Pin It One lazy Sunday morning, my daughter wandered into the kitchen asking if we could make donuts, and I realized the deep fryer was still packed away from our move. That's when I remembered someone mentioning air fryer donuts—and I was skeptical until the first batch emerged golden and pillowy soft, ready to tumble in cinnamon sugar before they'd even fully cooled. She ate three before I could plate them, and I understood why this has become our weekend shortcut.
I brought a batch to my neighbor's book club once, still warm in a container, and watched her face light up when she realized there was no grease involved. She asked for the recipe immediately, which told me everything—this is the kind of treat that surprises people in the best way.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your structure, and measuring by weight keeps the dough from becoming dense if you scoop too generously.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Just enough sweetness in the dough itself so the cinnamon coating becomes the star.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Don't skip or reduce this—it's what gives you that cloud-like crumb that makes people think you've done something complicated.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A small amount that deepens the vanilla and prevents the sugar from tasting one-dimensional.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Room temperature works best if you remember, but cold milk won't ruin anything.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything and contributes to that tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough, plus 2 tbsp for brushing): The melted version incorporates smoothly and keeps the donuts tender throughout.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Vanilla in a hot donut smells like comfort—it's worth using real extract, not imitation.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp) and sugar (1/4 cup for topping): This is where the personality lives; fresh cinnamon tastes noticeably warmer and more complex than the stale jar in the back of the cupboard.
Instructions
- Whisk the dry team together:
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed. This takes just 30 seconds and ensures the baking powder doesn't create pockets of raw taste.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and combined. The mixture should look homogeneous, like lightly beaten cream.
- Bring them together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—you're looking for a thick, slightly shaggy batter with no visible flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes these tough instead of tender, so stop as soon as everything comes together.
- Shape into balls:
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil and form the dough into 16 balls, each about the size of a large grape or a tablespoon. The dough will feel slightly sticky; that's normal and part of what makes them fluffy.
- Heat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes so the first batch cooks evenly without browning too fast on the outside.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space between them—they'll puff up slightly, and you need room for air to circulate. If your basket is small, cook in two batches rather than crowding them.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through to ensure even browning. They should emerge deep golden but not dark brown, with a slight spring when you press them.
- Butter while warm:
- As soon as they come out, brush each bite generously with melted butter while they're still warm—this helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and adds richness that makes them taste indulgent.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the warm donut bites until fully coated. Work quickly so the butter is still tacky and the coating sticks.
- Serve immediately:
- They're at their absolute best warm and crispy on the outside, soft within—eat them right away for the full experience.
Pin It I once tried to make these ahead and reheat them, thinking they'd keep fine overnight, but they hardened into little hockey pucks by morning. Now I only make them fresh or know I'm reheating in the air fryer—two minutes at 350°F brings back that softness and almost tastes like they just came out fresh.
Why These Beat Deep-Fried Every Time
Deep frying donuts means oil splatters, a kitchen that smells like grease for three days, and the lingering guilt of all that oil absorbed into the dough. These air fryer bites taste fried—golden, crispy exterior, fluffy interior—but they're so much less fussy. You're also not standing over hot oil, which means less anxiety and more enjoyment of the actual baking process.
Flavor Variations to Keep Things Fresh
The vanilla-cinnamon combination is perfect as-is, but once you've made it a few times, you can play. A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds a subtle spiced warmth that feels like fall. I've also dusted the warm donuts with cardamom-sugar instead of cinnamon, which feels more sophisticated and surprising to guests. The dough is forgiving enough to take on glazes, too—a simple drizzle of melted white chocolate or a thin icing transforms them into something that feels even more special without adding real complexity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh is always best, but life isn't always fresh-donut timing. Leftovers stay soft in an airtight container at room temperature for about one day, though they gradually firm up. Reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F for just two minutes restores that warm, tender texture better than a microwave ever could, which would make them rubbery. If you want to shape the dough ahead, you can roll the balls and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours, then air fry without thawing—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- An airtight container keeps them soft longer than an open plate.
- Reheating in the air fryer, never the microwave, preserves the texture you worked for.
- Fresh-coated cinnamon sugar tastes best, so coat only what you'll eat within a few hours.
Pin It There's something genuinely joyful about pulling a basket of warm, cinnamon-dusted donut bites from an air fryer and knowing you made something people will love in less time than it takes to drive to a bakery. They're proof that simple, quick, and delicious aren't mutually exclusive.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these donut bites dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to make a dairy-free version without changing the texture significantly.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, then reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes to refresh texture.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the dough?
A pinch of nutmeg works wonderfully for extra warmth and depth in the dough.
- → Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
- → Are these suitable for a quick dessert option?
Absolutely, with just 18 minutes total time, they make a fast and tasty sweet treat.