Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake these donuts in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don't have a donut pan?

You can use a mini muffin tin instead. The cooking time will be similar, and you'll get donut holes instead of traditional donuts. You can also use a regular muffin tin for larger donut muffins, but increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it's real apple cider, not apple juice. Fresh apple cider from a local orchard will give you the best flavor, but store-bought is completely fine.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

The donuts should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Why are my donuts dense and heavy?

This usually happens from overmixing the batter. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense donuts.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more donuts. Just make sure to cook them in batches if your air fryer and donut pan can't accommodate all of them at once.

5 Irresistibly Delicious Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts!

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

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

Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Open biscuit dough and cut out centers using a small round cutter to form classic donut shapes. Save the centers for donut holes.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line with parchment paper.
Air fry donuts in batches for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Donut holes may take 3–4 minutes.
While still warm, brush donuts with melted butter.
Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture OR dip/drizzle with the apple cider glaze.
Let glaze set for 15–30 minutes on a wire rack.
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