Air Fryer Apple Fritter Muffins
These Air Fryer Apple Fritter Muffins combine the classic taste of apple fritters with the convenience of muffins, all made in your air fryer in half the time of conventional baking. The delicious aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples and warm, fluffy muffins will transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery in minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Silicone Muffin Cups
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a less refined option
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk or 3/4 cup milk mixed with 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples approximately 2 medium apples - Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best
For the Apple Filling
- 1 cup finely diced apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples for the filling with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – aim for a few small lumps in the batter.
- Gently fold the 1½ cups of diced apples into the muffin batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Lightly grease silicone muffin cups or use parchment paper liners in metal muffin cups. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Fill each prepared muffin cup about 1/3 full with batter. Add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling to the center of each, then top with more batter until the cups are about 2/3 full.
- Place the muffin cups in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook at 320°F for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the muffins are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over each muffin.
Notes
• Using air fryer technology reduces the fat content by approximately 30% compared to traditional fried apple fritters.
• For a healthier version, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, substitute apple sauce for half the butter, or use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
• These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
• Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady varieties work best for this recipe.
• For a healthier version, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, substitute apple sauce for half the butter, or use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
• These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
• Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady varieties work best for this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 230mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 19g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!