These gluten-free apple fritters are crisp and golden outside, tender and fluffy inside, and bursting with warm apple–cinnamon flavor. Each bite combines bakery-style sweetness with slightly tart apple pieces, finished with a simple glaze that melts into the fritter while it’s still warm.
❤️ Sandi’s Recipe Summary
- Crisp, golden outside with a soft, apple-filled center.
- Two cooking methods: classic oil-fried or a lighter air-fryer version.
- Warm cinnamon-apple flavor — perfect for fall.
- Easily adapted to other fruits like peaches or blueberries.
I’m excited to share this gluten-free apple fritter recipe. They develop a crisp exterior and a tender interior packed with cinnamon and apple. If you want to avoid frying splatter, the air fryer version yields a satisfying crisp without the mess.
This recipe is adapted from a family fritter that I converted to be gluten-free. The method is the same, and you can choose to cook them in an air fryer for a lighter result or shallow-fry them in oil for the classic texture.
Ingredient Notes and Easy Swaps:
For the full ingredient list and amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Gluten-free flour blend – I tested this with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 and King Arthur Measure for Measure. Other blends can work but may need small moisture adjustments.
- Xanthan gum – If your blend doesn’t include a binder, add 3/4 teaspoon xanthan or guar gum.
- Baking powder / soda – Use aluminum-free leavening where possible.
- Apples – Firmer, slightly tart varieties (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji) hold up best; peeling is optional.
- Eggs – Use large eggs.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is called for; plant-based butter can be substituted for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla – Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
Substitutions:
- To make these dairy-free, use a vegan butter alternative.
- Use a gum-free all-purpose gluten-free flour blend if you prefer not to add xanthan gum.
- Try other fruits such as peaches or blueberries for a different fritter.
A Note From My Kitchen
This is an easy, quick recipe — no yeast and no rising time. I tested it with two popular gluten-free blends and both worked well. If the batter seems too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too thick, a splash of melted butter loosens it. Oil frying gives the deepest flavor and the crispiest crust, but the air fryer comes very close when you spray the tops with a high-heat oil before cooking. For apples, Granny Smith provides a nice tart balance while Fuji yields a sweeter fritter — both are delicious.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Warm the butter (warm but not hot) and whisk in vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs.
Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and fold in the chopped apples.
Step 4: Stir to combine into a thick batter. If it’s too runny, add a tablespoon of flour; if too thick, add a small amount of melted butter.
Step 5: Spray a piece of parchment with oil (I use coconut oil spray). Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter into mounds on the parchment.
Step 6: Trim the parchment around each portion so air can circulate and the fritters cook evenly.
Step 7: Place the fritters (on parchment) into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Spray the tops generously with a high-heat cooking oil to encourage browning.
Step 8 (air fryer): Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, checking for a golden exterior. Timing depends on fritter size.
To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with melted butter, a tablespoon of milk, and vanilla until slightly runny. Place fritters on a wire rack and drizzle with the glaze while they are still hot so it soaks in and sets evenly.
Sandi’s tip: Drizzling the glaze while the fritters are hot helps the coating adhere and creates a glossy finish.
For a savory alternative, try gluten-free delicata squash cheddar fritters.
Oil Frying Directions:
- Heat enough oil for shallow frying to 350°F (180°C). Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before glazing.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Recrisp in the air fryer at 325°F for 4–5 minutes.
- Freeze unglazed fritters for up to four months; glaze after reheating to avoid sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Baking gives a different texture. For a fried texture with less oil, the air fryer is the best alternative to deep frying.
Choose firmer baking apples so they hold up when cooked: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Cortland are all good choices.
Yes. The glaze adds sweetness and sheen, but the fritters are still delicious without it.
More Gluten-Free Apple Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake
- Easy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp (dairy-free option)
- Fool-Proof Gluten-Free Creamy Apple Cake
- Gluten-Free Apple Muffins
Gluten-Free Apple Fritters (Air Fryer or Oil-Fried)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted melted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Equipment
- Air fryer (or a pan for shallow frying)
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes and keep it closed to retain heat.
- Wash and chop apples into small pieces; peeling is optional.
- Whisk together 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour, 1/4 cup cane sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt in a large bowl.
- Warm 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter (about 25 seconds in the microwave), then whisk in 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 large eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold in 1/2 cup chopped apples.
- Mix until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the fritters light.
- Spray a piece of parchment with oil. Use a cookie scoop to drop dough rounds onto the parchment. If frying in oil, follow the oil frying directions below.
- Trim the parchment around each fritter so air can circulate and they cook evenly.
- Place fritters in the air fryer basket, leaving space. Spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden; cooking time depends on fritter size.
- Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until slightly runny. Drizzle over hot fritters on a wire rack and let set.
- See oil-frying notes above for alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
Calories: 258 kcal
Carbs: 33 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 14 g
This post was updated from an older August 2021 version with clarified steps and additional recipe notes.