• Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

For the Apple Fritters:

• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together until evenly blended.
• In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, then whisk in the egg. Stir in the vanilla and applesauce until smooth.
• Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until incorporated. Gently fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed.
• Drop the batter by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared sheet, spacing mounds a few inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and switch the oven to broil on high.

For the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with the apple cider (adding the extra 2 tablespoons) until the mixture is smooth and thin enough to brush.
• Brush a portion of the glaze over each fritter so it drips down the sides. Return the tray to the oven and broil for 2–4 minutes, rotating the pan every minute, until the glaze begins to caramelize—watch closely to prevent burning.
• Apply the remaining glaze evenly over the tops and let the fritters rest on the baking sheet until the glaze firms, about 15 minutes, before serving.