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A plate piled high with sugar-coated fried apple cider donuts and donut holes sits on a wooden surface, with fresh apples nearby and a checkered cloth partially underneath the plate.
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Fried Apple Cider Donuts

These Fried Apple Cider Donuts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with real apple flavor. Making them from scratch is easier than you think and tastes so much better than store-bought!
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 155kcal
Author: Melissa Griffiths

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil recommended
  • Cinnamon sugar for coating

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of apple cider to a boil.
  • Continue boiling until the cider is reduced to about 1 cup. This concentrates the flavor.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk the cooled cider, eggs, and melted butter together until well combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
  • Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
  • Turn the chilled dough out onto a well-floured surface.
  • Roll it out to a ½-inch thickness.
  • Use a floured donut cutter or round cookie cutters to cut out donuts and holes.
  • Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with 3 inches of oil.
  • Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), monitoring the temperature with a cooking thermometer.
  • Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • While the donuts are still warm, roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat them evenly.
  • Enjoy the apple cider donuts warm, savoring the rich apple flavor and spices.

Notes

Cider Reduction: Be sure to reduce the three cups of apple cider down to just one cup to concentrate the flavors sufficiently.
Oil Temperature: Maintain a constant oil temperature for even cooking. Use a thermometer to check.
Topping Variations: Experiment with different toppings like a glaze or powdered sugar if desired.
Storage: After cooling completely on a wire rack, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg