Air-Fried Cider Donuts: A Tasty Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional frying methods, yielding delicious treats with less oil and mess. You can make apple cider donuts, yeast doughnuts, and even Greek yoghurt doughnuts in an air fryer. They're a healthier option, and you can still get that crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Ingredients and measurements for cider donuts in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Apple cider
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Egg
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Powdered sugar

Measurements:

• 1 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Brown sugar
• Cardamom
• Allspice
• Vegetable oil or canola oil
• Donut pans or donut moulds
• Parchment paper liners

Method:

Firstly, prepare the apple cider by bringing 2 cups to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil until the cider is reduced by half (this should take around 10-15 minutes). Allow to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix together the cooled cider, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and combine.

Spray your donut pan or mould and add the batter, filling it about 2/3 of the way full. Set the air fryer to 320 degrees F and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Once cooked, dip the donuts in melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Donuts are best served fresh and warm, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Step-by-step instructions for making the donut batter

Ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The exact quantities will depend on the recipe you are following, but the ingredients typically include:

• Apple cider
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar or brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Powdered sugar

Method

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
• In a separate small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Allow it to boil until the cider is reduced by half. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
• In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: the cooled apple cider, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk them together until they are well incorporated.
• Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredient mixture. Pour the wet mixture into the well and begin mixing from the centre outwards, gradually combining the ingredients to form a sticky dough.
• Depending on the recipe, you may need to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour until it is firm enough to shape.
• On a well-floured surface, place the dough and gently roll it out to your desired thickness. The ideal thickness will depend on your preference, but a common recommendation is about 1/2 inch.
• Use a floured donut cutter or a drinking glass/biscuit cutter to cut out the donut shapes from the dough. You can also use a smaller cutter or the top of a narrow bottle to cut out the centre holes of the donuts.
• Gather the remaining dough scraps and repeat the process to cut out more donuts until you have used up most of the dough.

At this point, you can proceed to the next steps of your chosen recipe, which may include shaping the donuts, adding toppings or fillings, and, of course, frying them to perfection in your air fryer!

How to shape donuts without a donut cutter

If you're making apple cider donuts and don't have a donut cutter, there are several ways to cut your dough into the standard donut shape. You will need two circular ends with relatively sharp edges to cut the dough, one larger than the other.

First, decide how thick you want your donuts to be. A biscuit cutter can be used to cut out the donut shape, but they are often slightly smaller than a typical donut. A pastry frosting tip can also be used; these usually have a circular end where it connects to the frosting bag and will produce a good donut shape. If you don't have either of these, you can use a knife to cut around the edge of a large glass to create the first hole, and then use a shot glass to cut out the centre of the donut. Alternatively, you can use a clean can from canned vegetables or fruits, as the thin, sharp edge will cut through the dough. For the centre, you can use the cap of a water or wine bottle.

If you don't have any circular objects to cut out the donut shape, you can print out a paper template of a donut and cut around it with a knife. However, be careful not to put too much pressure on the dough when cutting, as this can affect how the dough cooks.

You can also make bar-shaped or square donuts, which don't require circular cutting utensils. For bar donuts, use anything that is rectangular to cut out the shape. For squares, you can use a knife to cut out the shape.

How to make a sweet donut glaze

A sweet glaze is the perfect finishing touch to a freshly fried donut. This simple recipe can be adapted to include a range of flavours and colours, and is a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect glaze for your donuts.

Ingredients:

• 13 tablespoons of milk (or milk alternative)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 4 cups of confectioner's sugar (sifted if lumpy)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Food colouring (optional)

Method:

• Begin by whisking together all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Ensure that the mixture is smooth, with no lumps.
• Cover the glaze with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap touches the surface of the glaze to prevent a film from forming.
• Store the glaze in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• When you are ready to glaze your donuts, give the mixture an extra whisk to ensure it is smooth and has the right consistency.
• Dip your warm donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. The wire rack should be placed over a baking tray or some parchment paper to catch any drips.

Tips:

• For a thicker glaze, dip the donuts a second time after the first layer has set.
• For a runnier glaze, add a little more milk.
• For a sweeter glaze, add a little extra confectioner's sugar.
• To add some spice to your glaze, include cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg.
• For a fruity twist, substitute the milk with fruit juice (such as peach or strawberry) and add a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage:

This glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for longer-term storage.

Enjoy your freshly glazed donuts!

Storing and reheating tips for cider donuts

Cider donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are several ways to store them.

If you plan to eat them within a day or two, it is best to keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help maintain their texture and freshness. You can also individually wrap each donut in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for added protection.

If you want to extend their lifespan, you can refrigerate them. However, refrigeration can affect their texture, especially for cake donuts, so it is recommended to only refrigerate cream-filled or custard donuts. When refrigerating, use an airtight container and try to finish the donuts within 3 to 5 days.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature in an airtight container or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for that fresh-baked softness.

When reheating cider donuts, it is best to avoid the microwave as it can make them rubbery. Instead, use an air fryer or a preheated oven to reheat until warmed through or soft and warm.

Frequently asked questions