Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts – The Perfect Fall Treat in Just 15 Minutes
Picture this: warm, fluffy donuts with the perfect hint of apple and cinnamon, ready in just 15 minutes without any messy oil frying. These air fryer apple cider donuts bring all the cozy fall flavors you crave with half the effort of traditional methods.
Unlike our popular pumpkin spice muffins, these donuts require no special baking skills yet deliver bakery-quality results every time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing autumn aromas!
What Are Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts?
Ever wondered why these treats are called “apple cider” donuts when there’s no actual cider involved? The secret lies in the warm spices and apple flavor that mimic that beloved seasonal drink we all adore. Just like the classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and these donuts will steal everyone’s heart! Ready to become the hero of your household?
#### Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe:
The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food These donuts capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy apple orchard. The tender, cake-like texture melts in your mouth while the sweet cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect crunch.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness Why spend $3-4 per donut at fancy bakeries when you can make a dozen at home for less than $5? Making these treats yourself means you control the quality of ingredients, reduce preservatives, and save money while creating memories with your family.
Irresistible Toppings and Flavors From classic cinnamon sugar to maple glaze or even a cream cheese frosting, these donuts are your canvas for creativity. The subtle apple flavor pairs beautifully with warm spices, making them more versatile than our chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a fall bakery? Let’s get started!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts:
Quick Overview
These air fryer apple cider donuts are incredibly simple to make and deliver bakery-quality results. The batter comes together in just 10 minutes, and the air fryer does all the work, creating perfectly golden donuts with a tender crumb and delightful apple-cinnamon flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or silicone donut molds with cooking spray or butter. If you don’t have donut molds, you can shape the dough by hand later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed to ensure consistent flavor in every donut.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, apple cider, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be well combined and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Create the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in tender donuts.
Step 5: Shape the Donuts If using donut molds, fill each cavity about 2/3 full with batter. If shaping by hand, use floured hands to form the dough into donut shapes, creating a hole in the center with your finger.
Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts Place the filled donut molds or shaped donuts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Coating While donuts are cooling slightly, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt the remaining butter for brushing.
Step 8: Add the Final Touch Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately while still warm.
What to Serve Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts With:
These versatile donuts pair beautifully with various beverages and accompaniments:
Hot Beverages: Fresh apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai tea complement the warm autumn flavors perfectly.
Cold Options: Cold milk, iced coffee, or even a glass of fresh apple juice create a delightful contrast.
Breakfast Spread: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete autumn brunch.
Dessert Pairings: Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream turn these donuts into an indulgent dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts:
Temperature Matters Always preheat your air fryer for consistent results. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature to 325°F and add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Don’t Overmix the Batter Gentle folding is key to tender donuts. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough, chewy donuts instead of the desired cake-like texture.
Ingredient Substitutions Replace apple cider with apple juice if unavailable. For dairy-free options, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Gluten-free flour can be substituted cup-for-cup.
Prevent Sticking Always grease your donut molds well or use silicone molds for easy release. If shaping by hand, keep your hands lightly floured.
Check for Doneness Donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and are golden brown. Don’t overcook, as they’ll continue cooking slightly from residual heat.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Short-Term Storage Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week in a sealed container. The texture may become slightly denser, but the flavor remains delicious.
Freezing Instructions Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 3 months in freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating Methods Warm refrigerated donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. For frozen donuts, thaw first, then warm using the same methods.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Donut (1/12 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Total Carbs | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! Shape the dough by hand into donut shapes, or use a large round cookie cutter and smaller cutter for the center hole. You can even make donut holes by rolling small portions of dough into balls.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
Apple juice works perfectly as a substitute. For extra flavor, reduce 1 cup of apple juice to 2/3 cup by simmering it for 5 minutes to concentrate the apple taste.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter immediately for optimal rise and texture. However, you can prepare dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them just before cooking.
Why are my donuts dense?
Dense donuts usually result from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
How do I know when donuts are done?
Look for a golden brown color and test with a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The donuts should also spring back lightly when touched.
Recipe Variations and Add-Ons
Glazed Version: Create a simple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons apple cider, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Dip warm donuts and let set for 10 minutes.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 2 cups powdered sugar for an indulgent topping.
Spiced Sugar Alternatives: Try mixing brown sugar with pumpkin pie spice, or create a cardamom-sugar coating for unique flavor profiles.
Add-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Donuts Too Dry: Increase apple cider by 2 tablespoons or reduce flour by 2 tablespoons. Ensure you’re not overbaking.
Uneven Browning: Rotate the donuts halfway through cooking time, and ensure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded.
Donuts Sticking: Use more cooking spray or butter in your molds, and let donuts cool for 2-3 minutes before removing.
Coating Won’t Stick: Make sure donuts are still slightly warm when applying butter and cinnamon sugar. Cold donuts won’t hold the coating well.
These air fryer apple cider donuts are the perfect way to bring bakery-quality treats into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply treating your family to something special, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
The combination of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and incredible taste makes these donuts a must-try for any home baker. Grab your air fryer and get ready to create some autumn magic in your kitchen!
