Soft, fluffy, Healthier Apple Fritters filled with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that makes them taste like a little bakery treat. Made with a gluten-free baking mix, Greek or coconut yogurt, and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, these apple fritters are an easy way to enjoy a nostalgic favorite with a few better-for-you ingredient swaps!
ealthy Apple Fritters (Gluten-Free & Easy to Make)
These healthy apple fritters are everything I love about cozy fall baking: warm cinnamon, sweet little apple bites, fluffy centers, and a dreamy glaze on top. They’re simple enough to whip up at home in about 15 minutes, no frying, yeast or rising time involved!
Make a batch, pour yourself a cozy cup of coffee, and enjoy a little homemade sweetness. You deserve it! 🤍
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Apple Fritters
- Gluten-free: Made with Oatsome gluten-free baking mix (however you can make them with regular flour).
- No yeast, no fuss, one bowl!
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make these perfect for weekend baking.
- Naturally sweetened: Coconut sugar adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness.
- Protein-friendly: Greek yogurt and eggs add a little extra protein.
- Dairy-free option: Simply use coconut yogurt and your favorite dairy-free milk.
- Perfectly cozy: Filled with fresh apples and warming cinnamon.\
Recipe video
Ingredients You’ll Need
These healthy apple fritters use simple ingredients that come together to create that classic soft, fluffy apple fritter texture. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full measurements/steps!
- Oatsome gluten-free baking mix: The base of the recipe, making these fritters easy to prepare without traditional flour (but you can sub regular flour, however I love this mix and it makes it higher protein!).
- Greek or coconut yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender texture. Greek yogurt also adds protein!
- Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the fritters structure.
- Apples: The star of the show! I love using crisp, sweet apples for little juicy bites throughout.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: Because apples and cinnamon are simply meant to be together.
- Coconut sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.
For the glaze:
- Monk fruit powdered sugar: Creates that classic sweet apple fritter glaze without traditional powdered sugar.
- Milk: Just enough to create a smooth, drizzle-able glaze. Use dairy-free milk if needed.
How to Make Healthy Apple Fritters
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions/measurements!
- Prepare the apples. Peel (if desired) and finely chop your apples into small pieces. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Make the batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free baking mix, yogurt, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and coconut sugar. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the apples. Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop the batter onto a Lined baking sheet or into the bottom of your air fryer. Spray with spray oil. Air fry at 350F for 12-14 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Let cool completely.
- Make the glaze. Whisk together the monk fruit powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze and enjoy! Drizzle the glaze over the cooled or slightly warm fritters and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Healthy Apple Fritters
- Cut your apples small: Smaller apple pieces distribute more evenly and make the fritters easier to cook through.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until the ingredients are just combined to help keep the texture soft and fluffy.
- Adjust your glaze: Add milk gradually. A little goes a long way when making a thin, sweet glaze.
- Choose the right apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady apples are all delicious options.
- Let them cool: This helps the glaze cling to the fritters instead of immediately melting off.
- If you’re not planning to eat them right away, store the fritters and the glaze separately.
Best Apples to Use for Apple Fritters
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking! I recommend using a crisp apple that holds its shape and offers a naturally sweet flavor.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, juicy, and crisp.
- Pink Lady: A little tart with a lovely sweetness.
- Gala: Mild, sweet, and perfect for a softer apple flavor.
- Granny Smith: Great if you prefer a little tartness to balance the sweet glaze.
My personal pick would be Honeycrisp for that perfect sweet apple bite!
Are Apple Fritters Healthy?
Traditional apple fritters are often made with refined flour, added sugars, and deep-frying. This healthier apple fritter recipe uses a gluten-free baking mix, yogurt, eggs, fresh apples, and coconut sugar for a simpler homemade alternative. Apples also provide fiber and antioxidants, while Greek yogurt contributes protein. It’s a lovely way to enjoy a bakery-inspired treat with ingredients that offer a little extra nourishment.
How to Store Healthy Apple Fritters
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave or air fryer to bring back that soft, fresh-baked texture.
For the best texture, I recommend glazing shortly before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these apple fritters gluten-free? Yes! These apple fritters are made with Oatsome gluten-free baking mix. Always double-check the packaging to ensure your baking mix is certified gluten-free if needed. Alternatively, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you’re not gluten-free.
- Can I use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Absolutely! Coconut yogurt is a wonderful dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the consistency of your yogurt can affect the batter, so use a thick variety when possible.
- Can I make apple fritters without refined sugar? Yes! This recipe uses coconut sugar in the batter and monk fruit powdered sugar in the glaze instead of traditional refined sugars.
- How do I keep apple fritters fluffy? Avoid overmixing the batter, use thick yogurt, and make sure your fritters are cooked through without overcooking them.
More healthy dessert recipes to try
- Cottage Cheese berry Protein Muffins
- Banana coffee cake muffins
- Healthy pumpkin streusel muffins
- Mini paleo cinnamon rolls
- Protein banana bread with streusel topping
- gluten-free/paleo banana nut scones
- Healthy baked protein donuts
Healthy Apple Fritters
Ingredients
fritters
- 1 large apple (diced tiny)
- 2 cups Oatsome All-Purpose Baking Mix *can sub regular flour
- 1 cup greek or coconut yogurt
- 1/4 cup monk fruit sugar or coconut sugar *can also sub regular granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered monk fruit sugar *or regular powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk of choice, as needed *more as needed*
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients, folding in the chopped apples last.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of batter onto a parchment-liked baking sheet. Press the fritters down slightly. Spray them generously with avocado or olive oil spray.
- Place in the air-fryer and air fry at 350F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown all over.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool completely.
- To make the glaze, add the powdered sugar to a bowl with the vanilla extract. Add two tablespoon of milk, mixing well, then add more as needed to reach a thick glaze consistency.
- Once the fritters are cooled, dip each one in the glaze and place back on the lined baking sheet. (If not enjoying right away, store the glaze and the fritters separate and glaze upon eating).
