Save These hot apple cider donut holes are everything cozy season dreams are made of. The dough is fragrant with apple cider and autumn spices, and the air fryer brings all the nostalgia of classic cider donuts without deep frying. Light yet satisfyingly tender, these sweet bites are irresistible as a snack or dessert and will make your kitchen smell like the best local orchard.
I first baked these on a chilly October morning when my kids needed a treat for their bake sale. The donut holes disappeared even before they reached the table and have become a family tradition by the first frost each year.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: brings that signature tangy apple flavor and moisture to the dough. Reduce it for real intensity. Look for fresh cider without extra sweeteners or flavors if you can
- All-purpose flour: gives the classic tender cake donut crumb. Sift for best results if possible
- Baking powder and baking soda: help the donut holes puff and become light. Make sure your leaveners are fresh for best rise
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm spices
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: add cozy depth and classic donut warmth. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a difference if you have it
- Unsalted butter: ensures a rich yet clean flavor. Melt completely and cool to avoid scrambling the egg
- Granulated sugar plus a touch of light brown sugar: creates sweet complexity and helps the outsides caramelize
- Large egg: binds it all together and adds just enough richness
- Whole milk: softens the crumb. You can swap in a non-dairy milk if you prefer
- Vanilla extract: rounds out flavors and complements the apple and spice. Use real extract for best flavor
- For the cinnamon-sugar coating: you need more granulated sugar plus ground cinnamon and more melted butter to make the outsides irresistibly scented and crisped
Instructions
- Reduce the Cider:
- Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until you have only a quarter cup left. This takes about twelve minutes and concentrates the apple flavor. Cool completely before mixing or the heat could scramble your egg
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together all-purpose flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl making sure there are no lumps. This step ensures even distribution for perfectly puffed donut holes
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the cooled reduced cider melted butter both sugars egg milk and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the mixture is glossy and smooth to make sure everything is emulsified
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Tip the dry mix into the wet in two additions stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky but resist the urge to overmix which will keep the donut holes light
- Shape Donut Holes:
- Preheat your air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Line the basket with parchment or mist lightly with nonstick spray. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into one inch balls handling with lightly floured hands if the dough is tacky. Arrange in the basket leaving space so they puff not stick
- Air Fry:
- Cook for seven to eight minutes until golden brown and a skewer slides out clean. Check at seven minutes so you do not overbake and dry them
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each hot donut hole with melted butter as soon as they are cool enough to handle then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange your donut holes on a plate and serve them while still warm for the ultimate treat or at room temperature when sharing later
Save My absolutely favorite part is the way the kitchen fills with apple cinnamon fragrance while these bake. My youngest once declared they smelled like a holiday in every room and now demands to roll every batch in sugar himself
Storage Tips
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer the fridge is fine but rewarm in the air fryer for a just-baked texture. You can also freeze them and re-crisp in the air fryer for a few minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are dairy-free use your favorite plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. For a deeper apple flavor a dash of apple extract or finely minced dried apples folded into the dough is delicious. Gluten-free all-purpose flour works in equal amounts as long as your blend contains xanthan gum
Serving Suggestions
Pile them high on a platter for brunch or an after-school snack. Dress them up with a drizzle of caramel or dip in hot chocolate or apple cider. They shine alongside other fall treats at a party table or as a sweet finish to a cozy breakfast
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Apple cider donuts are a nostalgic New England treat served warm in countless orchards each autumn. Their soft texture and warm spice blend feel instantly comforting and connect people to apple-picking traditions and cool weather festivities. Air frying gives all the joy with none of the hot oil cleanup
Save These donut holes are a simple joy that bring everyone together. Serve them warm and watch them vanish faster than falling leaves.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I enhance the apple flavor?
Add 1/4 teaspoon apple extract with the wet ingredients for a stronger apple profile.
- → Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to replace the usual dairy ingredients.
- → Are these treats best served warm?
They taste best freshly air fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar, but can be served at room temperature as well.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes for best texture.
- → What allergens should I be aware of?
These include wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy; substitutions are possible for allergies or dietary needs.
- → What tools do I need?
A saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, cookie scoop, air fryer, and parchment paper help with easy preparation.