Air Fryer Apple Fritter

Donuts can seem like an intimidating dessert to prepare. You have to get the dough just right, create the perfect shape and fry them to perfection for that soft inside and slightly crispy exterior. Plus, they have to taste good and fit into your healthy diet, which is a feat in itself. Nutrisystem and our recipe experts are here to make your life easier with this Air Fryer Apple Fritter recipe!

If we’re being honest, apple fritters are pretty much “rustic” donuts combined with a slice of apple pie. They can get away with their less-than-perfect shape because they are filled with fresh apples, pillowy dough and the delicious flavors of cinnamon and sugar. We’re helping you fit this tasty treat into your weight loss plan by cutting out some complicated steps and making several ingredient adjustments.

The first way we lighten up this otherwise unhealthy breakfast is also probably the reason why you clicked on this recipe in the first place—by using everyone’s favorite countertop appliance, the air fryer!  If you haven’t tried out one of these magical machines, you’ll want to get one just for this recipe. Instead of frying your donuts in unhealthy, overheated oils, the air fryer circulates very hot air around them to create a crisp outside layer on your fresh and fabulous apple fritters.

Now that we’ve drastically cut down on calories and fat with an air fryer, a few of the classic unhealthy apple fritter ingredients have to go. Regular white pastry flour is tossed to the side for a whole wheat, high fiber alternative. Full-fat dairy products are replaced with nonfat milk and one single egg. We also go light on the sugar by sticking with just two tablespoons for the whole batch. A sticky, sugary glaze isn’t included in this recipe: we think the warm cinnamon and sugar blend combined with the bright lemon juice packs in enough flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Have we convinced you to try out these healthy Air Fryer Apple Fritters yet? Maybe the easy process for this healthy dessert recipe will win you over! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees and line the basket with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together whole wheat pastry flour with sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Stir in the lemon juice, skim milk and an egg, then mix in one peeled and chopped apple.

Now that you put together the simple batter, it’s time to get air frying! This recipe should make about four fritters. Pour about a quarter-cup of the apple fritter batter onto the parchment paper into your air fryer. No need to make things perfect—the sloppy appearance of fritters is part of their comfort food charm. However, be sure to leave enough space between each apple fritter so they can keep their distance while baking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to split your dough into two separate batches with two apple fritters per batch. Air fry each batch for about four to five minutes, flip and then continue frying for another four to five minutes.

Healthy Hacks: Want to make delicious apple fritters that are free of added sugar? You can easily swap in the white sugar with a zero-calorie substitute like stevia or monk fruit! Feel free to also dust your apple fritters with a little more cinnamon as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Experiment with this recipe and try out other healthy fruits that you enjoy, such as blueberries, bananas or peaches!

One of these decadent Air Fryer Apple Fritters contains just 128 calories. That is a weight loss win for a dessert recipe that tastes like you’re cheating! You can log it as one SmartCarb and one Extra in your NuMi app journal. You are allotted three Extras per day on your Nutrisystem meal plan. It can be fun to play around with them for a delicious and flavorful menu! For example, with the proper portion sizes, you could enjoy some low fat whipped cream or low calorie vanilla frozen yogurt with your Air Fryer Apple Fritter. Learn more about using Extras on our weight loss plan.

You know what they say… an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Plus, apples are just plain, old delicious. Who wouldn’t want to include them on their daily healthy menu? It’s a win-win! Fill up your weight loss journey with healthy apple recipes that are tasty, diet-friendly and easy to make. Check out some of our favorite healthy apple recipes below:

• Chocolate Caramel Apples >
• Healthy Apple Pie Recipe (No Added Sugar!) >
• Instant Pot Apple Cake >
• Turkey, Apple & Swiss Waffle Sandwich >
• Cinnamon Apple Parfait >
• Savory Brussels Sprouts with Apple >
• Air Fryer Apple Chips >
• Simple Slow Cooker Applesauce (No Sugar Added!) >
• Apple Spinach Smoothie >

What is your favorite way to enjoy apples? Have you come up with your own healthy recipe that features this nutritious fruit? Please share it with us through our Recipe Submission page! This is our place for Nutrisystem followers and members to share their unique ideas they’ve come up with in the kitchen. Whether it’s your favorite way to prepare apples or an easy idea you’ve come up with to get in your veggies, your recipes can help other people on their journey to health and wellness.

*Please note that all air fryers cook differently. Before trying any recipe, always refer to the manufacturer safety instructions provided with your specific air fryer. Make sure that the parchment paper does not touch or get close to the heating element.