Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

There's something almost magical about watching cinnamon sugar donuts puff up in an air fryer—no hot oil spattering on your hands, no deep-fried guilt, just warm pillowy bites ready in minutes. I discovered these while experimenting with my newly inherited air fryer on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when my craving for donuts hit but the bakery seemed impossibly far away. The first batch came out golden and warm, and I couldn't resist tossing them in cinnamon sugar straight from the basket. My kitchen smelled like a donut shop within ten minutes, and honestly, that's when I knew this recipe would become a permanent rotation.

I made these for my neighbor one morning when she mentioned missing her mom's homemade donuts, and watching her face light up when she bit into one was worth every moment in the kitchen. That's when I realized these aren't just a quick treat—they're the kind of thing that brings people together around the breakfast table, warm and unpretentious and genuinely loved.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation that gives structure; don't sift unless you want to overthink it—a simple spoon-and-level method works perfectly here.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Sweetness without bitterness; it dissolves evenly into the batter and keeps the donuts tender.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): The magic ingredient that makes these puff up beautifully without any yeast or waiting around.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Tiny but essential—it balances the sweetness and makes the vanilla sing.
• Milk (1/3 cup): Use whatever you have on hand; even non-dairy alternatives work if that's your preference.
• Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds richness that keeps each bite tender.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing): The key to that soft, almost brioche-like texture; melted butter incorporates more smoothly than cold.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A touch of warmth and depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): The star of the show; use fresh cinnamon if possible because stale spices are a genuine shame.
• Granulated sugar for topping (1/4 cup): Mixed with cinnamon, this creates the coating that everyone fights over.

Instructions

Combine your dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything looks even and there are no lumps hiding in the corners. This takes less than a minute but makes a real difference in how evenly your donuts bake.

Mix the wet ingredients separately:

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Keep this separate for now—you're setting yourself up for success by not overmixing later.

Bring wet and dry together:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until the flour disappears. The batter will look a little shaggy and that's exactly what you want; overmixing leads to tough donuts, and we're not going for that.

Shape your dough:

Lightly wet your hands with water so the dough doesn't stick, then roll pieces into 16 small balls about the size of a large marble or walnut. Work quickly and gently—you want them tender, not dense from overhandling.

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 350°F and let it run for 3 minutes while you get your donut balls arranged. This temperature is the sweet spot where they cook through without browning too fast.

Arrange and air fry:

Place the dough balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving just a bit of space between each one so they can puff up without touching. If they don't all fit, don't force it—a second batch takes the same 7 to 8 minutes and it's worth doing it right.

Shake halfway through:

After about 4 minutes, gently shake the basket so they cook evenly on all sides. Listen for that gentle rattle—it's your cue they're getting golden underneath.

Watch for that golden moment:

They're done when they're a light golden brown and springy when you tap them gently. The whole process takes 7 to 8 minutes, and yes, they'll deflate slightly as they cool—that's completely normal and they'll still be wonderfully soft.

Brush with butter while warm:

This is the step that makes them irresistible; the warmth helps the butter soak in just enough so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly. Do this right out of the air fryer before they cool even a little.

Coat in cinnamon sugar:

Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss each warm donut bite until every surface is coated. The warmth is key here—it helps everything cling together beautifully.

Serve immediately:

Eat them while they're still warm and the texture is at its absolute best. Cold donuts are okay, but warm donuts are transcendent.

Save

There was a morning when my daughter asked to make these with me before school, and we stood in the kitchen watching them puff up through the air fryer window while she counted down the minutes. That's when I understood these aren't just about the donuts—they're about having something warm and comforting to share without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for This

The air fryer circulates hot air around the donuts, creating that golden exterior and soft interior without any oil splatters or the mess of traditional deep frying. You get all the coziness of a donut shop treat in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup—which means you're actually more likely to make them again instead of thinking about them wistfully while scrolling through recipes.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

These are delicious on their own, but they're also a blank canvas for creativity if you're in the mood to play. A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds warmth, while a chocolate dipping sauce or caramel drizzle transforms them into something special enough for guests. Some mornings I've dusted them with cardamom instead of cinnamon, and my kitchen has never smelled better.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fresh is always best, but life happens and sometimes you have leftovers—just pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F for about 2 minutes to bring back that warmth and softness. They'll never be quite as good as the first bite, but they're still infinitely better than stale pastry shop donuts sitting in a box. If you're thinking ahead, you can even refrigerate the shaped dough balls for a few hours before air frying, though they cook just fine fresh.

• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 325°F to restore their warmth and texture.
• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though day-one eating is the real goal.
• If you're feeling fancy, dust them again with fresh cinnamon sugar right before serving reheated donuts.

Save

These little cinnamon sugar donuts have become my secret weapon for turning an ordinary morning into something special, and I hope they do the same for your kitchen. Serve them warm, share them generously, and enjoy that moment when someone takes a bite and their face lights up.

Kitchen Q&A

→ How long does it take to cook the donut bites in an air fryer?

They air fry for 7–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until golden and cooked through.

→ Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating ahead of time?

Yes, the cinnamon sugar mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for convenience.

→ What can I use instead of dairy products in this dish?

Plant-based milk and butter substitutes work well to make a dairy-free version of the donut bites.

→ How do I ensure the dough balls cook evenly?

Arrange dough balls in a single layer with space between each and shake the basket halfway through cooking.

→ Can leftover bites be reheated?

Yes, reheat leftovers in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to restore their texture and warmth.

→ What optional spices enhance the flavor?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.