Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts (View Print Version)

Fluffy cinnamon-coated donut bites made quickly using an air fryer for a light, sweet treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 whole 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

# Method:

01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
03 - Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
04 - With lightly greased hands, shape dough into 16 small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Place dough balls evenly spaced in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
07 - Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
08 - Brush warm donut bites with melted butter immediately after cooking.
09 - Toss the brushed donut bites in the cinnamon and sugar mixture until evenly coated.
10 - Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish—faster than ordering delivery and infinitely fresher.
  • No deep fryer means less mess, less oil, and way less cleanup, which makes you actually want to make them again.
  • Perfectly soft and tender inside with that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating that makes your fingers sticky in the best way.
02 -
  • Don't overmix the batter—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out dense and tough; a few lumps are your friend here.
  • The butter brush step matters more than it seems; it's what helps the cinnamon sugar coating actually stick instead of falling off as they cool.
03 -
  • Use an air fryer thermometer if you have one—it helps you dial in the exact temperature so your donuts cook consistently every single time.
  • Wet your hands with water instead of flour when shaping the dough; it keeps things cleaner and the water evaporates anyway once they cook.
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