Save The first time I made donuts in my air fryer, I was skeptical—could something fried without oil really taste that good? Turns out, I was wrong. One batch later, I had golden, pillowy bites coated in cinnamon sugar, and my kitchen smelled like a donut shop. My partner looked at me like I'd performed actual magic. These little puffs became my go-to when I wanted something indulgent but didn't want to spend an hour on cleanup.
I made these for my friend's Sunday brunch last month, and she ate five straight from the cooling rack. She kept saying they were too good to be real, and I let her think I'd spent hours on them. When she heard it was just 10 minutes of prep, she demanded the recipe immediately. Now she texts me photos of hers, and we're in this little competition about whose turn out fluffier.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your structural base—don't sift it unless you love dense donuts. Just scoop and level.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for topping): The dough sugar keeps things tender, while the topping sugar caramelizes slightly in the heat for that perfect crunch.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is what makes them fluffy and light, so don't skip it or halve it thinking less is better.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that most people forget does wonders for balancing sweetness.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Any temperature works, though room temperature mixes more smoothly than cold.
- Egg (1 large): Your binding agent—it holds everything together while also adding richness.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing): Melted butter incorporates more evenly than cold butter, and that's what keeps these bites tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just enough to whisper sweetness without tasting like an extract bottle.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): The star of the show—use good cinnamon if you have it, as cheap stuff tastes dusty.
Instructions
- Mix your dry base:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. This distributes the leavening evenly so your donuts puff up uniformly instead of having weird dense pockets.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Melted butter is key here—it won't create streaks in the batter.
- Bring it together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Stop as soon as you don't see dry flour—overmixing develops gluten, which makes them tough instead of tender.
- Shape the dough:
- Wet your hands slightly and roll the dough into 16 balls about the size of a tablespoon. This is oddly meditative, and the wet hands keep the dough from sticking.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Preheat to 350°F for 3 minutes while you arrange your balls. This ensures even cooking from the moment they hit the basket.
- Air fry in batches if needed:
- Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with a little space between them—they puff up slightly and need room to breathe. If your basket is small, do two batches.
- Cook with a shake:
- Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through. You're looking for golden color and a toothpick inserted in the thickest one comes out clean.
- Butter while warm:
- Pull them out and brush each one immediately with melted butter while they're still warm. The warmth helps the butter soak in rather than just sitting on top.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm buttered donuts until fully coated. Work quickly so the butter is still sticky enough to catch the sugar.
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed warm and fresh, when the outside is still slightly crispy and the inside stays fluffy.
Save There's a specific moment when these cool just slightly, the cinnamon sugar sets on the outside, and that first bite releases steam and warmth. That's when they stop being a recipe and become a comfort. I've started making them on random Wednesday nights just to have that moment, alone in my kitchen with coffee and something that tastes like care.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
Traditional fried donuts are delicious but require temperature control, oil management, and cleanup that can feel like a project. The air fryer skips all of that drama and still gives you that slight exterior crispness with a soft, airy interior. You also get to watch them puff up through the window, which never gets old.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, the toppings are your playground. A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds warmth, while a vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar makes them feel fancier. I've also dusted them with cocoa powder and a touch of powdered sugar, and that version disappeared faster than expected.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These are honestly best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a day. A quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer brings back the texture perfectly.
- Store cooled donuts in an airtight container on the counter, never the fridge where they dry out.
- Reheat for just 2 minutes at 350°F to restore crispness without drying them further.
- If you need to make ahead, prepare the dough balls, refrigerate them unbaked, and cook straight from cold—just add 1 to 2 minutes to the time.
Save These little donuts have become my answer to "I want something homemade but I don't have time." They've turned me into someone who actually uses her air fryer for things besides frozen fries, and that feels like a small kitchen victory.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the donut bites cook evenly in the air fryer?
Arrange the dough balls in a single, spaced layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and thorough cooking.
- → Can I use plant-based milk and butter substitutes?
Yes, substituting dairy-free milk and butter works well to make the bites suitable for dairy-free diets while maintaining a soft texture.
- → What is the best way to achieve a crispy cinnamon sugar coating?
Brush the warm bites with melted butter, then immediately toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure the coating adheres evenly and creates a flavorful crust.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
The dough is best used fresh to maintain fluffiness, but it can be refrigerated briefly before shaping and air frying for convenience.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store any leftover donut bites in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to restore warmth and a touch of crispiness.
- → Are there any suggested flavor variations?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough enhances warmth, and serving with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce complements the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.