Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts (A Gluten Free Recipe)

Who knew making air fryer apple cider donuts could be so straightforward and rewarding? Simply mix your ingredients, shape your donuts, and pop them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350°F. That’s all it takes to create a batch of these warm, comforting treats that perfectly capture the essence of fall. Trust me, it’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

I’m really excited to share with you how to cook apple cider donuts. Trust me, using the air fryer for these donuts not only makes the process easier but also keeps things a bit healthier.

The apple cider? It’s honestly my favorite part. It infuses the donuts with such a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to beat. If you’re into homemade treats or just looking for easy air fryer recipes, you’re in the right place.

Why Air Frying Donuts?

Why go for air frying instead of the usual deep frying? Well, for starters, the health benefits of air frying are pretty significant. You use way less oil, which means the donuts aren’t as heavy in fats.

And the texture? Air frying gives you a donut that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – something I really love and I think you will too.

Plus, let’s be honest, the convenience of an air fryer is hard to overlook. It heats up fast and cleaning is a breeze.

When you compare air frying with deep frying, the difference in effort and healthiness makes air frying the clear winner for me.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

I’m here to help you create a fantastic recipe with clarity and expertise. Let’s dive into the essentials for those delightful apple cider donuts ingredients and discuss how everyone can enjoy them, regardless of dietary preferences.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (Ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup fresh apple cider (For a twist, try pear cider)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (For lower carb, substitute with a granular sweetener that measures like sugar)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (Vegan substitute: use coconut oil or vegan butter)
• 1 large egg (Vegan air fryer donuts can be made using a flax egg or commercial egg replacer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These essential baking ingredients make up the base of our apple cider donuts. However, I understand the importance of ingredient substitutions to cater to all dietary needs.

Whether you’re aiming for gluten-free donuts or vegan air fryer donuts, the substitutions listed ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty treat.

Remember, the key to a successful substitution is maintaining the balance of wet and dry ingredients to keep the texture and flavor as close to the original as possible.

How to Make Apple Cider Donuts in Air Fryer

Here’s your detailed step-by-step guide.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. This mix is the foundation of our air fryer donuts recipe.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend 2/3 cup fresh apple cider, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.

Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky; that’s okay! This is crucial for moist, tender donuts.

Shape Donuts: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat it down gently until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, a large and a small round cookie cutter will work fine.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This preheating step is essential for ensuring the donuts cook evenly.

Air Fry: Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Air fry for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Cool and Glaze: Let the donuts cool for a couple of minutes. Then, if you like, dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit more apple cider, or just a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

There you have it—delicious apple cider donuts cooking instructions. This air frying donuts guide ensures each bite is crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Essential Note: The key to perfect apple cider donuts is not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking them in batches may be necessary, but it ensures each donut cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Serving Size	1 donut (approx. 80g)
Servings Per Recipe	8
Amount Per Serving
Calories	200
Total Fat	5g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat	2g (10% DV)
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	20mg (7% DV)
Sodium	190mg (8% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	35g (12% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4% DV)
Sugars	15g
Protein	4g
Vitamin D	0mcg (0% DV)
Calcium	20mg (2% DV)
Iron	1.8mg (10% DV)
Potassium	90mg (3% DV)

% Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

Achieving the best texture and flavor in your donuts comes down to mastering a few key elements: perfect donut dough, dough consistency tips, and the optimal air frying temperature.

1. Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a bit more apple cider; if too wet, a little more flour. This balance is crucial for moist, tender donuts.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures the donuts start cooking at the right temperature for that perfect golden outside and fluffy inside.
3. Correct Air Fryer Settings for Donuts: Set your air fryer to 350°F. The right temperature is key to cooking them evenly without burning.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to keep them from touching. This allows the air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.

Trust me, following these air fryer baking tips and techniques will elevate your donut game. Honestly, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of pulling perfectly cooked donuts out of the air fryer, knowing you’ve nailed the texture and flavor.

Variations and Toppings for Your Donuts

Customizing your air fryer donuts can turn a great treat into something unforgettable. Let’s explore some donut toppings variations and apple cider donut flavors that will cater to every taste.

• Cinnamon Sugar: A classic choice. Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and roll your warm donuts in it for a cozy, comforting flavor.
• Maple Glaze: Combine maple syrup with powdered sugar for a glaze that screams autumn. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
• Chocolate Covered: Melt your favorite chocolate and dip the top of each donut. Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin spice into your dough mixture or sprinkle it on top with a sugar mix for a seasonal delight.
• Seasonal Fruit Toppings: Top your donuts with apple slices in the fall or fresh berries in the summer for a fresh twist.

Experimenting with these customizing air fryer donuts ideas will surely bring joy and variety to your table.

How to Store and Serve Air Fried Apple Cider Donuts

Storing Leftover Donuts

To keep your air fryer donuts tasting fresh, follow these air fryer donut storage tips:

1. Cool Completely: Ensure donuts are at room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
2. Airtight Container: Place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature.
3. Refrigerate for Longer Storage: For extended storage, refrigerate up to a week. Warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your air fryer donuts can be as fun as making them. Here are some apple cider donut pairings and donut serving ideas:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot cider for a delightful start to your day.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange donuts with various toppings on a platter for guests to choose their favorite.
• Seasonal Gatherings: Pair with pumpkin spice latte in the fall or a cold glass of milk during summer evenings.

Honestly, my favorite way to enjoy these donuts is slightly warmed, allowing the flavors to really shine through. Trust me, serving them this way will make you very happy.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Last Words

We’ve walked through everything from the essential ingredients and substitutions to the detailed cooking instructions, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Remember, making air fryer apple cider donuts is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating moments of joy in your kitchen.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and share your experiences.

Got questions or want to share your results? I’m here to help and would love to hear from you.

Huge Easy Air Fryer Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes
• Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme
• Red Baron Mini Pizza
• Air Frying Eggs
• Jimmy Dean Biscuit Roll Ups

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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