Name: Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Salted Caramel
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 0.25 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees F/40 to 45 degrees C); 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 0.5 teaspoon white sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup white sugar; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 cup milk, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 0.5 cup chopped apple; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 cup purchased or prepared caramel sauce; 1 tablespoon hot water, or more as needed; Coarse sea salt, as needed

Imagine biting into a warm, perfectly crisp fritter, the delicate sweetness of apple and cinnamon mingling with a luscious salted caramel. These air-fried delights offer all the indulgence of traditional fritters, guilt-free!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Bloom the Yeast (5 minutes): In a small bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Let stand until foamy.

02

Step

Prepare the Dough (15 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add yeast mixture, milk, oil, and egg; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth (dough will be sticky). Pat dough into an 8-inch square.

03

Step

Incorporate the Apples (5 minutes + 1 hour proofing): Toss apple and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle over half of the dough. Fold the plain side over the apples and knead until dispersed. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume.

04

Step

Shape the Fritters (15 minutes + 30 minutes resting): Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 pieces. Pat each portion into a 3- to 4-inch oval. Transfer to the parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let stand until doubled in volume.

05

Step

Preheat (5 minutes): Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) and the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.

06

Step

Air Fry (5-7 minutes per batch): Place 2 to 3 fritters in the air fryer basket and cook until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat.

07

Step

Caramelize and Serve (5 minutes): Whisk together caramel sauce and 1 tablespoon hot water, adding more water to achieve a smooth drizzling consistency. Drizzle hot fritters with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.