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Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

4.8 from 64 reviews

These Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts are a quick and delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple cider with a light, fluffy texture. Using canned biscuit dough and an air fryer, this recipe makes perfectly shaped, soft donuts coated in a spiced sugar blend, delivering cozy autumn vibes with minimal effort and time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider

Dough

  • 16.3 ounce can flaky biscuits

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Donut Station: Line a tray with parchment paper or set out a wire rack to place finished donuts on for cooling and coating.
  2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside as the coating for the donuts.
  3. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for a few minutes until slightly reduced to concentrate the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Shape the Donuts: Open the biscuit dough can and separate each biscuit. Use a small round object like a water bottle cap to punch out the centers of each biscuit, creating the traditional donut shape.
  5. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with a parchment paper round or lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Air Fry Donuts in Batches: Place four donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch so that they can puff and brown evenly. Remove any excess donuts if space is tight.
  7. Cook Donuts: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes, then flip the donuts over and cook for another 3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Cool Donuts: Transfer the hot donuts to the prepared tray or wire rack and repeat the air frying process with remaining dough.
  9. Brush and Coat: While still warm, brush both sides of each donut with the reduced apple cider, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to completely coat every surface.
  10. Serve: Enjoy the donuts while warm and fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper or a wire rack allows the donuts to cool evenly without sogginess.
  • The reduced apple cider adds a concentrated, tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
  • For best results, ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and browning.
  • You can substitute the small round cutter with a bottle cap, knife, or any small circular object to make donut holes.
  • These donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the air fryer.
  • This recipe uses canned biscuit dough for convenience; homemade dough can be substituted if preferred but may alter cooking time.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, air fryer donut recipe, cinnamon sugar donuts, quick donut recipe, fall desserts, easy homemade donuts