Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Apple Fritter with Glaze
These air-fried Gluten-Free Apple Fritters with a Cream Cheese Maple Glaze are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, applesauce, and fresh apples. Made with almond, oat, and tapioca flours, they’re the perfect healthier take on a classic treat—without the refined sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Gluten-Free Apple Fritters
- Air-fried perfection: Crispy outside and tender inside without the need for deep-frying.
- Naturally sweetened: Made with maple syrup, applesauce, and apples for sweetness without refined sugar.
- Gluten-free goodness: Made with almond, oat, and tapioca flours for a delicious gluten-free treat.
- Easy to make: Comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and an air fryer.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting air-fryer gluten-free apple fritter recipe:
Apples: You can use any variety of fresh apples including granny smith apples, fuji, and honey crisp apples.
Almond Flour: Almond flour is already gluten-free, but if you need a nut-free option, you can replace it with sunflower seed flour or coconut flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour is highly absorbent, so you’ll need less of it, typically about 1/4 cup for every 1 cup of almond flour.*
Oat Flour: Use certified gluten-free oat flour to ensure it’s gluten-free. If you can’t have oats, you can use sorghum flour or brown rice flour as a substitute. I do not recommend using wheat flour.*
Tapioca Flour: Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is a common gluten-free choice, but you can substitute it with arrowroot flour or potato starch if needed.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Make sure these are labeled as gluten-free. Most commercial brands are, but double-check to be sure.
Butter: Replace regular butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make it dairy-free. If you need a dairy-free and soy-free alternative, try using ghee (clarified butter).*
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: You can omit both spices however they do create the apple cinnamon flavors.
Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese made from almond or cashew milk. There are many brands available in stores.*
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is naturally gluten-free. You can also use agave nectar or honey as a sweetener if preferred.
Butter: Substitute with dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.*
*I have not tested this substitution.
How to Make My Homemade Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Chop two apples into 1/2 inch apple chunks.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Fritter Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 tablespoons melted butter (or dairy-free alternative), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Then add the dry ingredients, including 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup tapioca flour, 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Mix until well combined. The batter should be thick but sticky. You can add more oat flour or almond milk to adjust if needed.
Gently fold the tender apples into the fritter batter until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Air Fry the Apples
You will want to line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper cut 1/2 inch smaller than the bottom of your basket. Trim off the corners of the parchment paper so they do not blow over the fritters on the corners while baking. The parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup.
Scoop the fritter batter and place inside the air fryer basket. Allow room around each fritter for the air to circulate. You can choose the shape of your fritters. You can leave them as round mounds, or you can use a spoon and reshape them as ovals.
Baste each fritter on the top and four sides with a pastry brush and coconut oil.
Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Oven Baked: You can also bake the fritters in an oven. Scoop the fritter batter onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Baste with coconut oil. Then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the fritters are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl combine, 2 oz of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. You can also mix in a small blender or chopper cup until smooth and creamy.
Baste the glaze on the tops of the fritters with a pastry brush.
Allow about 10 minutes for the glaze to soak into the fritter and set. Then serve the gluten-free apple fritters warm and enjoy!
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Notes
Dairy-Free Options: To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Also, opt for dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
Cooking the Apples: When preparing the apple filling, cook the apples until they are tender and have a slight caramelization, at least 2-3 minutes. This adds flavor and sweetness to the fritters and also makes them taste more like a classic apple fritter.
Consistency of Batter: The fritter batter should be thick but still scoopable. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of dairy-free milk (such as almond milk) to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, you can add more almond flour.
Fritter Size: You can adjust the size of the fritters based on your preference. Smaller fritters cook faster and are easier to handle, while larger ones may take a bit longer.
Oven Baked: You can also bake the fritters in an oven. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glazing: Drizzle the glaze over the fritters while they are still warm. This allows the glaze to melt slightly and enhance the overall flavor.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Brunch Spread: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a balanced and hearty brunch.
- Dessert Option: Top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a warm, comforting dessert after dinner.
- Holiday Treat: Include them in your holiday dessert table or serve them fresh at a fall gathering for a seasonal favorite.
Room Temperature: An air fryer dessert is best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. If you plan to consume them within a few hours, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
Refrigeration: If you have leftover fritters that you want to keep for a longer period, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Fritters stored in the refrigerator can last for 1 to 2 days.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze your gluten-free apple fritters. Here’s how:
Allow the fritters to cool completely to room temperature.
Individually wrap each fritter in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped fritters in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freezer Storage Duration: Properly stored in the freezer, gluten-free apple fritters can stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen fritters, follow these steps:
Remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed fritters on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This will help maintain their crispy texture.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy.
Avoid Moisture: To prevent sogginess, avoid stacking the fritters when storing them, whether at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Keeping them in a single layer helps maintain their texture.
Glaze: If possible, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. If you’ve already glazed the fritters and want to store them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the glazed fritters to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe nut-free by replacing almond flour with sunflower seed flour or coconut flour. Be aware that coconut flour is highly absorbent, so use less of it compared to almond flour.
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flours?
If you don’t require a gluten-free recipe, you can use regular all-purpose flour in place of the gluten-free flours. Use the same amount as specified in the recipe.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of apples, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp work well because they provide a nice balance of flavor. However, you can use your favorite apple variety.
Can I make these fritters in advance?
While air fryer apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter and apple filling in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, fry the fritters and make the glaze.
How do I reheat leftover fritters?
To reheat leftover fritters, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crisp. You can also use a toaster oven for a quicker reheat.
Can I freeze these fritters?
Yes, you can freeze these fritters for long-term storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What’s a good dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese glaze?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese made from almond or cashew milk as a substitute for the glaze. Many brands offer dairy-free cream cheese alternatives that work well in recipes like this one.
Can I make mini-sized fritters for a party or as an appetizer?
Yes, you can make smaller-sized fritters by using a smaller scoop or spoon to portion the batter. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since smaller fritters will cook faster.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer an alternative sweetener, you can use agave nectar, honey, or another liquid sweetener in place of maple syrup in the glaze.
Can I omit the glaze?
Yes, you can omit the glaze if you prefer a less sweet or simpler fritter. The fritters are still delicious without it.
Air-Fryer Gluten-Free Apple Fritter with Glaze
Ingredients
Fritter Batter:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups chopped apple (2-3 apples)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze:
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
Apple Filling:
- Chop two apples into 1/2 inch apple chunks.In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.Add the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the apples are tender and caramelized.Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Fritter Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 3 tablespoons melted butter (or dairy-free alternative), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.Then add the dry ingredients, including 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup tapioca flour, 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.Mix until well combined. The batter should be thick but sticky.Gently fold the tender apples into the fritter batter until evenly distributed.
- You will want to line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper cut 1/2 inch smaller than the bottom of your basket. Trim off the corners of the parchment paper so they do not blow over the fritters on the corners while baking. The parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup.Scoop the fritter batter and place inside the air fryer basket. Allow room around each fritter for the air to circulate. You can choose the shape of your fritters. You can leave them as round mounds, or you can use a spoon and reshape them as ovals.Baste each fritter on the top and four sides with a pastry brush and coconut oil.Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes or until golden brown.Oven Baked: You can also bake the fritters in an oven. Scoop the fritter batter onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Baste with coconut oil. Then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the fritters are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl combine, 2 oz of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. You can also mix in a small blender or chopper cup until smooth and creamy.Baste the glaze on the tops of the fritters with a pastry brush. Allow about 10 minutes for the glaze to soak into the fritter and set. Then serve the gluten-free apple fritters warm and enjoy!
Video
These gluten free apple fritters were delicious! They have the perfect amount of sweetness, I like that they weren’t overly sweet and didn’t use sugar. I used dairy free butter and dairy free cream cheese and the whole family loved them. My air fryer is small, so I made a few in the air fry and the rest in the oven. The air fryer produced crisper outer edges, while the oven baked ones had a texture more similar to a muffin. Some of my family preferred the air fried ones, and some preferred the oven baked. Both were so good! Thanks for another excellent, easy recipe Nicole!
You are so welcome Celeste!! I love that you cooked them both ways and could compare the results. Those are great substitutions to make them dairy-free!