Save One Saturday morning, I was standing in front of my air fryer wondering what to do with a carton of eggs that needed using, when it hit me—why not make donuts without the mess of hot oil? Fifteen minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a carnival, and I had sixteen perfect little cinnamon-sugar clouds cooling on my counter. My kids devoured them before I could even snap a photo. Now whenever I crave that fried-donut taste without the cleanup, this is my go-to shortcut.
I brought a batch to my neighbor's house during a lazy Sunday visit, and watching her bite into one with her eyes closed—that little moment of pure joy—reminded me why I love sharing homemade treats. She asked for the recipe immediately, and honestly, the fact that it's so simple and forgiving made me feel like a genius in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of your dough; make sure it's fresh because old flour can make your donuts dense instead of fluffy.
- Granulated sugar for dough (1/4 cup): Sweetness with structure; don't skip this even though the cinnamon sugar topping does the real flavor work.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Your secret weapon for that cloud-like texture without any yeasty waiting around.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to make the sweetness pop and balance the vanilla.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Whole milk gives the richest results, but any kind works if that's what you have on hand.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds that tender crumb that makes people ask for seconds.
- Melted butter for dough (2 tbsp): Use unsalted so you control the salt level, and let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn't scramble the egg.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount that somehow makes everything taste more like a real treat.
- Cinnamon sugar coating (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon): This is where the magic happens; don't be stingy with the cinnamon because that's what people remember.
- Melted butter for brushing (2 tbsp): The glue that makes the cinnamon sugar stick while everything's still warm.
Instructions
- Mix your dry base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This takes about a minute and makes sure the baking powder distributes evenly so your donuts rise uniformly.
- Combine the wet side:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and well blended. This is where you catch any lumpy egg before it causes problems later.
- Bring them together:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined, about 10-15 strokes with your whisk. The dough will be thick and slightly bumpy, and that's exactly right; overmixing makes them tough.
- Form your bites:
- Lightly grease your hands and roll the dough into 16 balls about the size of a tablespoon each. They don't need to be perfect; slightly irregular shapes actually look more homemade and charming.
- Heat your fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes while you arrange your dough balls. This ensures even, consistent cooking from the moment they go in.
- Air fry with care:
- Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with a little space between each one, working in batches if needed. Shake the basket halfway through the 7-8 minute cook time so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Butter while warm:
- The moment they come out, brush each donut bite with melted butter while they're still hot. This is crucial; the butter seals in moisture and gives the cinnamon sugar something to cling to.
- Coat in cinnamon magic:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then toss the warm donut bites until fully coated. Work fast while they're warm, because cool donuts won't accept the coating as readily.
- Eat immediately:
- Serve right away when they're at their fluffiest and the cinnamon sugar is still clinging to every edge. Trust me on this one.
Save There's something almost magical about watching someone's face light up when they bite into one of these still-warm, knowing they took less than 20 minutes to make. That moment when convenience meets homemade satisfaction is exactly why I keep coming back to this recipe.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
Traditional fried donuts mean heating oil to exactly 375°F, monitoring temperature, dealing with splatters, and then cleaning up an oily mess that somehow gets everywhere. The air fryer skips all of that while actually delivering better results—the exterior gets crispy and golden while the interior stays impossibly fluffy because the circulating hot air is gentler than a deep oil bath. Plus, you can make these donuts without worrying about smell lingering in your clothes or curtains for days.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you nail the basic recipe, the variations are endless and fun to experiment with. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spice layer, or try dusting with vanilla cinnamon sugar for a different twist. You could brush them with chocolate glaze instead of cinnamon sugar, or even do a honey drizzle right after the butter while they're still warm.
Making Them Work for Your Dietary Needs
These donuts are surprisingly adaptable to different diets and preferences without losing their charm. Swap plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dairy versions and they work beautifully; the texture stays fluffy and the flavor is just as satisfying. For those avoiding gluten, experimenting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can work, though you might need to add an extra teaspoon of baking powder to compensate for the different structure.
- Dairy-free donuts taste just as indulgent when you use quality plant-based butter for brushing.
- A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cinnamon sugar adds a grown-up touch that guests absolutely love.
- Make them ahead, store in an airtight container for up to two days, and reheat for 2 minutes in the air fryer to bring back that just-made warmth.
Save These little cinnamon-sugar clouds have become my go-to when I want that donut-shop experience without the trip or the guilt. Make a batch this weekend and see why they disappear so quickly.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the donut bites are soft and fluffy?
Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently without overmixing and shape the dough into uniform balls. Cooking in the air fryer at 350°F ensures even heat and quick baking for a tender texture.
- → Can I make these donut bites dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and butter for the dairy ingredients to keep the texture and flavor without milk or butter.
- → What is the best method to coat the donut bites evenly with cinnamon sugar?
Brush the warm donut bites with melted butter first, then toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture to achieve a uniform and sticky coating.
- → How long should I air fry the donut bites?
Air fry the dough balls at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden color.
- → Can these donut bites be reheated?
Yes, leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to restore warmth and crispness without drying them out.