I still remember the first time I made apple cider donuts at home—I was instantly hooked. The aroma of warm spices and sweet apple cider filling my kitchen made it impossible to resist sampling one straight from the pan. But over time, I realized I could enjoy this classic fall treat without the guilt of deep frying. Using the air fryer gives me that perfect crisp exterior and tender inside every time, with a fraction of the oil.
Baking and cooking have always been my way of combining creativity and comfort, and these air fryer apple cider donuts are no exception. They’re fluffy, packed with warm spices, and lightly sweetened with a cinnamon sugar coating that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, these donuts always bring smiles to the table.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your donuts, giving them structure and a soft, tender crumb. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture throughout.
Baking powder: Essential for giving the donuts a light, airy lift. Baking powder reacts with the wet ingredients to create bubbles, making every bite fluffy and soft.
Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise and adds a touch of browning for that beautiful golden color. It works in tandem with the baking powder to perfect the texture.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm flavors in the donuts. It also helps to control the rise of the dough.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings that classic warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with apple cider, creating the cozy fall taste we love.
Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of warmth, complementing the sweetness of the donuts and enhancing the apple cider’s flavor profile.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the donuts. Using unsalted gives you control over the overall saltiness in the recipe.
Brown sugar: Sweet and slightly caramel-like, brown sugar enhances the flavor and helps the donuts stay moist and tender.
Apple cider: This is the star ingredient. It adds natural sweetness and a subtle apple flavor, making the donuts feel fresh and seasonal. Reduce it slightly for a concentrated flavor.
Egg: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure while keeping the donuts soft and light.
Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. You can use any type of milk you prefer, but whole milk gives the best richness.
Vanilla extract: A small splash elevates the flavor, bringing all the spices and apple notes together for a well-rounded taste.
Cinnamon sugar: This is for coating. The mixture of cinnamon and sugar adds the perfect sweet crunch and warm spice to finish the donuts.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon for coating
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction
In a small saucepan, simmer your apple cider over medium heat until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor and adds moisture to your donuts. Let it cool slightly before using.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, reduced apple cider, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should be silky and fragrant.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, or the donuts may turn out dense instead of light and fluffy.
Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the donut molds or spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Fill the Donut Molds
Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures they rise perfectly without overflowing.
Air Fry the Donuts
Cook the donuts at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon and roll each donut in the mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor—it makes a huge difference compared to store-bought concentrate.
- Don’t overfill the molds; air fryer donuts expand quickly.
- Reduce the cider slowly to avoid burning and concentrate the flavor evenly.
- Coat the donuts while they’re warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of clove or ginger for a spicier fall flavor.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk?
Yes! Any milk works, but whole milk gives a richer flavor and softer texture.
Do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing it intensifies the flavor and adds moisture, but you can skip this step if short on time.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, keeping an eye on the tops for golden color.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the molds?
Lightly grease or spray your donut molds before adding the batter.
Can I make a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze with a splash of milk and vanilla works beautifully.