Save There's something almost magical about opening the air fryer and finding perfectly golden, pillowy-soft donut bites waiting inside—no oil sputtering, no messy deep fryer, just pure donut joy. I stumbled onto this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning when I wanted something indulgent but didn't want to commit to a full baking project. My daughter watched them puff up through the air fryer window like little golden clouds, and by the time they came out warm and fragrant, she was already asking if we could make them again next weekend. That's when I knew this was a keeper.
I'll never forget the look on my best friend's face when she tasted one of these at a casual Friday breakfast. She literally said, "Wait, you made these?" like I'd just performed a magic trick. What she didn't know was how ridiculously simple the whole process had been—no yeast, no waiting around, just a quick stir and into the air fryer. That moment cemented these donuts as my go-to when I need to impress someone with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of your donut bites—use fresh flour for the fluffiest crumb, as old flour can absorb moisture differently.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Keeps the donuts tender and gives them that delicate sweetness without overpowering.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is your leavening agent and the secret to that cloud-like texture; don't skip it or substitute.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Brings out the flavor and balances the sweetness—a tiny amount makes all the difference.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Creates moisture in the batter; I use whole milk for richness, but any type works.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds structure so your donuts hold their shape beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp melted, plus 2 tbsp for brushing): The real MVP—melted butter adds tenderness to the crumb and a luxurious richness to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount that makes the flavor sing; use pure vanilla if you can.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon): The aromatic, crispy exterior that makes these irresistible—I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg too.
Instructions
- Mix your dry base:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is evenly distributed. This prevents lumps and ensures even rising.
- Blend the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and combined. Temperature doesn't matter much here, but cold milk sometimes makes the egg scramble slightly, so room temperature is easiest.
- Gently combine:
- Pour wet into dry and stir just until the flour disappears—stirring too much develops gluten and makes donuts tough instead of tender. A few small lumps are totally fine.
- Shape into bites:
- Lightly grease your hands with a little oil or butter so the dough doesn't stick, then roll the mixture into 16 small balls about the size of a tablespoon. They'll puff slightly as they cook, so don't make them too large.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes. A preheated fryer means even, consistent cooking from the moment your donuts go in.
- Arrange and cook:
- Place donut bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving a tiny bit of space between them so hot air circulates. You may need two batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Air fry with attention:
- Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. They're done when golden on the outside and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Butter while warm:
- Brush each donut bite with melted butter right after they come out—the warmth helps it sink in for extra flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Toss the warm donuts in a shallow bowl of cinnamon sugar mixture until every side is coated. This is the fun part—watch them get all sparkly and fragrant.
- Serve immediately:
- They're at their absolute best within minutes, when they're still warm and the cinnamon sugar is clinging to the buttery surface. Enjoy them plain or dip in chocolate sauce.
Save There was a morning when I made these for my family's breakfast before anyone else woke up, and the aroma alone brought everyone downstairs within minutes. No one said a word—they just grabbed a donut bite, closed their eyes for a second, and smiled. That's when I realized these little treats had become more than just a recipe; they were a small moment of joy we could create together any day of the week.
Air Fryer Secrets
Air fryers can vary wildly in temperature accuracy and air circulation patterns, so the first time you make these, pay attention to how quickly they brown. If your fryer runs hot, start checking around the 6-minute mark. I discovered that shaking the basket not only prevents sticking but also ensures the bottoms get that gorgeous golden color. Some air fryer models have a bit of a hot spot, so rotating the basket position if you're cooking multiple batches helps with consistency.
Storage & Reheating
These donuts are honestly best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. When you want to revive them, a quick 2-minute spin in the air fryer at 300°F brings back that soft interior and crispy exterior almost perfectly. Alternatively, a few seconds in the microwave works in a pinch, though you'll lose some of that textural magic.
Flavor Variations & Dipping Ideas
While plain cinnamon sugar is timeless, I've experimented with adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the coating for subtle warmth. A chocolate drizzle transforms these into something decadent, or you can serve them with a warm caramel sauce for dunking. My favorite discovery was dusting them lightly with espresso powder mixed into the cinnamon sugar—something about coffee and cinnamon together is just irresistible.
- For a vegan version, swap plant-based milk and butter without changing the technique.
- Make them dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
- Coat half the batch in cinnamon sugar and half in plain sugar for variety at the same meal.
Save These air fryer cinnamon donuts have become my answer to the question, "What can I make in 18 minutes that tastes like it took all morning?" They remind me that the best recipes aren't always the fanciest or most complicated—sometimes they're just the ones that bring a little warmth and sweetness to an ordinary day.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a soft texture in these donut bites?
Using baking powder as a leavening agent and avoiding overmixing the dough helps keep the bites light and fluffy.
- → Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to keep the bites moist and flavorful.
- → What is the best way to coat the bites evenly in cinnamon sugar?
Brush the warm bites with melted butter before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar for an even and lasting coating.
- → Can I reheat the bites after storing?
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to restore their warmth and crispness.
- → Is the air fryer necessary for this preparation?
The air fryer provides a quick, oil-free cooking method that yields golden, evenly cooked bites without deep frying.