If you're craving a sweet treat without the guilt, these Air Fryer Apple Donuts are a must-try. They’re warm, fluffy, and bursting with fresh apple flavor—plus, they’re made without deep-frying, so you can enjoy all the comfort with less fat.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Apple Donuts
Air fryers make it easy to enjoy indulgent desserts with a healthier twist. Instead of soaking your donuts in oil, the air fryer uses superheated air to create a golden, crisp exterior—perfect for apple donuts. These treats are lighter but still packed with flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of apples and a cozy blend of cinnamon and sugar.
Why Do They Call Them Apple Cider Donuts?
They’re called apple cider donuts because the recipe traditionally includes apple cider—a tangy, unfiltered apple juice—directly in the batter. The cider adds a subtle apple flavor and natural sweetness, often enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These donuts are especially popular in the fall, as apple cider is a seasonal drink made during the apple harvest.
Apple Cider Donuts vs. Regular Apple Donuts
| Feature | Apple Cider Donuts | Apple Donuts |
|---|---|---|
| Main Flavor Base | Apple cider (reduced or fresh) | Apple chunks, applesauce, or puree |
| Texture | Denser and cake-like | Can vary—sometimes lighter, more moist if using fruit |
| Spices | Typically include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves | May or may not include warm spices |
| Taste | Tangy-sweet, with a strong spiced cider flavor | Sweet with a more pronounced fresh apple taste |
| Popularity | Very popular in fall, especially at apple orchards | More versatile, enjoyed year-round |
| Cooking Method | Often baked or fried (now popular in air fryers) | Same, but some use sautéed apples or fillings |
Steps To Make This Apple Donuts Recipe
To make these delicious air fryer apple donuts, you’ll start by preparing a light and fluffy batter that gives the donuts their signature crisp exterior and soft bite. In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, sugar, and cinnamon powder. Stir in some plant-based milk, and slowly add sparkling water—just enough to create a smooth, pourable batter. The sparkling water helps the donuts turn out light and airy, giving that irresistible crispy texture when air fried.
Next, peel your apples and remove the cores using an apple corer. Slice them into rings and lightly coat them with lemon juice to prevent browning. There's no need to preheat the air fryer—just line the basket with parchment paper with holes for airflow.
Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring a nice even coating. Lightly oil the parchment lining, place the battered apple rings inside, and lightly oil the tops as well. This helps them crisp up beautifully. Air fry the apple rings until golden and crisp, flipping them halfway through cooking for even browning.
While they’re still hot, roll the donuts in a mix of sugar and cinnamon (your homemade cinnamon sugar). This gives them that classic sweet-spiced finish.
Tips: Gala apples are a great choice, but Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Braeburn also work well. If you're out of self-raising flour, just mix all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. And while you can use pancake mix as a shortcut, the homemade batter gives the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy these donuts warm—either on their own or with a hot drink. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes, but be careful—the melted sugar coating can get hot fast!
How Do I Prevent the Batter from Being Too Thick or Too Runny?
The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings but not so thick that it clumps. If it's too thick, add a few tablespoons of almond milk; if too runny, add a little more flour until the right consistency is reached.
The perfect batter should be:
Thick enough to cling to the apple rings without dripping off completely.
Thin enough to smoothly coat the apple when dipped.
Avoid overmixing, as that can make the coating heavy or chewy rather than light and crisp.
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Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Apple Donuts are the perfect fall snack or dessert, combining seasonal flavors with a healthier cooking method. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, a holiday gathering, or a cozy weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to impress without the extra calories.
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