Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
These air fryer apple cider donuts are everything I love about fall—warm, cozy, and packed with that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar flavor that just tastes like autumn. They’re quick and easy to make, with no yeast, no deep-frying, and minimal mess (just the way we like it). The apple cider gives them a seasonal twist that’s perfect for crisp mornings or weekend baking with the kids. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing while they cook.
Ingredients
Please note that you can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. In these upcoming sections, I’m sharing more about the ingredients used and their role in this recipe, and some process shots to demonstrate the stages of making these donuts!
- Granulated sugar: This is your cinnamon sugar coating base —sweet, simple, and classic. You could also use a finer sugar like caster sugar for a more delicate texture if you prefer.
- Ground cinnamon: The cozy flavor star. Adjust to taste—add a little more if you’re a cinnamon lover (no judgment here).
- Canned flaky biscuits: I used the Grands kind. The shortcut that makes this recipe weeknight-friendly. Flaky biscuits puff up beautifully in the air fryer and give you that donut texture without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
- Apple cider: This gets reduced slightly to intensify the apple flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes these feel extra special and autumn-y, even if it’s not fall. Use fresh apple cider if you can find it!
How To Make Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
- Line a tray with parchment paper or set out a wire rack—this is where your finished donuts will hang out.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon and set it aside. This is your donut magic dust.
- Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. This amps up the flavor—don’t skip it. Set aside once done.
- Pop open your biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use the cap from a water bottle (or anything small and round) to punch out the centers and make the classic donut shape.
- Line your air fryer basket with a parchment round or give it a quick spray with oil.
- Work in batches—add four donuts at a time to the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching (they need space to puff up and brown evenly). If they’re too snug, take one out.
- Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, then flip them over and give them another 3 minutes.
- Transfer your hot donuts to the tray or wire rack and repeat with the remaining dough.
- While they’re still warm, brush both sides of each donut with your reduced apple cider, then toss them straight into the cinnamon sugar mix. Coat every nook and cranny—this is what gives them that cozy cider donut finish.
- Serve and enjoy while they’re still warm and irresistible.
Recipe Notes
-
These are best served the same day. They’re still tasty the next day, but nothing beats that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture.
-
You can air fry the doughnut holes too—just pop them in for 3 minutes at 350°F. Bonus treat!
-
Don’t skip the cider brush step—it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds that warm apple-y flavor in every bite.
-
If your cinnamon sugar isn’t sticking well, try brushing a little more cider or even melted butter on the donuts.
-
Want a little twist? Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for an extra cozy upgrade.
Serving Suggestions
-
Coffee companion – These are made for a hot cup of coffee. Bonus points if it’s a maple latte or pumpkin spice brew.
-
Fall brunch board – Add them to a brunch spread with sliced apples, sharp cheddar, hard-boiled eggs, and bacon for a sweet-meets-savory moment.
-
After-school treat – Perfect for little hands (and big ones too). Serve with warm apple cider or a cold glass of milk.
-
Weekend breakfast – Pair with scrambled eggs and sausage for a cozy fall breakfast that tastes like the weekend.
-
Holiday gatherings – Serve these warm on a platter at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties. Add a little sign that says “Made in the air fryer” – people will ask!
-
Dessert twist – Warm one up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. You’re welcome.
Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 16.3 ounce can flaky biscuits
- 1 cup apple cider
Instructions
- Line a tray with parchment paper or set out a wire rack—this is where your finished donuts will hang out.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon and set it aside. This is your donut magic dust.
- Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. This amps up the flavor—don’t skip it. Set aside once done.
- Pop open your biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use the cap from a water bottle (or anything small and round) to punch out the centers and make the classic donut shape.
- Line your air fryer basket with a parchment round or give it a quick spray with oil.
- Work in batches—add four donuts at a time to the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching (they need space to puff up and brown evenly). If they’re too snug, take one out.
- Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, then flip them over and give them another 3 minutes.
- Transfer your hot donuts to the tray or wire rack and repeat with the remaining dough.
- While they’re still warm, brush both sides of each donut with your reduced apple cider, then toss them straight into the cinnamon sugar mix. Coat every nook and cranny—this is what gives them that cozy cider donut finish.
- Serve and enjoy while they’re still warm and irresistible.
If you give these a try, don’t forget to leave a star rating and drop a comment below. I’d love to hear how yours turned out (and whether you ate the donut holes straight out of the air fryer like we did).
