1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisking well ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, large egg, melted (and slightly cooled) butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough fritters.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed. Again, avoid overmixing. The batter will be thick.
6. Portion the Fritters: Using a standard ice cream scoop (about ¼ cup size) or two spoons, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Space them about 2 inches apart as they will spread slightly. Aim for roughly 12 fritters. You can gently shape them slightly with the back of a spoon if desired, but a rustic, irregular shape is part of their charm.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, the tops are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a fritter comes out clean (or with moist crumbs, but no wet batter). Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your fritters.
8. Cool Slightly: Once baked, let the fritters cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool further.

Crafting the Perfect Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)

While the fritters are delicious plain, a simple glaze takes them to the next level.

1. Sift Sugar: Place the sifted powdered sugar in a small bowl.
2. Add Liquid and Flavor: Add 2 tablespoons of milk (or cream) and the ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using) and a pinch of salt (if using).
3. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or cream, ½ teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it accidentally becomes too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar.
5. Glaze the Fritters: Once the fritters have cooled slightly (they should still be warm, but not hot, so the glaze sets slightly but doesn’t completely melt off), place the wire rack over a piece of parchment paper or foil (to catch drips). Drizzle the glaze over the fritters using a spoon or whisk. Alternatively, you can dip the tops of the fritters directly into the glaze.
6. Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.