Apple Cider Doughnut Bites
Equipment
- Ice cream scoop
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the doughnut bites
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch nutmeg freshly grated
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk chilled
- 2 tablespoons apple cider chilled
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for brushing
For the applesauce glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons applesauce unsweetened
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Whisk the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl.
- Add the chilled buttermilk, apple cider, and egg.
- Fold gently with a silicone spatula until the dough just comes together.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Use a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons to divide the dough into 10 portions.
- Place the dough portions in the air fryer basket with space between them.
- Cook in batches when necessary.
- Brush the tops lightly with vegetable oil.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 6 minutes until golden and fluffy.
- Transfer the doughnut bites to a wire rack.
- Allow them to cool completely.
- Stir the powdered sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the cooled doughnut bites into the applesauce glaze.
- Return them to the wire rack.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve these doughnut bites with coffee, tea, warm apple cider, or hot chocolate. Add our Air Fryer Banana Bread when preparing a larger autumn brunch. Browse our Breakfast Recipes for more ideas.Recipe Notes
Mix the dough only until combined because overmixing can make the doughnut bites firm. Leave space between them in the basket so circulating air can brown each one evenly. Let them cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.Variations
Use hard or nonalcoholic apple cider. Add cinnamon to the dough or roll the warm bites in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them. Pear purée can replace the applesauce. Discover more quick treats in our Air Fryer Recipes.Wine Advice
A lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti complements the apple and nutmeg flavors. A chilled Gewürztraminer also works well with the sweet autumn spices.Nutrition values
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Apple Cider Doughnut Bites
Apple cider doughnut bites are light, fluffy miniature doughnuts made in the air fryer with buttermilk, apple cider, and freshly grated nutmeg. A smooth glaze prepared with powdered sugar and applesauce reinforces the autumn flavor without requiring deep frying or complicated dough preparation.
The dough comes together in one mixing bowl and does not require yeast, kneading, or rising time. Baking powder and baking soda provide the lift, while buttermilk keeps the interior tender. Pair these bites with our Air Fryer Banana Bread when assembling a homemade breakfast or brunch selection.
Why Air Fryer Doughnut Holes Work
Air fryer doughnut holes cook quickly because their small size allows circulating heat to reach the center in only a few minutes. Brushing the tops with a small amount of vegetable oil encourages browning while avoiding the greasy texture associated with deep-fried doughnuts.
Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a light texture. Baking powder provides additional lift, while apple cider contributes moisture and a subtle fruit flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg gives the doughnuts a familiar bakery-style aroma without overpowering the applesauce glaze.
Mixing and Portioning the Dough
For evenly cooked apple cider doughnut bites, mix the wet and dry ingredients only until a soft dough forms. Small dry patches can be folded in gently, but vigorous mixing develops gluten and can make the finished bites tough.
A 1-ounce ice cream scoop creates portions of similar size and keeps preparation tidy. Two tablespoons can be used when a scoop is unavailable. Leave enough space between the portions in the basket to allow hot air to circulate. If the basket is small, cook the doughnut bites in two batches instead of overcrowding them.
Serving Apple Cider Doughnut Bites
Apple cider doughnut bites can be served at room temperature after the glaze has set. They pair naturally with coffee, black tea, chai, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider. Their small size makes them suitable for breakfast, brunch, dessert, and afternoon snacks.
If you prefer warm doughnuts, prepare the glaze while the bites cook and serve it separately as a dipping sauce. The glaze will remain smooth, while the fresh doughnuts retain their warm exterior. Browse our Brunch Recipes for more dishes suitable for an autumn table.
Storage and Flavor Variations
Leftover air fryer doughnut holes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Place parchment paper between layers to protect the glaze. Reheat unglazed bites briefly in the air fryer at 280°F (140°C).
Add cinnamon, allspice, or ground ginger to the dough for a stronger spice profile. Instead of glazing the bites, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar. Pear purée or pumpkin purée can replace the applesauce in the glaze, although the consistency may require additional powdered sugar.
Follow the FDA food-safety guidance when storing baked goods containing eggs and dairy. With their tender centers, quick preparation, and sweet apple glaze, apple cider doughnut bites are an easy homemade treat for autumn mornings.