Save to Pinterest Nothing says autumn comfort like a warm batch of hot apple cider donut holes made right in the air fryer. These little treats are packed with real apple cider flavor, boast an unbelievably fluffy crumb, and get their irresistible finish from a generous cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether it is a cozy breakfast or a festive snack, this recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of your local cider mill straight to your kitchen without deep frying.
My family begs for these each October when apple season hits. The first chilly morning I made them with my kids, laughter and cinnamon sugar ended up all over our kitchen it is now our favorite fall baking ritual.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: brings tangy apple flavor and moisture simmering it intensifies the taste
- All purpose flour: ensures tender yet sturdy donut holes choose a fresh bag for best results
- Baking powder and baking soda: help these puff up to a light airy texture check that they are not past their expiration
- Salt: balances sweetness and highlights spices use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: bring the classic donut shop aroma use freshly ground nutmeg for extra warmth
- Unsalted butter: adds richness to both the batter and coating melt until just liquid not browned
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: deliver a balanced sweetness and slight caramel notes make sure brown sugar is soft and not clumpy
- Egg: helps bind the dough and adds extra moisture opt for a large farm fresh egg when possible
- Whole milk: keeps the crumb tender you can swap for non dairy milk if needed
- Vanilla extract: deepens the overall flavor try pure vanilla if you can
- Cinnamon sugar coating: gives that signature bakery crunch make yours with aromatic Saigon cinnamon if you want a bold kick
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider:
- Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat let it bubble until reduced to about one quarter of its original volume this usually takes ten to twelve minutes stirring occasionally cool it completely before using this step unlocks intense apple flavor
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg mix until everything looks evenly speckled with spice this helps with even rising and perfect crumb
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk the cooled apple cider with melted butter granulated sugar brown sugar egg milk and vanilla extract make sure the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous so the donut holes bake up even and moist
- Form the Dough:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gently fold until a sticky soft dough forms aim for just combined and do not overmix or your donut holes could get tough
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred eighty degrees Celsius line the basket with parchment paper or spray with a little nonstick spray for easy release
- Shape Donut Holes:
- Scoop out approximately one tablespoon of dough using a small cookie scoop or well floured hands gently roll into balls about one inch across space them out in the basket so air circulates for even browning
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Cook the donut holes for about seven to eight minutes per batch until they are golden brown on the outside and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean avoid overcrowding for best texture
- Cinnamon Sugar Finish:
- While still warm brush each donut hole lightly with melted butter then roll them generously in your prepared cinnamon sugar mix this creates the classic sparkling coating that everyone loves
- Serve and Savor:
- Enjoy the donut holes warm or room temperature their flavor and texture are at their peak just after coating
Save to Pinterest My favorite part of this recipe is the bold apple taste in every bite and the fun of tossing warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar with my kids I remember making a double batch for a harvest festival and seeing everyone go back for seconds
Storage Tips
Keep leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days they tend to get softer over time so reheat in the air fryer for just a minute or so to perk up the texture If storing longer pop them in the freezer for up to two months Wrap tightly and let them thaw at room temp or refresh in the air fryer to bring back warmth and crispy coating
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use a plant based butter and non dairy milk without losing that pillowy bite If you want extra apple zing add a splash of apple extract or try finely diced dried apples stirred into the dough For a gluten free version swap in a reliable all purpose gluten free flour blend and check baking powder labels for gluten free assurance
Serving Suggestions
Pile them high and dust with more cinnamon sugar right before serving Serve warm for breakfast with hot coffee apple cider or cocoa For an extra treat dip them in caramel sauce or pack them for picnic baskets and fall outings
Cultural and Historical Context
Apple cider donuts are a storied tradition at New England orchards and mill bakeries They originally became popular in the early twentieth century as farmers crafted treats during the autumn apple harvest My family loves to bake these every October often after a trip to the apple orchard it feels like bringing a bit of cider mill magic home
Save to Pinterest Homemade apple cider donut holes are snack sized autumn joy, especially warm straight from the air fryer. Make extra to freeze for cozy breakfasts all season long.