Description
These Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Apple Fritters are a healthier take on a beloved classic. Packed with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and protein-rich cottage cheese, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Air-fried to perfection in under 10 minutes, these fritters make the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert for anyone seeking a sweet treat without the guilt. Bonus: they’re quick, customizable, and kid-approved
Ingredients
1 cup small-curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
2 medium apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), finely diced
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk + 1/4 tsp vanilla
Cooking spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
Peel, core, and finely dice apples.
In a large bowl, whisk cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine dry and wet mixtures gently. Do not overmix.
Fold in apples until evenly distributed.
Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly spray basket with cooking spray.
Scoop ¼-cup portions into the basket, spacing evenly.
Air fry 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Optional: Drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Apple Tips: Use firm apples like Gala or Granny Smith for better texture. Soft apples tend to release too much moisture.
Cottage Cheese: If it’s too watery, drain slightly before mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep fritters light and fluffy.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cottage cheese or silken tofu with a squeeze of lemon.
Flavor Variations: Add blueberries, chopped walnuts, or even a dash of cardamom.
Reheating: Best reheated in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes to retain crispness.
Freezing Tip: Freeze individual fritters on a tray first, then transfer to a bag to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes