Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size.

Place the diced apples in a small bowl and toss them with the lemon juice if desired. This helps prevent browning while you prepare the batter.

Set the apples aside. If they release excess juice, gently drain it before adding them to the dough. Too much liquid can make the fritters difficult to shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This helps the fritters rise and develop a soft, fluffy texture during cooking.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently with a spatula until a thick batter forms. Do not overmix. The mixture should be thicker than pancake batter and soft enough to scoop into small portions.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Add the diced apples to the batter.

Gently fold them in until the apple pieces are evenly distributed. Avoid stirring too aggressively because this can make the batter dense.

Let the mixture rest for approximately 5 minutes while you preheat the air fryer. This gives the flour time to absorb some of the moisture.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little neutral oil.

For easier cleanup, you can use an air fryer parchment liner designed for your appliance. Make sure it is weighed down by food before turning on the air fryer, and never cover the basket in a way that blocks airflow.

Step 6: Shape and Cook the Fritters

Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter.

Place the portions in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Flatten each portion slightly with the back of a spoon.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fritters in several batches.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning carefully halfway through cooking if your air fryer allows it. Cook until the fritters are golden and the centers are fully cooked.

Because air fryers vary in power and airflow, begin checking around the 8-minute mark. If the centers are still doughy, continue cooking in 1- to 2-minute increments.

Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the fritters cool, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add additional powdered sugar until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Dip the tops of the slightly warm fritters into the vanilla glaze, or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the glaze or add a light drizzle of caramel sauce.

Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of tender apples, cinnamon, fluffy dough, and sweet vanilla glaze!