Display omitted •Inorganic and organic nitrogen significantly affected the volatile compounds of cider.•Addition of 60 mg N/L DAP significantly increased the content of ethyl esters.•150 mg N/L amino acids mixture increased higher alcohols and acetate esters content.•Medium-chain fatty acid ethyl esters contributed the most to tropical fruity aroma. To investigate the impact of inorganic and organic nitrogen on volatile compounds of cider, various levels (60, 150 and 240 mg N/L) of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) and amino acids mixture were added to apple juice before fermentation, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative of volatile substances were carried out by GC–MS. Further, sensory and electronic nose analysis was performed to analyze the aroma profile of cider. Both DAP and amino acids mixture promoted fermentation, significantly affected volatile compositions and increased perceived aromas of cider. Adding 60 mg N/L DAP significantly increased volatile compounds content, especially medium-chain fatty acid ethyl esters (MCFAEEs) and fatty acids (FAs), whereas higher alcohols and acetate esters concentrations were remarkably increased with 150 mg N/L amino acids supplementation. Partial least-squares (PLS) regression analysis suggested that MCFAEEs contributed the most to tropical fruity aroma. The study provides a theoretical foundation for high-quality cider brewing.