Prepare the Apples: First, peel, core, and finely dice your apples. You want them in small, roughly 0.5cm pieces, as this ensures they soften beautifully during the air frying process without making the fritters soggy. Place them in a medium bowl and set aside.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and the mixture looks uniformly pale and soft. This initial step ensures all the leavening and flavour are evenly distributed.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, lightly beat the large egg, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and a smooth, pale yellow liquid forms. The mixture should smell faintly sweet and buttery.

Combine and Fold: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are absolutely fine, as overmixing can lead to tough fritters. Gently fold in the diced apples. The batter will be thick and shaggy, holding the apple pieces firmly.

Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes. While it preheats, combine the 50g granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl for your coating. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.

Air Fry the Fritters: Using two spoons, scoop about a tablespoon of batter per fritter and gently drop it into the prepared air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; fry in batches if necessary, leaving a little space around each fritter so the hot air can circulate. Spray the tops of the fritters lightly with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown, puffed up, and feel firm to the touch. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound, and the fritters will develop a wonderfully crisp exterior, smelling deliciously of baked apple and cinnamon.

Coat and Serve: As soon as the fritters come out of the air fryer, while they are still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. The warm surface helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating a shimmering, sweet crust. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of the crisp coating and soft, warm apple interior.