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+ servings
3 from 2 votes
Air-Fried Apple Cider Doughnuts
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 
There are two kinds of  doughnuts in this world. The first is the light-as-air kind that disappears in your mouth and makes you wonder if it ever existed. Then there's the more solid, dense doughnut that goes so nicely with a cup of coffee, that lingers for a minute or two and lets you know that you've just enjoyed a little happiness.
Course: Desserts/Sweets, Appetizers/Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegetarian, Comfort Food, Apples, Fall Recipes, Air Fryer, Air fryer desserts, Doughnut holes
Servings: 12
Calories: 457 kcal
Author: Meredith Laurence
Ingredients
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 honey crisp or pink lady apple peeled

    Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
  1. Bring the apple cider to a boil in a medium saucepan and then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the cider reduces to ½ cup. Transfer the reduced cider to a bowl or measuring cup and allow it to cool in the refrigerator.
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  3. Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or a large bowl and an electric hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time and pour in the reduced apple cider. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well until combined. Grate the apple with a box grater right into the dough and continue to mix. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for a few minutes until the soft dough comes together. The dough should not be sticky (add a little flour if it is). Divide the dough into two disks and wrap each one with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll the dough out until it is 1 inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter to cut circles out of the dough. Then use a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of each circle. Gather the scraps into a ball and repeat with the remaining dough.
  5. Pre-heat the air fryer to 360°F for 2 minutes.
  6. Spray or brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with a little vegetable oil. Place 3 to 4 of the dough circles into the air fryer basket and let the dough rest in the (turned off) air fryer for 5 minutes to proof the dough. Then air-fry at 360°F for 5 minutes, turning over halfway through the cooking process. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts, letting each batch sit in the warm but turned off air fryer for 5 minutes before air-frying. (Don't forget to cook the holes too!)
  7. Combine the sugar and cinnamon together and place it in a shallow dish. Brush all sides of the cooked doughnuts with some melted butter and then toss in the cinnamon sugar. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Air-Fried Apple Cider Doughnuts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 457 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 355mg15%
Potassium 216mg6%
Carbohydrates 84g28%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 40g44%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 340IU7%
Vitamin C 1.1mg1%
Calcium 72mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.