Save There's something magical about watching a perfectly golden donut emerge from the air fryer in just minutes—no oil splatters, no kitchen smell that lingers for days, just pure cinnamon-sugar magic. I discovered these while experimenting one lazy Sunday morning when I wanted something warm and sweet but didn't have the patience for traditional deep frying. My kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma, and by the time my partner wandered downstairs, half the batch was already gone. These little bites became our instant weekend ritual, the kind of treat that tastes indulgent but takes almost no effort.
I'll never forget serving these to my coworkers during a morning meeting—the moment someone bit into one, the whole room went quiet, and then someone asked for the recipe before they'd even finished chewing. That's when I knew these weren't just a personal win, they were something special worth perfecting.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your foundation—too much and your donuts get dense, too little and they fall apart, so measuring by weight is honestly the way to go if you have a scale.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Just enough sweetness in the dough itself so you're not relying entirely on the topping.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is what gives you that fluffy, tender crumb instead of a heavy cake-like texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that makes everything taste more like itself—don't skip it even though it seems small.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Whole milk works best here because it creates a richer, more tender crumb than skim.
- Large egg: Your binding agent and the ingredient that helps these stay moist and fluffy inside.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough): Melting it first means it distributes evenly and creates that tender texture you're after.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): The secret ingredient that rounds out the flavor and makes people say, 'What is that taste?'
- Cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon): This ratio is perfectly balanced—enough cinnamon to taste like real cinnamon, not just sugar with a whisper of spice.
- Butter for brushing (2 tbsp, melted): The glue that makes the cinnamon sugar stick and creates those irresistible crispy edges.
Instructions
- Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is evenly combined. This step matters more than you'd think because it helps the baking powder distribute evenly, preventing some donuts from puffing up while others stay flat.
- Combine the Wet Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and well blended. The key here is to keep everything fluid so it mixes easily with the dry ingredients.
- Bring It Together Gently:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—this is where patience pays off because overmixing activates gluten and makes your donuts tough instead of fluffy. Stop stirring the moment you don't see dry flour anymore.
- Form Your Donut Bites:
- Lightly wet your hands and roll the dough into 16 small balls about the size of a tablespoon, spacing them on a clean counter as you go. Wet hands are your secret weapon here because the dough won't stick to them, making this step quick and almost fun.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 3 minutes so it's properly heated when your donuts go in. This prevents the outside from cooking too fast while the inside stays raw.
- Air Fry in Batches:
- Arrange the dough balls in a single layer in the basket with a little space between each one—they'll puff slightly as they cook. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need two batches, and that's perfectly fine.
- Cook Until Golden:
- Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're golden on the outside and cooked through inside. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and they feel firm but still soft to the touch.
- Butter While Warm:
- As soon as the donuts come out, brush each one generously with melted butter while they're still hot—the butter will sink in and create something magical. This is also when they're most receptive to absorbing flavor.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- Quickly mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm buttered donuts in the mixture until they're completely coated. Work fast because once they cool down, the coating won't stick as easily.
- Serve Right Away:
- Eat them immediately while they're still warm and the cinnamon sugar is crispy on the outside and the inside is pillowy soft. This is the best version of this treat.
Save The moment that really sold me on these was when my five-year-old nephew asked if we could make them again instead of asking for store-bought donuts—that's when I realized they weren't just delicious, they were special enough to become a tradition.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic recipe, the door opens to so many directions. I've added a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the dough and it creates this warm, almost autumn feeling even in summer, or you could try a touch of cardamom for something more unexpected. A vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon sugar works beautifully too, or even a light maple coating if you're in that mood. The dough itself is neutral enough that it's a blank canvas—the only rule is don't go overboard with extra ingredients because they need to stay light and fluffy.
Storing and Reheating
Ideally these taste best fresh and warm, but real life means sometimes you have leftovers or want to prep ahead. I've found that storing them in an airtight container keeps them soft for a day or two, and if you want them to taste almost as good as fresh, pop them back in the air fryer for about 2 minutes at 300°F—they'll warm through and the outside will crisp up again. You could also microwave them for 10 seconds if you're in a rush, though they won't be quite as special.
Making Them Dairy-Free or Allergy-Friendly
If you or someone you're cooking for avoids dairy, these adapt beautifully—just swap the milk for any plant-based milk (oat or almond work great) and use vegan butter for both the dough and the brushing step. I've also experimented with a bit of apple sauce added to the wet mixture when doing dairy-free versions, and it keeps them incredibly moist. The texture is virtually identical, and honestly, most people can't tell the difference.
- Check your baking powder to make sure it's aluminum-free if you're avoiding certain additives.
- Make sure any plant-based milk you use isn't too thick—if it seems heavy, thin it slightly with water.
- Serve with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce to make dairy-free versions feel extra special.
Save These air fryer cinnamon donuts have become my answer to 'I want something homemade and delicious but I don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.' They're proof that simple ingredients and a little bit of care create something that tastes like pure comfort.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make the donut bites extra soft?
Using fresh baking powder and not overmixing the dough ensures a tender texture. Also, brushing with melted butter immediately after cooking keeps them moist.
- → Can I substitute dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives?
Yes, you can replace milk and butter with your preferred plant-based options to make these suitable for a dairy-free diet without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is preheating the air fryer necessary?
Preheating to 350°F (175°C) helps ensure even cooking and a golden finish on the donut bites.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat gently in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to refresh their texture.
- → Can I add extra spices to the dough?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg or other warm spices can enhance the flavor and complement the cinnamon sugar coating nicely.