Go Back
Delicious and fluffy Apple Cider Donut Holes made in an air fryer, coated with cinnamon sugar.

Apple Cider Donut Holes (Air Fryer)

These cozy, bite-sized apple cider donut holes are easy to make in an air fryer, offering a classic cinnamon apple flavor without the mess of deep frying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 12 donut holes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup Apple cider (reduce to 1/2 cup) To enhance flavor
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 cup Milk (dairy or almond) Both types work
  • 4 tablespoons Melted butter or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional) Adds extra flavor
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar or white sugar Brown sugar adds warmth
Coating Options
  • 1/2 cup Sugar For cinnamon sugar coating
  • 1-2 teaspoons Cinnamon For cinnamon sugar
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar For glaze
  • 2-3 tablespoons Apple cider (or milk) For glaze
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla (for glaze)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Reduce the cider by simmering it in a small pot until it reduces from 1 cup to about 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and the cooled reduced cider.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. If the batter is too sticky, chill it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Roll the batter into 1-inch balls using slightly damp hands.
  2. Preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray.
  3. Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray their tops, and air fry at 350°F for about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Let the donut holes cool for a couple of minutes before coating or glazing.
Coating
  1. For cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar with cinnamon, brush warm donut holes with melted butter, and roll them in the mixture.
  2. For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with apple cider (or milk) and vanilla. Dip the tops of the donut holes in the glaze and let excess drip off.

Notes

These donut holes are better served fresh, and you can freeze the unglazed ones for later. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore softness.