Apple Cider Doughnut Bites
Apple cider doughnut bites are light, fluffy air fryer treats made with buttermilk, apple cider, and nutmeg. A simple applesauce glaze gives these mini doughnuts a sweet autumn finish.
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
Calories: 285 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 720 mg | Sugar: 24 g