Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the fritter bites bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
2. Grease the Muffin Tin:
   Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with paper liners. This step helps the fritter bites release easily from the tin after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.Helpful Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients before whisking can help eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

5. Mix the Batter:
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense fritter bites. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
6. Fold in the Apples:
   Gently fold 1 1/2 cups of finely diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples into the batter. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake

7. Fill the Muffin Tin:
   Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows room for the fritter bites to rise as they bake.
8. Bake the Fritter Bites:
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fritter bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Fritter Bites

9. Cool Slightly:
   Allow the apple fritter bites to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the fritter bites helps set their texture and makes them easier to handle.

Step 7: Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze

10. Mix the Glaze:
    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons of apple cider or juice. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more apple cider until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Fritter Bites

11. Dip or Drizzle:
    Once the apple fritter bites have cooled, dip the tops into the apple cider glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.