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Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Apple Fritters – Easy Fall Dessert with Cream Cheese Glaze

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These air fryer cinnamon roll apple fritters are a quick and cozy fall dessert, packed with juicy apples, swirled with cinnamon roll flavor, and finished with a silky cream cheese glaze. Enjoy bakery-style fritters at home in just 30 minutes, with less mess and oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for extra cinnamon flavor!)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (whole or 2% work best; use dairy-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted (swap with coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled, cored & diced small (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk (adjust for drizzling consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or allspice
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tbsp cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1/3 cup milk, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until incorporated; do not overmix.
  5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups diced apples until evenly distributed.
  6. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top of the batter. Swirl gently with a knife or spatula; do not fully mix.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
  8. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out 2-tablespoon mounds of batter and gently drop into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  9. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm to the touch. Add 1-2 minutes if needed.
  10. Transfer fritters to a wire rack and cool for 5-10 minutes.
  11. While fritters cool, beat together 2 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
  12. Drizzle warm fritters generously with cream cheese glaze before serving.

Notes

For best results, dice apples into small 1/4-inch cubes and avoid overmixing the batter. Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently for distinct ribbons of flavor. Work in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer. Fritters are best served warm and freshly glazed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer to re-crisp. Recipe can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, apple fritters, cinnamon roll, fall dessert, cream cheese glaze, easy dessert, quick recipe, brunch, apple, cinnamon, kid friendly

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/air-fryer-cinnamon-roll-apple-fritters-easy-fall-dessert-with-cream-cheese-glaze/