Deliciously Light: Easy Oven or Air Fryer Skinny Apple Fritters
These skinny apple fritters offer a delightful crunch, a soft, warm apple filling, and a comforting dusting of cinnamon sugar. Baked in the oven or Air Fryer, they present a wonderfully lighter alternative to traditional fried versions!
After a season of indulgent feasting, many of us look for ways to enjoy our favorite treats without the guilt. The thought of a New Year’s Eve snack often brings to mind rich, fried delights. Take the classic Dutch “oliebol” (oil ball) or traditional apple fritters, for instance. While undeniably delicious, their name perfectly describes their preparation: deep-fried in oil, making them a rather oil-rich snack. We love them, it’s true! But what if you could enjoy that same delightful taste and texture in a lighter, “skinny” variant?
That’s precisely the inspiration behind these Skinny Apple Fritters. Instead of a heavy, oil-absorbing batter, these fritters are encased in delicate puff pastry. And the best part? They’re baked to golden perfection, either in an Air Fryer (the “deep fryer without oil”) or a conventional oven. This ingenious method significantly reduces the fat content, offering a healthier indulgence that won’t send your kitchen, or your conscience, into a spiral. Plus, with just five simple ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be easier to whip up. Ready to create a treat that’s both delicious and delightfully light?
Why You’ll Love These Skinny Apple Fritters
There’s a lot to love about these lighter apple fritters. Beyond being a healthier alternative, they bring a host of benefits to your kitchen and your taste buds:
- Healthier Indulgence: By baking them in the oven or Air Fryer instead of deep-frying, you drastically cut down on added fats, making them a guilt-free pleasure.
- Quick & Easy: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these delicious fritters ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for unexpected guests or a spontaneous craving!
- Perfect Texture: The puff pastry bakes up incredibly light and flaky, providing a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with the tender, warm apple filling.
- Family Favorite: Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore these sweet treats. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple fritters without the heaviness.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, a delicious afternoon snack, or a light dessert after dinner. They also make a fantastic addition to any festive spread.
Ingredients Spotlight: Simple & Sweet
The magic of these skinny apple fritters lies in their simplicity. Each of the five ingredients plays a crucial role in creating their irresistible taste and texture:
- Apples: We recommend a crisp, firm apple variety like Elstar, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well during baking and offer a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness. One small apple yields four slices, perfectly sized for individual fritters. Make sure to core and peel them for the best experience.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the secret weapon for achieving that wonderfully flaky, golden crust without any deep-frying. Store-bought puff pastry is incredibly convenient and bakes beautifully. Ensure it’s thawed according to package directions before use.
- Sugar: A simple granulated sugar works perfectly here. It caramelizes slightly during baking and creates that classic sweet coating when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts! Cinnamon adds warmth, depth, and that familiar aromatic flavor that pairs so perfectly with apples.
- Melted Butter: A small amount of melted butter is brushed on the finished fritters. This not only helps the cinnamon sugar adhere but also adds a touch of rich flavor and a beautiful sheen, enhancing the “fried” look without the oil.
This minimalist ingredient list means you likely have most items on hand, making these fritters a go-to recipe whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Recipe Skinny apple fritters
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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airfryer
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Cookie cutter
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Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 apple , Elstar, small
- 4 sheets puff pastry
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon , ground
- 2 teaspoons butter , melted
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat airfryer (or oven) to 180 degrees Celsius.
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Remove the core from the apple.
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Peel the apple and cut it horizontally (whereas the hole is in the middle) into four slices.
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Use a round cookie cutter of 7 cm and cut two circles out of each puff pastry sheet.
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Lay on the first circle a slice of apple, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar, and cover with the second pastry circle.
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Press the edges of the sites so it’s thigtly closed.
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Repeat for all apple fritters.
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Bake for 8 minutes in the air fryer (or until golden brown in the oven), turn them halfway.
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Smear thin melted butter on the apple fritters and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
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Serve immediately
Nutrition
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Tips for Perfectly Baked Apple Fritters
To ensure your skinny apple fritters turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Apple: As mentioned, a firm, slightly tart apple works best. Softer apples can become mushy, while a crisp apple maintains its structure and offers a pleasant bite.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the apple slices, ensure each fritter has just enough filling to allow the puff pastry to seal properly. Overfilling can lead to bursting during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Use a fork or your fingers to firmly press the edges of the puff pastry circles together around the apple slice. This creates a secure seal that prevents the filling from leaking out and helps maintain the fritter’s shape.
- Even Baking: If using an Air Fryer, arrange the fritters in a single layer without overcrowding the basket to allow for optimal air circulation. For an oven, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Turning them halfway through ensures even browning.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar you sprinkle inside the fritters and on top. You can also mix in a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny dash of allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Serve Warm: These fritters are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or Air Fryer when they are warm, crispy, and the apple is perfectly soft.
Serving Suggestions for Your Lighter Treat
These skinny apple fritters are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them into an even more special treat:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: A generous dusting of cinnamon sugar (as in the recipe) is always a winner.
- Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, a light sift of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A warm fritter paired with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a luxurious, creamy element.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce (use a sugar-free version for an even lighter option) takes these to the next level.
- Fruit Coulis: A raspberry or strawberry coulis can add a fresh, fruity tang.
Whether you keep it simple or dress them up, these apple fritters are sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions about Skinny Apple Fritters
Q: Can I use other fruits besides apples?
A: Yes! While apples are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other fruits. Pears, peaches (fresh or canned and drained), or even a mix of berries would work well. Just ensure the fruit slices are thin enough to cook through and fit within the puff pastry circles.
Q: Can I prepare these apple fritters ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the apple slices and cinnamon sugar mixture in advance. You can also cut the puff pastry circles. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the fritters right before serving to ensure the crispiest pastry and warmest filling.
Q: How do I store leftover skinny apple fritters?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the Air Fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore some of their crispness.
Q: Can I freeze these apple fritters?
A: While you can freeze baked apple fritters, the puff pastry might lose some of its flakiness upon thawing and reheating. If you wish to freeze them, place baked and cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or Air Fryer until warmed through and crisp.
Q: What if I don’t have an Air Fryer?
A: No problem at all! The recipe explicitly states that you can use a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or adjust to 160 degrees Celsius for a convection oven) and bake until golden brown, turning halfway. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A: Absolutely! If you’re a seasoned baker and have a recipe for homemade puff pastry, it would work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s rolled to a similar thickness as store-bought sheets for consistent baking results.
Enjoy these delightfully light and crunchy apple fritters! They’re proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier treat.