Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts (Easy Fall Recipe!)

There’s something undeniably special about air fryer apple cider donuts in the fall. That perfect combination of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and tender cake—it’s the taste of autumn in every bite. But what if you could make these beloved air fryer apple cider donuts at home without deep frying, without the mess, and in less than 30 minutes? Enter air fryer apple cider donuts.

These air fryer apple cider donuts capture everything you love about the classic fall treat but with a modern, healthier twist. Made with real apple cider and warm fall spices, these air fryer apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist on the inside with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside. The best part? Your air fryer does all the work, giving you bakery-quality air fryer apple cider donuts without heating up your entire kitchen or dealing with hot oil.

Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive treat to share with friends and family, these air fryer apple cider donuts deliver on every level. They’re easier than you think, require just a few simple ingredients, and fill your home with the most incredible autumn aroma. Once you try making air fryer apple cider donuts in your air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.

Let me show you exactly how to make these irresistible air fryer apple cider donuts that taste just like the ones from your favorite apple orchard—but better, because they’re homemade.

Let me show you exactly how to make these irresistible air fryer apple cider donuts that taste just like the ones from your favorite apple orchard—but better, because they’re homemade. When you use the air fryer to make apple cider donuts, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The air fryer provides a light and fluffy texture that truly elevates the traditional apple cider donut experience.

Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts (Easy Fall Recipe!)

---

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts + 8 holes 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These soft, warm, and flavorful Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts are the ultimate fall treat. Made with apple cider, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, they’re crisp on the outside and tender on the inside — no deep frying needed! Perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or a quick sweet snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Donuts:

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough)

• ¼ cup apple cider (reduced if desired for stronger flavor)

• 6 Tbsp melted butter (for brushing after air frying)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ¼ cup apple cider

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Splash of lemon or orange juice (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Open biscuit dough and cut out centers using a small round cutter to form classic donut shapes. Save the centers for donut holes.

3. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line with parchment paper.

4. Air fry donuts in batches for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Donut holes may take 3–4 minutes.

5. While still warm, brush donuts with melted butter.

6. Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture OR dip/drizzle with the apple cider glaze.

7. Let glaze set for 15–30 minutes on a wire rack.

8. Serve fresh and warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Notes:

• For stronger cider flavor, simmer ½ cup apple cider until reduced to ¼ cup, then use in the glaze.

• Donuts can be double-glazed for a crackly finish.

• Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a spiced twist.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based dough, butter, and sugar.

• Donuts are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: per donut
• Calories: 195g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0g

Keywords: Air fryer donuts, fall donut recipe, apple cider donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy biscuit donuts

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these donuts so special. First and foremost, they’re made in an air fryer, which means no deep frying and significantly less oil. This isn’t just about being healthier—it’s also about convenience. No need to heat up a pot of oil, no splattering, and no lingering fried food smell in your kitchen.

The apple cider is the star ingredient here, providing authentic apple flavor and natural sweetness that you simply can’t replicate with artificial flavoring. We reduce the cider to concentrate its flavor, which intensifies that characteristic apple taste that makes these donuts so addictive. Combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, these donuts taste like fall in every bite.

The texture is another winning feature. These donuts are incredibly tender and moist, with a cake-like crumb that’s neither too dense nor too light. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced apple flavor. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the coating is still slightly crisp and the interior is soft and fluffy.

What really sets this recipe apart is how quick and easy it is. From start to finish, you can have fresh, warm donuts on your table in about 30 minutes. That includes prep time, cooking time, and coating time. Compare that to traditional donut recipes that require yeast, rising time, and careful temperature control for frying, and you’ll see why this air fryer method is a game-changer.

These donuts are also incredibly versatile. Enjoy them for breakfast with your morning coffee, serve them as a dessert with vanilla ice cream, or pack them for a special fall picnic. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunch, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. And because they’re made in small batches, you can enjoy fresh donuts whenever the craving strikes without committing to dozens at a time.

You’re going to love how these air fryer apple cider donuts fit seamlessly into your fall festivities. The taste is like no other, making them a must-have treat during the season. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe for those cozy, warm evenings spent with family and friends.

Each bite of these air fryer apple cider donuts is the essence of fall, bursting with flavor and nostalgia. They’re not just snacks; they’re a celebration of the season!

Indulging in air fryer apple cider donuts while sipping your favorite warm beverage is the perfect way to enjoy autumn. They’re a delightful combination that can enhance any gathering, making them an ideal choice for your fall menu.

Make sure to have these air fryer apple cider donuts on hand for any occasion this fall. The aroma of freshly cooked air fryer apple cider donuts will fill your home with warmth and comfort, making any day feel special.

With these air fryer apple cider donuts, you’ll feel like you’ve brought a piece of the orchard into your own kitchen. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both the young and the old alike!

These air fryer apple cider donuts are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, with a glaze, or covered in cinnamon sugar, making them the perfect treat for any event.

So whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family breakfast, make sure to whip up a batch of air fryer apple cider donuts. You won’t regret it!

Each time you bite into these air fryer apple cider donuts, you’re reminded of why they’re a seasonal favorite. The balance of sweetness and spice is truly comforting and satisfying.

The process of making air fryer apple cider donuts is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy this beloved treat without the typical hassle of frying them.

When you crave something sweet, reach for these air fryer apple cider donuts. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that embodies the spirit of autumn.

It’s hard to resist the allure of air fryer apple cider donuts, especially when they’re still warm. They make for a fantastic treat to share with your loved ones.

Don’t miss out on enjoying air fryer apple cider donuts during this beautiful season. They’re sure to leave an unforgettable impression on everyone who tries them.

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to indulge in these air fryer apple cider donuts. They provide warmth and happiness with every bite.

So, gather your ingredients and make a batch of air fryer apple cider donuts today! You’ll be glad you did.

Understanding Your Ingredients

The magic of these air fryer apple cider donuts lies in the quality and combination of ingredients. Let’s break down each component and understand why it matters.

Apple Cider: This is the foundation of your donuts’ flavor. Use real apple cider, not apple juice—there’s a significant difference. Apple cider is unfiltered and has a more robust, complex apple flavor. We’ll reduce it by simmering to concentrate the flavor even further. This reduction process is crucial for achieving that authentic apple cider donut taste. Look for fresh apple cider from your local orchard or grocery store during fall season for the best results.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to your donuts. We use all-purpose flour for its moderate protein content, which gives us tender donuts that aren’t too cake-like or too bread-like. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off—don’t pack it down.

Experience the joy of baking with these air fryer apple cider donuts. They’re a wonderful way to celebrate the season and treat your family to something special.

Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: We use a combination of both for depth of flavor. The granulated sugar provides sweetness, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully. The brown sugar also helps keep the donuts moist and tender.

Baking Powder: This is your leavening agent, responsible for making the donuts rise and creating that light, fluffy texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh—if it’s been sitting in your pantry for over a year, it may have lost its potency.

Spices: Cinnamon is the star here, providing that classic warm spice flavor. Nutmeg adds depth and complexity, while a touch of ginger brings a subtle warmth. Together, these spices create the signature fall flavor profile that makes apple cider donuts so irresistible.

Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and moisture to your donuts. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your recipe. The butter should be melted and slightly cooled before adding to your batter.

Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness. They help bind all the ingredients together and contribute to the tender crumb of your donuts. Use room temperature eggs for best results—they incorporate more easily into the batter.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in your donuts. It’s a subtle addition, but it makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: This is what gives your donuts that classic bakery appearance and addictive sweet-spicy flavor. The coating should be applied while the donuts are still warm so it adheres properly.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

•1 cup apple cider

•1¾ cups all-purpose flour

•⅓ cup granulated sugar

•¼ cup packed brown sugar

•2 teaspoons baking powder

•1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

•½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

•¼ teaspoon ground ginger

•½ teaspoon salt

•6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

•2 large eggs, room temperature

•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

•½ cup granulated sugar

•1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

•3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s reduced to about ¼ cup. This concentrated cider will have a deep amber color and syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving that intense apple flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment

While the cider is cooling, prepare your air fryer and donut pan. You’ll need a silicone donut pan that fits in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to coat all the crevices. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices throughout your donuts.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cooled reduced apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks of egg visible.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough, dense donuts. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a thick cake batter.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. This makes filling the donut molds much easier and neater. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. Don’t overfill, as the donuts will rise during cooking. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can carefully spoon the batter into the molds, but it will take a bit longer.

Step 7: Air Fry the Donuts

Carefully place the filled donut pan into your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so start checking at 8 minutes. The donuts should spring back when lightly touched.

So, don’t wait! Start your fall baking adventure with these air fryer apple cider donuts and enjoy the deliciousness they bring to your table.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Remove the donut pan from the air fryer (it will be hot, so use oven mitts!) and let the donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. This brief cooling period makes them easier to remove without breaking. After 2-3 minutes, gently turn the pan over onto a cooling rack to release the donuts. If any stick, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the edges.

Step 9: Prepare the Coating

While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Place the melted butter in another shallow bowl.

Step 10: Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm (this is important!), brush each donut with melted butter on all sides, then immediately dip and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating completely. The butter helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere and adds extra richness. Place the coated donuts on a serving plate.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your air fryer apple cider donuts warm for the best experience. They’re absolutely delicious on their own, but they’re also wonderful with a cup of hot apple cider, coffee, or tea. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Pro-Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts

Don’t Skip the Cider Reduction: This step concentrates the apple flavor and is what makes these donuts taste authentically like apple cider donuts. If you skip it, your donuts will be bland and lack that signature taste.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before starting. Cold eggs don’t incorporate as well into the batter and can result in a less uniform texture. If you forget to take them out ahead of time, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy donuts instead of tender, cake-like ones.

Check Your Air Fryer Temperature: Air fryer models can vary significantly in how they heat. If your donuts are browning too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cook a bit longer. Conversely, if they’re taking much longer than 10 minutes, increase the temperature slightly.

Coat While Warm: The cinnamon-sugar coating adheres best to warm donuts. If your donuts cool too much, the coating won’t stick as well. Work quickly after removing them from the air fryer.

Use a Silicone Pan: Silicone donut pans work best in air fryers because they’re flexible, non-stick, and heat-safe. Metal pans can work too, but make sure they fit in your air fryer basket with adequate air circulation.

Batch Cooking: Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook the donuts in batches. That’s perfectly fine—just keep the remaining batter at room temperature while the first batch cooks.

Variations to Try

Glazed Apple Cider Donuts: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, make a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons reduced apple cider, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

Maple-Glazed Version: Replace the cinnamon-sugar coating with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup. This adds a wonderful autumn flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple cider.

Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and increase the spices slightly. This creates a delicious hybrid of two fall favorites. For more fall inspiration, check out our Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies.

Chocolate-Dipped Donuts: Melt some chocolate chips and dip half of each donut into the chocolate. Let them set on parchment paper before serving. This adds a decadent twist to the classic recipe.

Caramel Apple Cider Donuts: Drizzle the finished donuts with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra-special treat.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer apple cider donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a special weekend brunch. They’re also perfect as an afternoon snack with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.

There’s something magical about enjoying homemade air fryer apple cider donuts. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful fall experience.

For a dessert presentation, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm donut and cold ice cream is absolutely divine. You can also create a donut sundae bar with various toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, chopped nuts, and sprinkles.

These donuts are wonderful for entertaining. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of different toppings—cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, maple glaze, and chocolate sauce—and let guests customize their own. They’re always a hit at fall gatherings, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving brunches.

Pack them in a cute box or basket for a thoughtful homemade gift. Your friends and family will be thrilled to receive fresh, warm donuts made with love. They’re also perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes to complement these donuts, try our Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Gravy for a complete meal, or our Viral TikTok Crispy Onion Chips for a savory snack.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be delicious the next day. To refresh them, warm them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.

Freezing: These donuts freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, then warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes.

Make-Ahead Batter: You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping into the donut pan and cooking. This is perfect for busy mornings when you want fresh donuts without the prep work.

Coating Ahead: If you want to prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating in advance, mix it together and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Have the melted butter ready when your donuts come out of the air fryer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider: Apple juice is filtered and has a much milder flavor than apple cider. It won’t give you the authentic apple cider donut taste. Always use real apple cider for best results.

Not Reducing the Cider Enough: If you don’t reduce the cider sufficiently, your donuts will lack that intense apple flavor. Make sure to simmer it until it’s reduced to about ¼ cup with a syrupy consistency.

Overfilling the Donut Molds: If you fill the molds too full, the batter will overflow during cooking and you’ll end up with misshapen donuts. Fill them only about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Opening the Air Fryer Too Often: Every time you open the air fryer, you release heat and extend the cooking time. Resist the urge to check on your donuts until at least 8 minutes have passed.

Coating Cold Donuts: The cinnamon-sugar coating won’t adhere properly to cold donuts. Make sure to coat them while they’re still warm from the air fryer.

Skipping the Butter Before Coating: The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick to the donuts and adds extra richness. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference.

FAQ

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these air fryer apple cider donuts, you’ll love these other fall-inspired recipes:

And remember, with these air fryer apple cider donuts, every bite is a reminder of the season’s beauty and warmth.

•Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies – Another delicious fall treat with warm spices

•Spooky Halloween Trash Can Cookies – Perfect for fall celebrations

•Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Gravy – More air fryer magic for dinner

•Viral TikTok Crispy Onion Chips – Another trending air fryer recipe

Additional Resources and Nutritional Information

For more information about the nutritional benefits of apples and apple cider, the USDA FoodData Central provides comprehensive data on apple products, showing they’re a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. If you’re interested in learning about the health benefits of cinnamon and other spices used in this recipe, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers evidence-based information on their potential health effects. For general dietary recommendations and portion guidance, visit the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. When baking at home, always follow FDA food safety guidelines to ensure proper handling and storage of ingredients. For information about sugar consumption and balanced nutrition, the CDC’s nutrition guidelines provide helpful recommendations.

Estimated Nutrition (per donut, 1 of 12):
• Calories: 195
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

Final Thoughts

These air fryer apple cider donuts are everything you love about fall baking—warm spices, cozy flavors, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. They’re proof that you don’t need a deep fryer or professional equipment to make bakery-quality air fryer apple cider donuts at home. With just your air fryer, a donut pan, and some simple ingredients, you can create a fall treat that rivals anything you’d find at an apple orchard or specialty bakery.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility. Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different coatings, glazes, and flavor variations to make them your own. Whether you stick with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating or try something new like maple glaze or chocolate dipping, these donuts are sure to become a fall favorite in your household.

So grab your air fryer, some fresh apple cider, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible autumn aromas. These air fryer apple cider donuts are calling your name, and trust me—they’re worth every delicious bite.

Happy fall baking!