Oh, the smell of warm apple cider donuts fresh from the air fryer—it’s like autumn in a bite! I’ve been obsessed with these little gems ever since I discovered how easy they are to make at home. No deep fryer, no mess, just crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside donuts bursting with spiced apple flavor. The first time I whipped up a batch, my kitchen smelled like a cider mill, and my family descended on them like it was the last donut on earth. Seriously, once you try air fryer apple cider donuts, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind. They’re ready in 20 minutes flat, and trust me, you’ll want to make them every weekend once the leaves start turning.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Let me tell you why these donuts are about to become your new fall obsession:
- Quick & easy – From mixing bowl to your mouth in under 20 minutes! No waiting for oil to heat up or dealing with messy cleanup.
- That warm spiced flavor – Cinnamon and nutmeg make these air fryer apple cider donuts taste like autumn itself.
- Healthier than fried – All the deliciousness without the greasy after-feeling (but don’t worry – they’re still perfectly indulgent).
- Makes your kitchen smell amazing – The aroma of apples and spices will have everyone asking “What’s baking?”
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert – Pair with coffee in the morning or serve warm with ice cream for a cozy treat.
Once you taste how good homemade air fryer apple cider donuts can be, you’ll be making them all season long!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Grab these simple pantry staples – I bet you have most already! The magic happens when fresh apple cider meets warm spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it for the perfect measure (no packing!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the apples
- 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda – Our rising dream team
- 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg – That cozy spice blend we all crave
- 1/2 tsp salt – Makes all the flavors pop
- 1/2 cup fresh apple cider – Reduced for maximum apple flavor (see my pro tip later!)
- 1 large egg – Room temp blends smoother
- 2 tbsp melted butter – The secret to that tender crumb
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – The flavor booster we never skip
1/4 cup milk – Any kind works, I use whole for richness
See? Nothing fancy – just good ingredients coming together for something magical. Now let’s make some donuts!
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
You don’t need much to make these donuts shine—just a few basics! Grab your air fryer (of course), donut molds (silicone ones work like a dream), and a couple of mixing bowls for the batter. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons—precision is key here. That’s it! Simple tools for seriously delicious results.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these irresistible donuts! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into warm, spiced perfection in no time.
First things first: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This little wait gives the batter time to rest and ensures even cooking. While it heats up, let’s mix our dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good stir—you want those spices evenly distributed!
Now, the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the apple cider, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Here’s my trick: pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine—overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want them tender!
Time to shape them! Lightly grease your donut molds (or use parchment paper if you’re free-forming). Spoon the batter in, filling each mold about ⅔ full. They’ll puff up beautifully in the air fryer. Pop them in the preheated air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Let them cool for a minute or two—if you can resist!—then dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while still warm. Trust me, that first bite? Pure autumn magic.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge my donut addiction!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Use the freshest apple cider you can find – That farmstand stuff? Gold. Simmer it down to 1/2 cup for intense flavor without making the batter too wet.
- Check early on your first batch – Air fryers vary wildly! Start checking at 6 minutes – they’re perfect when the tops spring back lightly.
- Grease those molds well – A pastry brush works wonders for getting into all the nooks of silicone donut pans.
- Dust while warm – Toss them in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar right after frying – it sticks better when they’re slightly steamy.
- Don’t overmix! – Lumpy batter means tender donuts. Stir until just combined, then walk away from the spoon!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have donuts that rival any bakery’s – with way less cleanup!
Variations for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and eaten half the batch straight from the air fryer – no shame!), try these fun twists to keep things exciting:
- Nutty crunch – Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the dry ingredients
- Glaze it good – Drizzle with maple glaze (just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and milk)
- Apple overload – Toss in 1/2 cup finely diced apple for extra fruity bites
- Chocolate twist – Swap 2 tbsp cocoa powder for equal amount of flour
The best part? You can make a dozen different flavors without ever getting bored. My kids love helping invent new combos – last week’s caramel drizzle was a winner!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are best served warm, fresh out of the air fryer—trust me, the aroma alone is worth it! Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat, or go classic with a cold glass of milk. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Here’s the good news—these donuts keep beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes. They’ll taste like you just made them—warm, soft, and utterly irresistible!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty treats – but remember, these numbers are just estimates! Actual nutrition can vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands. Each air fryer apple cider donut clocks in at about 180 calories, with 5g fat and 30g carbs. Not too shabby for a homemade indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
After making these donuts for every neighbor, coworker, and distant relative (they’re that good), I’ve heard all the questions. Here are the answers you need for donut success:
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s 100% apple cider – not juice. The cloudy, unfiltered kind gives the best flavor. That said, if you can get fresh-pressed from an orchard? Game changer.
Help! My donuts stick to the molds!
Been there! Grease every nook with butter or non-stick spray first. Silicone molds work best – if using metal, line with parchment. Let donuts cool 2 minutes before gently twisting them out.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You bet! Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture changes slightly – they’ll be more delicate – but still delicious. Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Why reduce the apple cider?
Simmering 1 cup down to 1/2 cup concentrates that amazing apple flavor without making batter too wet. Don’t skip this – it’s the secret to maximum taste!
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer first, then transfer to bags. Reheat frozen in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. They won’t last long though – mine always disappear!
Irresistible 20-Minute Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious apple cider donuts made easily in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick treat with a warm, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk apple cider, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spoon batter into greased donut molds or shape into rings.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American