Prep the apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1/2-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up.

Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. A warm basket gives you better browning.

Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you like.

Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon melted butter.

Combine and fold in apples: Pour wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until just combined. Fold in the apple cubes. The batter will be thick and chunky.

Prep the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter for brushing later.

Lightly grease the basket: Spray the air fryer basket with a little neutral oil or line it with perforated parchment designed for air fryers. Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage nonstick coatings.

Portion the bites: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop mounds of batter into the basket, leaving space between each bite. Aim for walnut-sized scoops.

Air fry the first batch: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 minutes, or until golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Rotate the basket halfway through for even browning.

Brush and coat: While warm, brush bites lightly with melted butter and toss in the cinnamon-sugar mix until well coated. Work in batches so the coating sticks.

Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the bites will steam instead of crisp.

Serve: Enjoy warm. For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.