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Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

I’ve always been obsessed with fall flavors, and nothing screams cozy like fresh apple cider donuts. After making these in my air fryer, I realized they’re quick, easy, and just as flavorful as the ones from the farmer’s market.
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Total Time 17 minutes
Calories: 188
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups gluten-free flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice divided
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Method
 

  1. Whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and half of the pumpkin spice. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
  2. In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, maple syrup, apple cider, and applesauce until smooth. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your donuts.
  3. Slowly combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Overmixing can make donuts tough. Transfer batter into a bag, snip a corner, and fill molds ¾ full.
  4. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Donuts are ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before adding toppings.
  5. Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter and combine 4 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice. Brush donuts with butter and roll in sugar mixture for a sweet, spiced finish.

Notes

  • I like to let the batter sit for 5 minutes; it makes donuts even fluffier.
  • Don’t overfill the molds; donuts expand while cooking.
  • I always brush butter before coating in sugar to get an even, glossy finish.
  • Use fresh pumpkin spice for the most vibrant flavor.