Not visiting a fair this fall? Don’t worry, you can make this beloved festival treat at home! This recipe is made in the air fryer (a much healthier alternative) and features just the right amount of cozy Member’s Mark™ Organic Cinnamon goodness.

What is a Fritter?

A fritter is a type of fried food made by coating pieces of ingredients (like fruit, vegetables, seafood, or meat) in batter or dough and then frying them until golden and crisp.

There are a couple of common styles:

Dough-based fritters: A batter or dough is mixed with ingredients (like corn, apples, or zucchini) and spooned directly into hot oil to fry.
Battered fritters: An ingredient (like a slice of apple, banana, or fish) is dipped into batter, then fried.

Why is it Healthier to Make a Fritter in the Air Fryer?

Making a fritter in an air fryer can be healthier than deep-frying because:

Much less oil – Traditional fritters are deep-fried, meaning they absorb a lot of oil while cooking. In an air fryer, you usually just need a light spray or brush of oil (or sometimes none at all), which cuts down on calories and fat.
Lower saturated fat intake – Less oil means you’re consuming fewer saturated fats, which can support heart health.
Fewer harmful compounds – Deep-frying at high temperatures can create compounds like acrylamide in starchy foods. Air frying reduces their formation since it uses hot air circulation instead of submerging food in oil.
Same crispy texture – You still get that golden, crunchy outside without the heavy, greasy feel.

What To Serve with Apple Fritters

For Breakfast or Brunch

Fresh fruit (berries, melon, or citrus to balance the richness)
Yogurt or whipped Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and tang)
Scrambled eggs or omelet (a savory protein to balance the sweetness)
Bacon or sausage (salty + sweet combo works beautifully)

For Dessert

Vanilla ice cream (classic warm-and-cold pairing)
Cinnamon whipped cream
Caramel or maple sauce drizzle
Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts for crunch)

Drinks to Pair

Hot coffee or espresso
Spiced chai or cinnamon tea
Cold apple cider (or warm mulled cider in fall)

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Not visiting a fair this fall? Don't worry, you can make this beloved festival treat at home! This recipe is made in the air fryer (a much healthier alternative) and features just the right amount of cozy cinnamon goodness.

Servings fritters

Total Time 30

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Equipment

1 Air fryer

Ingredients

1½ cups All-purpose flour
¼ cup Sugar
2 tsp Baking powder
¼ tsp Salt
1½ tsp Member's Mark™ Organic Ground Cinnamon
⅓ cup Milk
2 large Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 tsp Lemon juice
2 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
2 medium Apples peeled and diced

For the Glaze

1 cup Powdered sugar
3 tbsp Milk
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Butter melted

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and Member's Mark™ Organic Ground Cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Gently fold in apple pieces.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Line air fryer basket with parchment and spray lightly.
Scoop ¼ cup batter mounds into the basket, leaving space between each. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, then cook 3 more minutes until golden brown.
While the fritters are cooking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and butter until smooth. When the fritters are done cooking, dip them in glaze. Place on a wire rack to let the excess glaze drip off.

Course: Dessert

Keyword: apple, cinnamon, dessert, fall, fritter