Pin It One morning, my kids came downstairs asking for donuts, and I stared at an empty pantry wondering how to deliver without a trip to the bakery. The air fryer sitting on the counter caught my eye, and I thought, why not? Twenty minutes later, we were biting into these pillowy cinnamon-sugar bites that tasted like we'd gone to a proper donut shop. It became our Saturday ritual, and now they'd rather have these homemade ones than anything store-bought.
I'll never forget watching my neighbor peek through the kitchen window when the aroma drifted over the fence. She thought I'd bought them fresh somewhere. When I told her I'd made them in 10 minutes, she asked for the recipe on the spot. Now she texts me donut emoji whenever she makes them, and somehow they've become the unofficial currency of our friendship.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of tender donuts; sifting it helps avoid a dense texture, though if you skip that step, just be gentle with your mixing.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavor of vanilla and cinnamon.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): The secret to that fluffy, cloud-like interior that makes these so craveable.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that rounds out sweetness and amplifies the vanilla.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Room temperature is ideal; cold milk can make the batter thick and stubborn.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness that makes these feel indulgent.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for coating): Melted butter creates a tender crumb; use it warm when mixing and when brushing the finished donuts.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Non-negotiable for that bakery-like depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): The star of the show; fresh cinnamon tastes noticeably better than a tin that's been sitting for two years.
- Granulated sugar for coating (1/4 cup): Creates that satisfying crunchy-soft contrast that makes people reach for a second one.
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything looks evenly distributed. This takes about a minute and prevents pockets of baking powder from creating weird bitter spots in your donuts.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until the mixture looks smooth and cohesive. If you're doing this by hand, you'll feel the moment it comes together.
- Bring them together:
- Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined—stop as soon as you don't see dry flour anymore. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the donuts tough and chewy instead of fluffy.
- Shape the dough:
- Lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil and form the dough into 16 small balls about the size of a tablespoon. They'll puff up during cooking, so don't make them too large.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for 3 minutes while you get your cinnamon sugar ready. A properly preheated air fryer makes a real difference in even cooking.
- Cook the donuts:
- Arrange the dough balls in a single layer in the basket with a tiny bit of space between each one, then air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They're done when golden brown and a toothpick inserted in one comes out clean.
- Coat while warm:
- Brush each donut immediately with melted butter while they're still steaming—this helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates a more cohesive coating. If they cool too much, the butter won't coat as nicely.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the buttered donut bites until fully coated. Doing this while warm means the cinnamon sugar adheres instead of sliding off onto your plate.
- Serve right away:
- These are best enjoyed within a few minutes of coating, when the texture is at its peak—soft inside, crispy outside, with cinnamon clinging to every bite.
Pin It There's something almost magical about pulling warm donuts from the air fryer and watching them transform into something golden and irresistible. My toddler once ate three in a row and announced it was better than Christmas morning, and honestly, I didn't argue with her.
Why the Air Fryer Is a Game Changer for Donuts
Deep frying at home is intimidating and messy, but the air fryer gives you all the crispy exterior and fluffy inside with none of the oil splatter. You can make these on a random Tuesday without hours of prep or cleanup. The heat circulates evenly, so you get consistent results every single time, and you're not breathing in cooking oil fumes for the rest of the day.
Flavor Twists That Feel Special
Once you master the basic recipe, the fun begins. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds complexity, and I've experimented with maple extract instead of vanilla on fall mornings. The donuts also take beautifully to a light glaze, chocolate dip, or even a honey drizzle if you're feeling fancy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These are absolutely best fresh, but life happens and sometimes you'll have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, and they'll still taste good, though the cinnamon coating might soften slightly. To bring them back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes and they'll regain their crispy edges.
- For dairy-free versions, swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter—the results are nearly identical.
- You can prep the dough balls ahead and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours; just add a minute to the cooking time if they're cold.
- Serving these with a small bowl of chocolate or caramel sauce turns them into something dessert-worthy enough for guests.
Pin It These donuts have quietly become the thing I make when I want to feel like a good parent without much fuss. They're proof that 18 minutes and a couple of bowls can create genuine joy.
Questions & Answers
- → How long do these donut bites take to air fry?
They cook for 7–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), ideally shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to keep them dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → What ingredients give the donut bites their fluffy texture?
The combination of baking powder, egg, and melted butter helps create a soft, fluffy texture in these bites.
- → Is it necessary to brush the donut bites with butter before coating?
Yes, brushing with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly and adds a rich flavor.
- → Can these donut bites be reheated?
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to refresh their texture and warmth.
- → Can I add extra spices to the dough?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor, complementing the cinnamon coating nicely.