Apple cider and Fall go together like apple cider and Fall, the pearfect combination. We use this Whole 30 instant pot apple cider in fall soups and, of course, straight from the glass as a warm, apple filled cinnamon treat. When not doing Whole 30 apple cider is a delicious cocktail by adding a splash of whiskey. If you’re looking for a Whole 30 mocktail then you can drink this apple cider with a cinnamon stick and an extra dash of cinnamon for a delightfully warm and spicy treat.
As I’ve learned with wild abandon for experimenting, apple cider in soup adds a delicious sweetness with a whole new depth. I love apple cider in soup with carrots and butternut and peaches and whole apples. It’s fall flavored mouth bliss. You can combine any of these veggies in any combination and replace half the broth with apple cider, or 3/4 of it for an incredible experience. I’ve been making soup with apple cider for this last month, for the first time ever, and it’s a whole new flavor world for me that I just have to share.
If you do not have an instant pot check out our Whole 30 slow cooker apple cider.
The Flavor of Whole 30 Instant Pot Apple Cider
We tried several other instant pot apple ciders that had no added sweetener, even maple syrup or honey, and found that they tasted like apple water with a little spice. To make sure you get the full apple punch of warm flavor that fills your nostrils we made sure to use all the apples possible. We use a 1:1 ratio of apple to cups of water so 1 apple per 1 cup of water. Then we do a slow release on the Instant Pot (we use the pressure cooker function of the Ninja Foodi but it seems auto pressure cooker and Instant Pot are the same things now so we roll with it).
For spices, we use whole ones for the maximum amount of flavor. You’ll also want to find fresh spices since spices do lose their flavor after several months. The easiest way to keep it fresh is to go to your local grocer, call ahead and see if they do bulk spices, and just buy what you need. A lot of the times buying spices in bulk is wayyyyy cheaper because you aren’t buying the container. Buying bulk spices is also misleading because you can get a teaspoon of whatever spice, you don’t have to actually buy in bulk. The spices themselves just come in bulk containers. If you want to have a spice party and go crazy with making your own curry then the bulk section keeps it cheap and wondrous to explore.
Using the Ninja Foodi for Pressure Cooking
The thing about the Ninja Foodi is that it was designed to be wide and hold things like entire turkey thighs. You can pressure cook something and then broil, bake or air crisp it (they’re trying to change the fried wording since it’s pretty myth like as it is more crispy than fried tasting). Read our one year review of the Ninja Foodi here.
I used the instant pot for a year and while it created delicious food I really started to miss crispy food, especially when doing a Whole 30. The Ninja Foodi can bake, broil, air crisp, steam, dehydrate and make yogurt just like the Instant Pot can. Instead of taking a full chicken to the oven to broil and having to energize the whole oven with heat, you just dump out the water, put the basket back in, and air fry or broil it in the same device.Â
How to Create Whole 30 Pressure Cooker Apple Cider Step by Step
To start creating the apple cider we’re going to take eight apples and chop them in half. Using a variety of apples creates layers of flavors. According to Apple for That, ” For sweeter cider, try Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Golden Delicious, or Red Delicious varieties; for a more acidic, tart flavor, go with Pink Lady, Braeburn, Jonathan, or McIntosh.”
If using an orange for a little citrus bliss than go ahead and slice your orange into about five slices.
Add your apples, orange and whole spices to the pot.
Fill your instant pot or Ninja Foodi (what we use) with 8 cups of water. If your pot is smaller adjust the recipe to have the same number of apples as cups of water.
Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes then let the cider do a natural release. Once the pressure is released and the red pin drops then remove the lid and let it cool for a bit. Feel free to put your head over the steam for a cider facial steam. Turn the Ninja Foodi or instant pot off so it can cool faster. Set out a large bowl with a colander over it.
Once cooled for about ten minutes so you can lift the pot out with ease (use pot holders still unless you have waited about twenty-five minutes), lift out the pot and pour the cider into the colander.
Smush the apples down into the colander to release all that sweet juice.
Store your apple cider in a jar for up to three weeks or enjoy immediately.
Enjoy Your Whole 30 Instant Pot Apple Cider!
Looking for other Whole 30 Drink Recipes?
Whole 30 Compliant Drinks (for a full list)!
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Ingredients
6-8 Apples (See recipe notes)
3 Cinnamon Sticks (See notes)
1 Whole Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Sliced Ginger (Optional)
1 Teaspoon Cloves
1/2 Teaspoon Whole Allspice (Optional)
6-8 Cups Fresh Filtered Water (Quality Matters)
Instructions
1. Cut your apples in half.
2. Slice up your orange.
3. Add your apples and all of your whole spices to the pop then add your 8 cups of water.
4. Seal on the lid and pressure cook your apple cider on high for 15 minutes then allow it to naturally release (when the red pin drops it is finished).
5. Once released turn off your Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot, remove the lid and let it cool for about twenty minutes. Prepare a large bowl (that holds 9 or more cups of water) with a colander on top of it.
6. Once cooled enough use potholders to remove the pot (I'm being overly careful because I've burned myself with this). Pour your cider into the colander over the bowl.
7. Press the apples into the colander to release all of that delicious apple sweetness into the cider.
8. Store for up to three weeks or enjoy immediately.
Notes
Types of Apples:
You can use red apples for a mild flavor or green ones for a more tart flavor. I used a mixture but think a pure form would do really well. See above in the post for more apple tips.
Cinnamon:
2 sticks will also work, especially if you plan to serve it with a stick of cinnamon. I just really love for the cinnamon to be brought out.
What recipes are you using your Whole 30 Instant Pot apple cider in or are you drinking it straight?
