Air-Fried Apple Fritters With Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe

Air-Fried Apple Fritters are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic deep-fried treat. These fritters are made by combining fresh apples with a cinnamon-spiced batter, then air-frying them to golden perfection. The air fryer ensures that the fritters cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside, with much less oil than traditional frying methods. To make the experience even more indulgent, they are topped with a rich and velvety salted caramel sauce. The salted caramel sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of savory, elevating the fritters to a new level of flavor. These Air-Fried Apple Fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack, and are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet. With the air fryer doing most of the work, it’s an easy, mess-free recipe that everyone will love.

Air-Fried Apple Fritters With Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe

If you’re a fan of crispy, sweet treats with a touch of indulgence, you must try these Air-Fried Apple Fritters with Salted Caramel Sauce. Combining the natural sweetness of apples with a crispy, light batter, these fritters are healthier than traditional deep-fried versions thanks to the air fryer method. Topped with a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce, these apple fritters are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. This recipe delivers all the flavor you love, but with less guilt!

The air fryer makes the fritters crispy on the outside while keeping them soft and fluffy on the inside, mimicking the classic deep-fried fritters without the excess oil. The salted caramel sauce adds an irresistible, luxurious finish to every bite, balancing the sweetness of the apple with a hint of salty goodness. This recipe is simple to make, perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet delicious treat.

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Nutrition

Per Serving (1 Fritter with Caramel Sauce):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Vitamin C: 5% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 4% DV

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Ingredients

For the Apple Fritters:

• 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Resting Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes for the caramel sauce to cool slightly
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Cuisines and Course

• Cuisines: American, Dessert
• Course: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast

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Servings

• Servings: 6 servings (approximately 1 fritter each)

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Grater (for apples if desired)
• Saucepan (for caramel sauce)
• Spoon or scoop for batter
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Fritters:

• Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small chunks. Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
• In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense fritters. The batter should be thick but still spoonable.
• Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.

2. Air-Fry the Fritters:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
• Using a spoon or scoop, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding.
• Air fry the fritters for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
• Once cooked, remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack.

3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving.

4. Serve the Fritters:

• Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the warm salted caramel sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with a pinch of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.

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Tips for Success

• Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the caramel sauce, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter profile. You can choose based on your flavor preference.
• Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer is small, cook the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Caramel Sauce Variations: For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the caramel sauce.
• Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to maintain their crispiness. The salted caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheated before serving.

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Why Choose Air Frying?

The air fryer has revolutionized how we make traditionally fried foods, offering a healthier alternative without compromising taste or texture. By using hot air circulation, air fryers create a crispy exterior and retain moisture inside, giving the fritters a perfectly golden finish without soaking up excess oil. This method significantly reduces fat and calories compared to deep frying while still providing that satisfying crunch. Plus, the air fryer is quick and easy to use, making this recipe a great option for busy weeknights or weekend treats.

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Conclusion

These Air-Fried Apple Fritters with Salted Caramel Sauce are a perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and salty. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried fritters without sacrificing flavor, making them an ideal treat for those looking to indulge with less guilt. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a dessert, or a fun breakfast, the combination of the light, apple-filled fritters and rich salted caramel sauce will satisfy your cravings. Simple, quick, and delicious – what more could you ask for in a recipe?

Enjoy your air-fried fritters with a cup of coffee or tea for an unforgettable treat!