Fall isn’t complete without warm apple cider donuts and these air fryer munchkins (donut holes) are the perfect bite-sized twist! They’re soft, tender, and flavored with reduced apple cider and cozy spices. Best of all, they’re made with a simple cake-like batter, so there’s no yeast, no rolling, and no deep frying. Just scoop, air fry, and coat in cinnamon sugar!

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the cider reduction: It concentrates the apple flavor and gives the batter the perfect texture.
• Use parchment paper: The batter is sticky and cake-like, so parchment is essential for easy release.
• Cook in small batches: About 3 at a time ensures the air circulates evenly so the donut holes bake through.
• Best enjoyed fresh: These are at their peak right after cooking. If reheating, pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to revive that fresh taste.

Serving Ideas

These donut holes are perfect on their own, but you can also:

• Drizzle with a simple apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + a splash of cider).
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a fun fall dessert.
• Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

Apple Cider Air Fryer Munchkins

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

Donut Holes

• 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (or substitute with 1 egg)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup (10–15 minutes). If it reduces too much, stir in a splash of fresh cider until you have ½ cup total. Let cool slightly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
   
3. In a large bowl, whisk together reduced cider, melted butter, brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until combined. The batter will be thick, like cake batter.
5. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, drop 1-inch mounds of batter onto the parchment. Work in small batches (about 3 at a time) so there’s room for airflow.
6. Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown. Test with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
7. While warm, brush donut holes with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately. Enjoy!