Ah, autumn! That magical time when the air is crisp, leaves turn brilliant shades, and the scent of spiced treats wafts from every kitchen. There’s something about this season that sends me on a yearly quest to recreate the very essence of fall in edible form. My absolute favorite way to do that? Whipping up a batch of Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts. Trust me, these soft, fragrant spirals are so delightful that every bite feels like a hug in a paper bag!
The backstory of these donuts? It all started when a good friend introduced me to the charm of local apple cider mills. Each sip of cider screamed freshness, and I thought—why not infuse that flavor into something sweet? After a little tinkering, I turned out these heavenly donuts that not only bake up perfectly in the air fryer but are also fluffy and bursting with spices. They’re a true celebration of autumn on your plate!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine biting into a warm donut that tastes like autumn wrapped in a cozy blanket. That’s exactly what you get with these Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts. With their soft, tender crumb, they take on a lovely golden hue that’s not just pleasing to the eyes but to the soul as well. The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg dances lightly with the sweet apple cider, creating a symphony of flavors that sing together in perfect harmony.
And let’s talk about health for a moment! Using an air fryer cuts down on the grease, helping you enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt. You can sip your pumpkin spice latte alongside these lovely donuts, feeling good about your choices. Plus, these treats are quick to prepare—perfect for those mornings when you want something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, who wouldn’t want homemade donuts without the fuss?
Gather these ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base, giving structure and fluffiness. You could substitute with a gluten-free flour mix if you’re looking for a gluten-free option—just make sure it contains a binding agent, or add a bit of xanthan gum.
- 1 cup apple cider: Here’s where the magic begins! Go for the freshest cider you can find. If it’s a bit too sweet for your taste, you can mix in some unsweetened applesauce instead.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds the necessary sweetness. If you’re on the health train, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute could work just fine.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This one deepens the flavor, giving that rich, caramel-y vibe. You can also use all granulated sugar, but trust me, the brown sugar is key!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps your donuts rise beautifully in the air fryer, providing that fluffy texture we all love.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift! It reacts with acid (like our apple cider) to create magic.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice! It brings warmth to the party—add a bit more if you love cinnamon as much as I do.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This spice adds a hint of elegance. If nutmeg isn’t your jam, you can omit it or just sprinkle in some extra cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balance is everything! Salt enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can swap this for a non-dairy alternative if necessary.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping all the ingredients come together seamlessly. If you’re egg-free, try using a flax egg or a chia egg instead—just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The finishing touch that ties everything together, enhancing the flavor profile.
How this recipe comes together
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients! In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is the base that builds your donut.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the apple cider, both sugars, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. As you mix, take a moment to inhale that heavenly scent.
- Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do this quickly—just until mixed. Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts! You want that perfect soft texture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). A warm air fryer makes a huge difference, ensuring even cooking.
- Grease your donut mold (spray oil works like a charm). Fill each mold with the batter, being careful not to overfill—aim for about ¾ full.
- Into the air fryer they go! Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Let them cool a bit before removing. Trust me, while you might want to dive in right away, allowing them to set makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Best way to enjoy it
These donuts are delightful on their own, yet they love company! Just imagine swirling them in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider for a sweet finish.
Feeling fancy? Consider tossing them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture right after frying for a sweet, crunchy exterior. Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or even a glass of freshly pressed apple cider! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side? Now that’s a dessert that will steal the show!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have any! Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer! Just allow them to cool completely before sealing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen—perfect for a surprise fall treat when the mood strikes!
Pro chef tips
- Don’t skip the preheating: It helps create that lovely rise.
- Test for doneness: Just poke a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re golden!
- Mix it up!: Want a hint of tartness? Add some finely chopped apple into the batter. Or for a festive twist, fold in some dried cranberries around the holidays!
Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get adventurous!
- Heath Bar Crumble: Crush some Heath bars and fold them into the batter for a little crunch and caramel kick.
- Spiced Maple Glaze: Up the autumn vibes by glazing with maple syrup mixed with a touch of cinnamon for that perfect finishing touch!
- Fruit Fillings: Inject your donuts with a bit of warmed apple filling or custard before serving for special flavor surprises—nothing like a hidden treasure in a donut!
Your questions answered
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that the texture will differ; they may come out denser, but still delicious!
2. What’s the best way to make them vegan?
Swap the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg.
3. How do I know when they’re done?
Look for a beautiful golden color, and insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to roll.
4. Can I double the recipe?
For sure! Just keep an eye on the cooking time—your air fryer will likely need slightly longer as you’ll have more batter to cook.
5. What do I do if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worries! You can improvise with a muffin pan—just adjust the cooking time a bit.
Time to get in that kitchen, my friend! These Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts will make your whole house smell like autumn. And the best part? They’re easy enough for even a newbie, but fancy enough to impress anyone. So, embrace the seasonal spirit and whip up a batch! And don’t forget to share your experience—because cooking is always better when we’re in it together!
Delightful Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Description
Whip up a batch of soft, fragrant Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts that taste like a cozy autumn hug in every bite. Fluffy, spiced, and guilt-free thanks to the air fryer!Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Instructions
Mixing and Cooking
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider, both sugars, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.Inhale the heavenly scent as you mix. -
Fold Mixtures Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until mixed. Avoid over-mixing.You want to maintain a soft texture. -
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).Preheating is crucial for even cooking. -
Prepare Donut Mold
Grease your donut mold with spray oil and fill each mold with the batter about ¾ full. -
Air Fry the Donuts
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to touch.Let them cool slightly before removing for best flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Potassium 90mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 30 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
