Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts (Print View)

Soft, fluffy cinnamon sugar donut bites prepared quickly and easily with an air fryer for a sweet treat.

# Components:

→ Donut Dough

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/3 cup milk
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Topping

09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

# Directions:

01 - Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
03 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
04 - Lightly grease hands and form dough into 16 equal portions, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
05 - Set air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
06 - Place dough balls evenly in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between; cook in batches if necessary.
07 - Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
08 - While warm, brush each donut bite with melted butter for added richness.
09 - Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss warm donut bites to coat evenly.
10 - Enjoy fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish—faster than a coffee shop run.
  • No deep fryer mess, no oil splatters on your clothes or stovetop.
  • Soft, fluffy centers with that perfect cinnamon-sugar crunch on the outside.
  • Foolproof enough that even my sister, who burns toast, nailed it on her first try.
02 -
  • Don't overmix your batter—I learned this the hard way when a batch came out dense instead of fluffy; gentle folding is your friend.
  • Brush with butter while the donuts are still warm so it melts and adheres properly; cold donuts won't absorb it as well.
  • Air fryer heat varies, so watch the first batch closely and adjust timing for your specific machine.
03 -
  • Weigh your ingredients for the most consistent results—flour scooped from the bag can vary by weight, causing unpredictable texture.
  • If your dough seems too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands or a work surface with flour, but resist the urge to add flour to the batter itself.
  • Set a timer for the halfway point and actually shake the basket—this simple step is the difference between evenly golden and unevenly cooked donuts.
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