Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fluffy fried apple cider donut. The blend of warm spices and the sweet apple flavor brings that cozy fall vibe any time of year. Plus, when you make them at home, you can control every delicious detail. It’s like making a hug in donut form! 🍏🍩
You shouldn’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just making it through Tuesday, these donuts fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up!
How to Make Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts
You’re just a few simple steps away from homemade deliciousness. It’s almost like magic—only, you get to eat the results. Here’s how you can impress friends (or just treat yourself):
- Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have everything ready to go. It’ll save you time and extra trips to the pantry!
- Mix the dry and wet: Yup, it’s that simple. Combine your elements and create the perfect dough.
- Fry and fry some more: No, it’s not going to rain donuts, but you will end up with a wonderful batch that tastes like goodness.
- Dust for style: This is where you get to decide if you’re fancy or just want that classic look. Either way, they’ll be fabulous!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these apple cider delights:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
Follow these steps to make the most epic apple cider donuts:
- Whisk it up: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is your spice party!
- Mix wet and dry: In another bowl, combine sugars, apple cider, egg, and melted butter. Bring feelings of warmth and joy as you mix it all together. Then, mix the wet into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Roll it out: Dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes. Play with those shapes like a donut artist!
- Fry time: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry donuts in batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Draining and dusting: Remove from oil and let them drain on paper towels. Then, if you’re feeling fancy, dust them with powdered sugar and serve warm!
How to Serve Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are fantastic fresh out of the fryer, but how you plate them matters too! You can serve them in a cute little basket lined with parchment paper for that Instagram-worthy snap. Drizzle them with a bit of maple syrup for extra sweetness, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or cider—because, why not? ☕️
How to Store Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts
If you manage to have any left over (which is basically a miracle), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for a day or two if you keep them safe from pesky critters. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, but we all know fresh is best.
Tips to Make Best Fried Apple Cider Donuts
- Make a mess: Don’t be afraid to get a little flour on your clothes! It’s a sign of culinary success.
- Temperature is key: Make sure your oil is hot enough! A thermometer helps avoid sad, greasy donuts.
- Customize: Feel free to mix and match spices. Want to throw in some cardamom? Go wild!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some diced apples or raisins to the dough for an extra fruity twist! You can also experiment with a glaze instead of powdered sugar—either will amp up the yum factor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A: Sure, but you’ll want to fry them fresh for that delightful texture. If you must prep ahead, consider making the dough and chilling it before frying.
Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Go for oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it can get funky when heated.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: For sure! You can bake them in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Just know they’ll taste a little different—think “health-conscious” rather than indulgent. 😅
Now, roll up your sleeves and let the frying fun begin! 🍩👏

Fried Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, mix sugars, apple cider, egg, and melted butter until combined.
- Combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Dust the work surface with flour and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out donut shapes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.






