You know that feeling when your kitchen smells like a cozy fall morning? That’s exactly what happens when I make these air fryer cinnamon apple donuts. I used to think “healthy donuts” couldn’t possibly taste good—until I discovered how the air fryer gives them the perfect crispy texture without all the oil. My kids go crazy for these warm, spiced treats, and I love that they’re ready in just 20 minutes. The grated apples keep them moist, while the cinnamon sugar coating gives that classic donut shop crunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Let me count the ways these donuts will steal your heart! First off, they’re ready faster than you can run to the bakery—just 20 minutes from bowl to plate. That crispy exterior? All thanks to the air fryer magic, giving you that perfect crunch without a vat of oil. And here’s the best part:
- Packed with real grated apples – no artificial flavors here!
- Warm cinnamon spice that makes your kitchen smell like heaven
- So much lighter than fried donuts, but just as indulgent
- Perfect portion control – no giant bakery-sized sugar bombs
My kids don’t even realize they’re eating a treat with actual fruit in it. That’s what I call a parenting win!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible donuts – and yes, every ingredient matters! I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few too-dense batches) that precise measurements make all the difference. Always pack that brown sugar firmly into your measuring cup – we want those caramel notes shining through! And don’t even think about using pre-shredded apples; grating them fresh keeps the donuts moist without turning gummy. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff – none of that stale powder)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 tsp salt (I use kosher)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (press it down in the measuring cup)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk makes them extra tender)
- 1 large egg (room temperature blends better)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted both work)
- 1/2 cup grated Granny Smith apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for that magical coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (extra for the coating, because why not?)
See those apples in the list? That’s where the magic happens. A firm Granny Smith gives the perfect balance of tartness and structure – mushy apples make sad, dense donuts. Trust me on this one!
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little circles of joy! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turn out perfect on the first try. The key is not to rush – good donuts are worth the few extra minutes of patience.
Preparing the Batter
First things first – grab two bowls. In the first, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. I like to sift them together to avoid any sneaky clumps of baking powder (nobody wants a bitter bite!). In the second bowl, beat the brown sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until they’re best friends. Now here’s the important part – gently fold in your grated apple. Don’t overmix! A few flour streaks are totally fine – they’ll disappear when you combine everything.
Air Frying the Donuts
While you’re mixing, preheat that air fryer to 350°F – this gives you that instant heat for perfect rising. Grease your donut molds really well (I use butter or nonstick spray) and spoon in the batter until they’re about 3/4 full. Too full and they’ll puff over the edges; too little and they’ll look sad. Air fry for 8-10 minutes – start checking at 8 with a toothpick. When it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done!
Coating with Cinnamon Sugar
Here’s where the magic happens! Mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donuts are still warm (but cool enough to handle), brush them lightly with melted butter – this helps the coating stick. Then roll them in the cinnamon sugar until they’re perfectly coated. Pro tip: do this over a tray to catch the extra sugar – you can reuse what falls off for the next batch!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of these donuts, I’ve learned all the tricks to get them just right every time. Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Apple matters: Use firm Granny Smiths – their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their texture better than softer varieties
- Don’t peek! Resist opening the air fryer too early – that burst of cold air can make your donuts collapse
- Test at 8 minutes: Toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean (they’ll continue cooking a bit after removing)
- Coat while warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are fresh from the air fryer but cool enough to handle
- Storage trick: Keep leftovers in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture – they’ll stay crisp for 2 days
Oh, and here’s my favorite tip – double the cinnamon sugar coating. Because really, is there such a thing as too much cinnamon sugar? I think not!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Listen, I get it – sometimes you’re halfway through a recipe and realize you’re out of something. Been there! Here’s how to adapt without sacrificing that perfect donut texture:
- Milk: Almond or oat milk work fine, but the donuts might be slightly less tender
- Brown sugar: Coconut sugar adds nice caramel notes, but granulated works in a pinch (add 1/2 tsp molasses for that deep flavor)
- Butter: Coconut oil can substitute, but your coating might not stick as well
- Apples: No Granny Smiths? Try Honeycrisp – just pat grated apples dry to remove extra juice
One thing I wouldn’t change? The fresh grating. Apple sauce makes them too dense – trust me, I learned the hard way! If you are interested in learning more about the science behind baking substitutions, you can check out resources on baking ingredient substitutions.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
Oh, the possibilities! These donuts shine brightest with a steaming cup of coffee – the cinnamon and apple flavors just sing together. For special mornings, I’ll drizzle them with warm caramel sauce or dollop on some lightly sweetened whipped cream. My kids? They love them dunked in cold milk (with extra cinnamon sugar sprinkles, of course). Honestly though? They’re pretty magical all on their own – straight from the air fryer while still warm is my favorite way! If you enjoy these sweet treats, you might also love our recipe for air fryer churro bites cinnamon recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the truth – these donuts are best eaten fresh, but if you must save some (who has that kind of willpower?), here’s how. Pop them in an airtight container with a paper towel to soak up moisture – they’ll stay crispy for about 2 days. To revive that just-made magic, toss them back in the air fryer for just 1-2 minutes. Watch closely though – that cinnamon sugar coating can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! Pro tip: Never microwave them unless you enjoy sad, soggy donuts (and who wants that?).
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I’ve done my best to give you a general idea of what’s in these delicious donuts. Keep in mind that numbers can change depending on exactly what brands you use – that’s just how baking works! Each donut comes in around 180 calories, which is way better than those 400-calorie monsters at the donut shop. The apples add natural sweetness and a bit of fiber, while the air fryer keeps the fat content reasonable compared to traditional fried donuts. For more general information on the health benefits of air frying, you can look into general heart-healthy cooking methods.
Here’s the best part – you’re getting actual fruit in your treat! That grated apple means you’re sneaking in some vitamins along with all that cinnamon-sugar goodness. Just don’t tell the kids – let them think they’re getting away with something special!
FAQs About Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts
I get asked about these donuts all the time! Here are the questions that pop up most often (and my honest answers from lots of trial and error in my own kitchen):
Q1: Can I use apple sauce instead of grated apple?
Oh honey, I made that mistake once – they turned out so dense! Fresh grated apples give that perfect texture. If you must substitute, use half the amount of sauce and pat it dry with paper towels first.
Q2: What if I don’t have donut molds?
No worries! A muffin tin works in a pinch (just reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes). Or get creative – I’ve shaped little donut holes by dropping spoonfuls right onto the air fryer basket! If you are looking for other fun air fryer treats, check out our air fryer donut holes glazed recipe.
Q3: Why do my donuts stick to the molds?
Been there! Make sure you grease those molds really well (I use butter or baking spray). Let them cool for 2 minutes before trying to pop them out – they’ll release easier.
Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. They might be slightly denser, but still delicious. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Q5: How do I know when they’re done?
They should spring back when lightly pressed. I always do the toothpick test at 8 minutes – if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Remember, they’ll keep cooking a bit after coming out.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your cinnamon apple donuts turned out! Did they disappear as fast as they do in my house? Snap a photo or leave a note – your baking adventures make my day!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, sweet air fryer cinnamon apple donuts made with fresh apples and warm spices. A healthier alternative to fried donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup grated apple
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, grated apple, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spoon batter into greased donut molds, filling 3/4 full.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a firm apple like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Don’t overmix batter to keep donuts light.
- Check doneness with a toothpick at 8 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American