Save Apple cider donut holes straight from the air fryer are a fall favorite in my kitchen crisp on the outside with a fragrant apple-cinnamon sweetness inside. They are just right for snack attacks fresh from the basket or with a mug of cider on brisk autumn afternoons.
I started making these for my kids after apple picking trips. They ask for them every year and my house always smells like a little cider mill by the time they are done.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Gives you that pillowy donut texture with no need to proof a yeast dough
- Apple cider: For brushing the dough provides authentic orchard flavor look for good quality cider in season
- Melted butter: Helps the spiced sugar stick and gives a bakery-style richness
- Granulated sugar: Ensures a sparkling outer crunch pick organic or cane sugar if you like
- Cinnamon: Brings the warmth and classic donut shop nostalgia use fresh cinnamon for best fragrance and taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and gently roll each piece between your palms to form smooth little balls. This gives you miniature donuts with a tender crumb inside.
- Add Apple Cider Flavor:
- Using a pastry brush lightly dab apple cider onto each dough ball. The dough should feel slightly moist but not soggy. This little boost infuses each donut with true autumn flavor.
- Preheat and Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit that is one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Place the donut holes in batches inside the basket and cook for six to eight minutes until they are puffed and golden. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the donut holes are still warm use tongs to dip them quickly in melted butter. Next roll them in the mixture of cinnamon and sugar making sure each donut is nicely coated for the perfect finish.
Save No special pan or deep fryer needed. My absolute favorite thing about these is how the kitchen fills with spicy apple scent like a perfect October day. My little one once called them “apple clouds” and that sweet memory always makes me smile.
Storage Tips
Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For the freshest taste reheat for a couple minutes in the air fryer before enjoying. If you want to make them ahead you can freeze the baked and sugared donut holes and let them thaw at room temperature.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to skip dairy use plant-based butter for coating. Any brands of biscuit dough will work but for a richer flavor Pillsbury Grands style doughs are especially fluffy. Instead of apple cider you can use a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these donut holes while they are slightly warm for best texture and flavor. I like to offer a small dish of extra cinnamon sugar alongside for dipping. They make a lovely addition to brunch boards or as a sweet sendoff in picnic lunch boxes.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Apple cider donuts are an autumn tradition in many American apple-growing regions especially in the Northeast and Midwest. These bite-sized versions are a modern twist meant to capture that fairground and farmstand magic at home. Using the air fryer brings a lighter feel and less cleanup so you get the same cozy treat faster.
Seasonal Adaptations
If you want a stronger apple flavor reduce a half cup of cider on the stove until it is thick and syrupy before brushing—this concentrates the fall taste. Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra spice. In spring try orange juice and zest in the dough instead of cider for a bright snack.
Success Stories
My sister made a double batch of these donut holes for her child’s fall birthday party and said the adults kept sneaking back for more. Another friend served them at a fall tailgate and said they disappeared in minutes. It is always a great sign when the plate comes home empty.
Freezer Meal Conversion
After rolling the baked donut holes in cinnamon sugar let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer. Once hard transfer them to a zip top bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for five minutes and you have cider donuts on demand year round.
Save These donut holes have become an autumn staple in my kitchen and are sure to become a fast favorite in yours too. Enjoy their crisp edges and soft apple spice center all season long.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a strong apple cider flavor?
Simmer apple cider on the stovetop to concentrate flavors before brushing the dough for a richer taste.
- → Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works well and lets you control texture and flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- → What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake in a conventional oven at 350°F until golden brown, though texture may vary slightly from air frying.
- → What’s the best way to coat with cinnamon sugar?
Dip hot donut holes in melted butter immediately after cooking, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- → Can these donut holes be made ahead?
They're best enjoyed fresh for optimum texture, but you can store cooled donut holes in an airtight container for up to one day.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Use plant-based butter and check the dough packaging for suitable alternatives to make them dairy-free.