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Applesauce Fritters come together in about 30 minutes, and they’re the kind of warm, spiced treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall. These are great in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Apple fritters are one of my family’s favorite treats from our local donut shop, so I wanted a way to capture that classic, old‑school taste at home without dealing with hot oil or the mess that comes with traditional frying. The air fryer ended up being the perfect way to keep all the warm spices, soft apple pieces, and golden brown edges that remind me of the fritters my grandma made.
This super simple batter cooks up quickly, turn lightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and the simple glaze gives them that traditional apple fritter finish.Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Applesauce Fritters
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Applesauce Fritters
- They skip the deep fryer but still give you delicious applesauce fritters with a golden brown finish.
- The batter is super simple and comes together with pantry staples.
- No oil splatter, no babysitting a pot — just scoop, air fry, and enjoy.
- Perfect for using up extra apples or a half-used jar of unsweetened applesauce.
- Kid-friendly and great for weekends, holidays, or a last-minute dessert.
- The vanilla glaze gives them that classic, bakery-style finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour – Gives the fritters structure and that cake-like texture. You can swap in self-rising flour and reduce the baking powder if needed.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Coconut sugar also works.
- Baking powder – Helps the fritters puff up so they stay light instead of dense.
- Warm spices (cinnamon + nutmeg) – Bring that classic apple fritter flavor. You can add a pinch of ginger if you like more depth.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and apple flavor without making the batter too sweet.
- Milk (room temperature) – Helps create a smooth batter. Any dairy or non-dairy milk works.
- Molasses – Adds richness and that deeper, old‑school flavor but maple syrup is a great swap.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the warm flavors.
- Egg – Binds the batter.
- Diced apple – Fresh apple pieces help create those little bursts of soft, sweet apple in every bite. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great.
- Glaze (powdered sugar + milk) – Creates a sweet vanilla coating that melts into the warm fritters.
How to Make Air Fryer Applesauce Fritters
These fritters come together with simple ingredients and easy steps, making the whole process feel relaxed and totally doable even on a busy morning.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It should look evenly blended with no sugar clumps.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, molasses, vanilla, and egg. Don’t worry if the molasses streaks at first, it smooths out.
- Bring it together. Add the dry ingredients into the wet and gently fold until just combined. The batter will be thick and scoopable. Fold in the diced apples.
- Prep the air fryer. Preheat to 400°F. Line the bottom of the basket with parchment that’s been trimmed so it doesn’t block airflow.
- Scoop and cook. Drop 1/3-cup mounds of batter into the basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown, lightly crisp on top, and cooked through.
- Cool and repeat. Transfer to a wire rack set over a parchment-lined sheet. Continue air frying the remaining batter.
- Glaze. Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the warm fritters.
Tip: Batter should look thick and spoonable. Similar to a chunky, drop‑biscuit batter. If it’s too runny, the fritters will spread when baking. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the batter holds its shape when scooped.
Expert Tips & Substitutions
- If you want a more bakery-style crust, lightly spray the tops with oil before air frying.
- Swap part of the all-purpose flour with cake flour (up to ½ cup) for a softer, tender texture.
- Add a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm, nostalgic spice boost.
- If you don’t have molasses or prefer a more neutral flaovr, maple syrup or even a teaspoon of dark brown sugar works.
- You can add a 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to make a sweet vanilla glaze.
- Reheat leftover fritters in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to bring back that soft, golden texture.
Storing & Making Ahead
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat: Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
- Make-ahead: Batter can be mixed (without apples) up to 12 hours ahead. Fold in apples just before cooking.
- Scaling: Double the recipe — just cook in small batches so they crisp evenly.
FAQs
Can you bake applesauce fritters instead of air frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly softer than air-fried fritters.
Why are my fritters soggy?
If they seem soft, they may need another minute or two in the air fryer. Also avoid overcrowding so the heat can circulate.
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but the fritters will taste sweeter. Reduce the brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.
What apples work best for fritters?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any crisp apple that holds its shape when heated.
Can I make these without the glaze?
Absolutely. A dusting of cinnamon sugar is a great option and still gives that classic apple fritter finish.
Similar Recipes
If you’re craving more apple treats with those same warm spices and nostalgic flavors, here are a few that deliver that same sweet, golden goodness:
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Apple Blondie Recipe
- Apple Cinnamon Bread with Greek Yogurt
- Baked Apple Pie Egg Rolls
- Easy Caramel Apple Cake
Enjoyed these Applesauce Fritters? Leave a quick review and share how yours turned out!
Applesauce Fritters in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce, milk, molasses, vanilla, and egg until combined. Add mixed dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir gently, being sure not to overmix. Fold in the apples.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Once preheated, line the inside of the air fryer basket with parchment paper, then drop ⅓ cup-sized mounds of batter in the basket, being sure not to overcrowd them.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a cooling rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining batter.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- More help: For detailed tips, spice guidance, and step-by-step photos, scroll back up to the full post.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
