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These easy Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts are made with biscuit dough, brushed with apple cider, and coated in cinnamon sugar for the perfect cozy fall treat, ready in just 20 minutes!

There’s just something magical about that first crisp morning of fall, when you finally get to open the windows, light your favorite cinnamon candle, and maybe even sneak a pumpkin spice coffee before 9am. Around here, once the weather turns, we’re all about cozy recipes that bring fall flavor into the house, and these Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts are at the top of the list every year.

I used to think apple cider doughnuts were only for farmers’ markets or apple picking until I realized you could make a shortcut version right in the air fryer using a can of biscuit dough. I know, I know, it sounds almost too easy. But they turn out light, fluffy, golden, and when brushed with apple cider and tossed in cinnamon sugar? They taste like you picked them up from the orchard (minus the heat and bees, its still so hot here in the Fall lol)

These doughnuts are a total win for busy moms, lazy Sunday mornings, or surprise weekday treats. Your whole kitchen will smell like fall, and your kids will absolutely devour them, mine do!

 

What are Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts?

They’re soft, cake-like doughnuts made from canned biscuit dough, cooked in the air fryer (no oil mess, I hate frying lol!), and finished with warm apple cider and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Using biscuit dough skips the yeast, kneading, and rising, so you can go from “craving doughnuts” to eating doughnuts in about 20 minutes flat.

They’re perfect for people who love the cozy flavor of apple cider doughnuts but don’t have time (or patience) to fry or bake from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients – Just 4 ingredients.

• No oil or frying mess – The air fryer gives that crispy edge without splatter.

• Biscuit dough shortcut – Flaky and fluffy in minutes.

• Smells like fall – Cinnamon + cider = house smells amazing.

• Kid-approved – Easy enough to let little hands help with the dipping and coating.

When to Serve Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts

These are such a vibe all fall long. Try them:

• On a chilly Saturday morning with warm cider

• After pumpkin picking or decorating the porch

• With movie night (especially cozy Halloween flicks)

• As part of a fall breakfast board or brunch spread

• When you just need a little sweet something after dinner

They also make a super cute addition to a fall-themed brunch, or Friendsgiving table!

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For that classic cinnamon-sugar coating

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Fall flavor central

• 1 cup apple cider – Simmered down to concentrate the flavor

• 1 (16.3 oz) can flaky biscuits – I use Grands biscuits (the big, fluffy kind)

Optional: powdered sugar or caramel for drizzling

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts

1. Prep your work area
   Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a cooling rack — this is where your doughnuts will go after air frying and dipping.

2. Mix the cinnamon sugar
   In a shallow bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and cinnamon together until evenly combined. Set aside.

3. Reduce the apple cider
   Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes, until slightly reduced. Set aside to cool just a bit.

4. Cut the doughnuts
   Separate the biscuits and use a small round cutter or water bottle cap to cut out the center of each. Save the holes, you can air fry those too!

5. Air fry in batches
   Lightly spray your air fryer basket or use a parchment liner. Place 3–4 doughnuts in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, flip, and air fry 3 more minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.

6. Coat the doughnuts
   Brush both sides of each warm doughnut with the reduced cider, then immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar. Make sure every inch is coated for maximum flavor.

7. Optional: Doughnut holes
   Air fry the doughnut holes for about 3 minutes. Dip and coat just like the big ones!

8. Serve warm and enjoy!
   These are best when still slightly warm, trust me.

Substitutions

• Apple cider – No cider? Use apple juice + a splash of lemon juice or apple extract.

• Biscuits – Crescent dough, pizza dough, or puff pastry can work in a pinch.

• Cinnamon sugar – Try pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist!

Variations

• Glazed version – Mix powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons of the reduced cider to drizzle on top.

• Filled doughnuts – Use a piping bag to inject them with apple pie filling or whipped cream.

• Caramel dipped – Dip one side into warm caramel for a bakery-style finish.

• Mini version – Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces for poppable mini doughnuts.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, they need space to puff up evenly.

• Brush with cider while still warm so the sugar sticks perfectly.

• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 300°F.

• Let kids dip the doughnuts into sugar, messy but fun!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re really best fresh, but you can air fry them a few hours early and reheat just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The sugar coating may soften over time.

Do I have to reduce the cider?
Reducing concentrates the flavor and helps it stick to the doughnuts better. You can skip it, but the flavor won’t be as strong.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with hot apple cider or cinnamon-spiced coffee

• Pair with a bowl of vanilla ice cream for dessert

• Add to a brunch board with pumpkin muffins, fruit, and sausage links

• Serve alongside savory items like a sausage breakfast casserole or frittata

• Stack them high on a cake stand for a fall party or brunch centerpiece

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Best same day – They start to lose their light texture overnight.

• Short term storage – Room temp in a loosely covered container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

• Reheating – Use the air fryer to bring them back to life, 2–3 minutes at 300°F.

• Make ahead tip – Reduce your cider and mix your sugar early. You can even cut your biscuit dough and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to air fry.

 

Did you make these EASY AIR FRYER APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Looking for more cozy, fall-themed desserts that are easy to prep and full of comforting flavor? These favorites are just what you need!

• Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake
  A light yellow cake made with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar—captures all the flavors of cider doughnuts in cake form.

• Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake
  Moist spice cake soaked with pudding, topped with cinnamon-fried apples and caramel drizzle—fall dessert perfection.

• No Bake Caramel Apple Lush
  Layers of cream cheese, whipped topping, butterscotch pudding, apple pie filling, and caramel on a graham cracker crust—fridge-chilled and full of caramel-apple bliss.

• Caramel Apple Icebox Cake
  A no-bake layered dessert of cinnamon graham crackers, apple pie filing pudding, and caramel—fast to assemble and ideal for fall gatherings.

• Pumpkin Cookie Truffles
  No-bake treats shaped like mini pumpkins—made with pumpkin spiced cookie dough, cream cheese, and chocolate coating. Simple, adorable, and fall-perfect.

• Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
  Soft apple cider-flavored cookies sandwiched with fluffy cinnamon frosting — a handheld treat that screams autumn!

These Air Fryer Apple Cider Doughnuts are the easiest way to bring that apple orchard magic right into your kitchen, no fryer, no fuss, just warm, sweet, fluffy fall flavor in every bite. If you’re looking for a cozy treat that screams “sweater weather,” this is it.

So grab that can of biscuit dough, get the cider simmering, and treat yourself to a little taste of fall… even if it’s still 80 degrees outside.