If you have a Trader Joe’s grocery store near you, then you’ve got to try this amazing hack for one of my favorite fall treats. Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts in the air fryer are a game changer, taking an already tasty treat and making it next level!
Why Air Fry Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts?
Let me tell you: air frying Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts is the breakfast / dessert hack you didn’t know you needed.
Imagine this – perfectly crispy edges, a warm donut, and that fresh from the fryer taste, except it’s right at home.
Best of all, the air fryer gets it done in just 3 minutes, so it’s completely worth it. I know, I know, you probably just want to grab it right out of the box and chow down but trust me. It’s also great if your donuts have gone slightly stale, as it perks them right back up!
Now, do you really need a full recipe for this? Probably not. But, I’ll make sure to give you some epic serving suggestions and my full review of these delectable donuts too!
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What You Need
- 1 Trader Joe’s apple cider donut
- Other toppings as desired (see serving suggestions below)
Notes About TJ’s Apple Cider Donuts
TJ’s apple cider donuts come in a box of 6 and are usually found near the bread and other baked goods in-store. Apple cider donuts are a seasonal item, usually found during the month of September (though it can vary slightly year to year)
How to Air Fry Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts
- Place one donut into your air fryer’s basket or rack (or more – you can cook as many at a time as you like that fit in a single layer)
- Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, until donut is warmed through and edges are crisped (it should turn slightly darker compared to an unwarmed one)
- Enjoy warm, with toppings if desired!
Serving Suggestions For Warm Apple Cider Donuts
Paired With Hot Drinks
Serve warm apple cider donuts alongside spiced hot apple cider, hot chocolate (try my Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate for a boozy twist), or mulled wine.
These drinks complement the autumnal flavors of the donuts, creating a cozy, seasonal vibe!
Donut Sundaes
Elevate your donuts by making mini dessert sundaes! Cut the cider donuts in half horizontally, place a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, bourbon, or apple ice cream or gelato on top, and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed toasted nuts!
Dipping Station
Cut your warmed donuts into pieces, and arrange with toothpicks on a platter. Serve with a variety of warmed dips for a “make your own flavor combination” that’s perfect for entertaining!
Some good choices include caramel sauce, maple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even warmed Nutella for guests to dip their donuts into.
Donut Sandwich
Slice your warm donut in half horizontally and spread a layer of apple butter, cream cheese, or nut butter inside for a twist on a sandwich! You could also be more bold and experiment with savory pairings, like adding bacon, egg, and cheese for a sweet & salty breakfast sandwich.
Serve with a side of sliced apples or a fresh fruit salad for a light contrast to the sweetness.
Topped With Whipped Cream
Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or spiced whipped topping (with cinnamon and nutmeg) on top of the donut for an extra indulgent treat.
You can even further amp it up by adding a drizzle of caramel (or bourbon caramel) on top for a decadent dessert. Don’t forget the spoon for this one – it’s messy (but delicious)!
Crumbled Over Yogurt
For a more breakfast-appropriate option, crumble your warm apple cider donuts over a bowl of vanilla or cinnamon Greek yogurt.
Top with granola and a drizzle of honey for added crunch and sweetness, if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Air Fry Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts?
Yes, you can! Air frying Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
It makes them taste and feel fresh from the fryer, and also makes the cinnamon sugar coating more flavorful (and they smell even better as well)!
How Long Do You Cook Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts in an Air Fryer?
Typically, you should cook the donuts for 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
However, cooking times will vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s best to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, and adjust in small increments if needed.
Do Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts Taste Different When Air Fried?
Air frying enhances the texture more so than the flavor, making the exterior crispier without affecting the apple cider flavor inside.
However, I do find that the air fryer amps up the cinnamon-sugar coating a bit, adding extra crunch and a stronger cinnamon flavor.
Should You Preheat the Air Fryer for Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts?
You do not need to preheat your air fryer for heating Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts.
If your air fryer is already warm from cooking something else, start with 2 minutes instead and adjust up as needed from there to prevent overcooking.
Can You Reheat Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts in the Air Fryer?
If you’ve already heated your donuts once and want to reheat them again, you can, but note that the donuts will dry out a bit more each time.
However, the process is the same – just 3 minutes at 350°F. If you’ve refrigerated your donuts to help them keep longer, then 4 minutes should be more appropriate to compensate for the colder starting temperature.
Why Air Fry Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts Instead of Microwaving?
I’ve tried both the air fryer and the microwave. While the microwave is faster, the results are hands down better in the air fryer.
The air fryer delivers a more crispy exterior, less soggy overall donut, and a less greasy and more flavorful mouthfeel.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best TJ’s Apple Cider Donuts
- You do not need to flip the donuts during cooking!
- Cook as many donuts at a time as fit in your air fryer in a single layer. For best results, allow a little air space between them for circulation. I can fit 4 donuts in my 8-qt air fryer at a time
- I do not preheat my air fryer (I have a Ninja) for this recipe and they come out just fine. If you need to add additional time for your specific air fryer, use 1-minute increments to prevent overcooking
Storage and Reheating Tips For Apple Cider Donuts
- Store Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts in the box they come in at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer term storage, pop in the refrigerator and they’ll keep for 3-4 day, or wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
- If you are heating your donuts from refrigerated, start with 4 minutes in the air fryer. For frozen donuts (no need to defrost as long as you’ve frozen them individually), start with 5 minutes, and adjust as needed
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Rustic Apple Tart
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Lasagna
Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts Review
I love Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts, but I’ll give you more thoughts here in my overall review. First, I wish they were more than just a limited seasonal offering – I missed the window last year and I was so bummed! However, they are completely worth picking up if you see them.
The donut itself is a cake style donut, fried and coated in cinnamon and sugar. They are vegetarian (fried in soybean oil), but do contain milk, wheat, egg, and soy if you have allergies to watch out for.
I’ve tried eating them directly from the box, heating them in the microwave, and heating them in the air fryer. Hands down, the air fryer is the winner (hence why I wrote this)!
Heating them just brings out better flavor and texture compared to room temperature. I mean, they’re definitely not bad as is, but warming the donuts really restores that freshly fried taste.
The microwave is quicker, but you get a soggier, oilier, and less flavorful donut overall. The air fryer is where it’s at for me.
Just 3 minutes isn’t too much to ask, and you get perfectly crispy edges, improved cinnamon flavor, and excellent texture. It’s amazing! You can see in my photos the air fried one gets a little darker overall, and I think it’s a little caramelization from the sugar that makes it so good!
TJ’s apple cider donuts are sweet, with very light apple flavor, and more prominent cinnamon and sugar. They taste like a fresh, fried donut you’d get at a farm stand or bakery (my whole household was very impressed).
They’re a little oily, but not too bad, and that’s to be expected with a fried donut anyway. The air fryer version was definitely better than the microwave here too.
Overall, these are a must-get item for me in the fall. If you enjoy apple cider and cinnamon flavors (and donuts in general) then I think you’ll love these too. They’re one of my top reasons to make an autumn TJ’s run!
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy Trader Joe’s apple cider donuts, pick some up this fall and make them out of this world by air frying them into a warm, crispy, delicious treat.
They’re perfect with a glass of apple cider (or warm mulled cider if it’s cold out), or you can turn them into a variety of creative sandwiches and sundaes – see my serving suggestions above for more great ideas.
For more ways to make meals easy with great TJ’s finds, check out all of my Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Recipes for delicious options for any meal and season!
Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Trader Joe's apple cider donut (or another brand of choice)
- Other toppings as desired (see serving suggestions section for ideas)
Instructions
- Place one donut into your air fryer’s basket or rack1 Trader Joe's apple cider donut
- Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, until donut is warmed through and edges are crisped (it should turn slightly darker compared to an unwarmed one)
- Enjoy warm, with toppings if desired!Other toppings as desired
Notes
- You do not need to flip the donuts during cooking!
- If you need to make multiples, you can cook as many donuts at a time as fit in your air fryer in a single layer without changing cooking time. For best results, allow a little air space between them for circulation. I can fit 4 donuts in my 8-qt air fryer at a time
- I do not preheat my air fryer (I have a Ninja) for this recipe and they come out just fine. If you need to add additional time for your specific air fryer, use 1-minute increments to prevent overcooking
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients (you can use this method for Great Value and other brands of apple cider donuts too), any sauces or toppings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
