Chef John's Apple Fritters

Melt butter over medium-high heat and cook until it turns golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add apples and cook over medium-high heat until apples just begin to soften around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes.

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon sugar and continue cooking another 2 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Drain in a strainer; let cool to room temperature.

Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl until well combined.

Whisk egg, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter together in a separate mixing bowl.

Add cooled apple pieces and sparkling apple cider; add the flour mixture.

Stir just until flour is incorporated.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Spoon about 2 tablespoons batter per fritter, into hot oil, slightly flattening them out.

Cook in batches.

Fry on one side until small bubbles appear on the surface, about 2 minutes.

Carefully flip fritters over and fry the other side until richly browned, about 2 more minutes.

Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain grease.

Cool slightly before glazing.

Whisk powdered sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

Add enough apple cider, 1 teaspoon at a time, to form a smooth glaze that is just runny enough to drizzle over fritters.