Start by adding the diced apples into a large bowl. Pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest, tossing them together to combine well. This will not only brighten the flavor of the apples but also prevent them from browning.
In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and the cooled melted butter. Whisk until everything is fully combined, and you can see a smooth mixture.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ground ginger. Mix them well so that they are evenly distributed.
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, add them to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a loose dough forms; it’s important not to overmix since that can change the texture of the fritters.
Next, take a rubber spatula and carefully fold in the diced apples. You want to make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Grab a deep frying pan or a large saucepan and fill it with about 3-4 cups of vegetable oil, measuring to ensure you have about 3-4 inches of oil. This depth is crucial for even frying.
Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F, which is best checked with an instant-read thermometer. This temperature is essential to achieve that perfect golden-brown fry.
Using a measuring cup, scoop about 1/4 or 1/3 cup of the batter and drop it into the hot oil. Fry until the outside is golden brown, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Make sure to flip it halfway for even cooking.
After frying, if you pinch the fritter in the center with a small sharp knife, it should come out clean. If it doesn't, fry a little longer until it does.
Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fritters onto a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter until you’ve cooked all of them!
In a small bowl, combine the confectioner's sugar, vanilla or maple extract, maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of milk. Stir until smooth. If you need to adjust the consistency, add more milk one teaspoon at a time until it’s thick but drizzles easily.
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the cooled fritters and let them dry before serving. Enjoy!
