a mini tower and drizzle glaze between the layers, topped with apple slices and a sprig of fresh mint for color. You can also skew them on wooden sticks for an easy-to-eat treat at parties or brunches. Serving them in small rustic baskets lined with parchment paper adds a charming touch that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze separate if you prefer to drizzle it fresh before serving to maintain that perfect texture and shine.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled, unglazed fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy this treat anytime by reheating without losing any of their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover fritters in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and crisp. Then add your brown butter glaze just before serving to regain that fresh-baked allure. Microwave reheating is possible for convenience but may soften the outside, so the air fryer is the recommended method.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the fritters?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen apples if you thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the batter soggy.

Is it necessary to use brown butter in the glaze?

Brown butter adds a unique nutty depth that elevates the glaze, but melted regular butter can be substituted if you’re short on time or ingredients.

Can I make these fritters without an air fryer?

Yes! You can pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, though the texture may be slightly different and oil usage will be higher.

Are these fritters unhealthy compared to traditional fried versions?

Since these fritters are cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil, they are generally lighter and less greasy than traditional deep-fried fritters, making them a better-for-you dessert option.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins will introduce extra texture and flavor, making these fritters even more delightful. Just fold them in gently with the apples before cooking.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Brown Butter Glaze are truly a treasure to have in your recipe collection. They bring together the comforts of a beloved dessert with a quick, healthier twist that’s perfect any time you want to treat yourself or wow guests. Once you try making these, you’ll see how effortlessly they turn everyday ingredients into something spectacular. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every warm, glazed bite as much as I do!