If you’re a fan of apple cider donuts but want a healthier and fuss-free alternative, look no further than making them in an air fryer. The air fryer has gained immense popularity in recent years for its ability to cook crispy and delicious food with minimal oil. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make mouthwatering apple cider donuts in an air fryer, so get ready to indulge in a healthier twist on this classic treat.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For making apple cider donuts in an air fryer, you will need:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
7. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
9. 1/2 cup apple cider
10. 1/4 cup milk
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12. 1 large egg
You can also gather some additional ingredients to coat the donuts in a delectable cinnamon sugar mix:
1. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Mixing the Donut Batter
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to mix them together to create the donut batter. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to cook the donuts.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Thoroughly combine these dry ingredients until they are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, apple cider, milk, vanilla extract, and the large egg. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is well combined and the egg is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine the two mixes. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as it may result in denser donuts.
Air Frying the Donuts
With the batter prepared, it’s time to turn it into delicious donuts using your air fryer. Follow these steps:
Step 5: Fill the Donut Cavities
Grease the donut cavities of your air fryer tray with a small amount of cooking spray or melted butter. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling it up to about 2/3 full. Be careful not to overfill, as the donuts will rise during cooking.
Step 6: Air Fry in Batches
Place the filled donut tray into your preheated air fryer and cook for approximately 7-9 minutes. Since cooking times can vary, keep an eye on the donuts and check for doneness. They should be lightly golden brown and spring back when touched.
Step 7: Repeat and Cool
Once the first batch is done, remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Now it’s time to repeat steps 5 and 6 with the remaining batter. You may need to do multiple batches, depending on the capacity of your air fryer.
Add the Finishing Touches
While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar coating for that extra burst of flavor. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 8: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mix
In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. In a separate dish, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Step 9: Coat the Donuts
For each donut, dip it in the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, roll the donut in the cinnamon sugar mix, making sure to cover all sides. Repeat this process with all the cooled donuts.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Your apple cider donuts made in an air fryer are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them fresh, and savor the delectable combination of apple and cinnamon flavors. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
Final Thoughts
Making apple cider donuts in an air fryer not only provides a healthier alternative but also ensures a quick and hassle-free cooking experience. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a batch of warm, delicious donuts that are perfect for snacking or sharing with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to this delightful twist on a classic treat. Happy cooking!