Pin It There's something almost magical about the moment a plain ball of dough transforms into a puffed, golden donut in the air fryer—no splattering oil, no mess, just pure anticipation. I discovered these cinnamon donut bites on a lazy Sunday morning when I was craving that carnival warmth but couldn't justify heating up a pot of oil before my second cup of coffee. What started as an experiment became my go-to trick for impressing people with homemade donuts that taste like they took hours, when really they're ready in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom.
My neighbor once popped by right as these came out of the air fryer, and the smell alone had her asking for the recipe before she even tasted one. Watching her face light up as she bit into that warm, fluffy center reminded me why I love cooking—it's not about showing off, it's about that split second when someone experiences exactly what you hoped they would.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation that keeps these light and tender, not dense or gummy—don't skip the leveling off of your measuring cup, as too much flour is the quickest way to dry them out.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Just enough sweetness in the base so the cinnamon topping feels like the star of the show.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is what gives you that airy, almost creamy crumb—it's non-negotiable for the fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that makes everything taste more like itself, deepening the vanilla and cinnamon notes.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Keep it at room temperature if you can, as cold milk makes the dough harder to combine smoothly.
- Egg (1 large): The binder that holds everything together with just enough richness to make the crumb tender.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp for dough): Use real butter here—it's worth it for the flavor and how it creates that slight tan on the outside when air fried.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount that somehow makes people say "what is that?" when tasting them, not realizing it's the vanilla talking.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for coating): The same amount doubles as your coating, so don't skip buying extra.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Use fresh cinnamon if possible—older spice jars lose their punch, and this coating relies entirely on that warm spice flavor.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp for brushing): Brush while warm so the coating sticks like it's meant to.
Instructions
- Mix the dry team:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until everything looks evenly combined and there are no flour streaks hiding in the corners.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform. This step matters more than you'd think.
- Bring them together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—I usually stop the second I can't see any flour streaks, even if it looks a tiny bit shaggy. Overmixing makes these tough and dense, which defeats the entire purpose.
- Shape into balls:
- Lightly wet your hands so the dough doesn't stick, then roll about a tablespoon of dough between your palms into a smooth ball. You'll get roughly 16, though some might be slightly bigger or smaller, and that's perfectly fine.
- Heat the air fryer:
- Preheat to 350°F for 3 minutes—this temperature is your sweet spot for cooking through without over-browning the outside.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place dough balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket with a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate. You might need to cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake and cook:
- Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. They're done when they're puffed and golden on the outside, not pale.
- Butter while warm:
- Pull them out and brush each one with melted butter while they're still steaming—this is how the cinnamon sugar will actually stick instead of sliding off.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm donuts in that mixture until they're fully coated. The warmth helps the coating adhere in the most satisfying way.
- Serve immediately:
- Eat them while they're still warm and fluffy, ideally within a few minutes of finishing the coating.
Pin It There's a specific moment, usually around the second or third time someone makes these, when they realize they can stop buying donuts from the bakery. What feels like a small realization actually changes your weeknight routine in ways you didn't expect.
Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for This
The air fryer cooks these through without the edges getting too dark or the centers staying doughy, which is nearly impossible in a regular oven. The circulating heat mimics the best parts of deep frying—that exterior that's just set and golden—while keeping you and your kitchen oil-free and peaceful. Once you taste the difference between air-fried and oven-baked donut bites, you'll understand why this method feels like cheating in the best way.
Customizing the Flavor
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is once you understand the base. I've dusted them with plain sugar and a touch of cardamom, mixed cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and clove, and even made a maple cinnamon version by drizzling warm maple syrup over the cinnamon sugar. The dough itself is neutral enough that you can play with the topping however your mood takes you, which means you could make these the same way once or differently every single time and have them all taste wonderful.
Storage and Reheating
These truly taste best fresh, straight from the coating, but if you have leftovers they'll keep in an airtight container for a day or two. A quick 2-minute spin in the air fryer at 300°F will bring back that warm, fluffy feeling almost entirely, though I'll admit they never quite taste as magical reheated as they do fresh.
- Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, not the fridge, which dries them out faster.
- You can also freeze them for up to a month and reheat in the air fryer for about 3 to 4 minutes if you're planning ahead.
- If you're making them for a crowd, double the batch and cook in multiple rounds rather than overcrowding the basket.
Pin It These donut bites prove that the best kitchen shortcuts aren't about skipping care—they're about using the right tool to make something wonderful feel easy. Serve them with coffee, with friends, or just for yourself on a morning when you want something that tastes like celebration.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I achieve a fluffy texture in air fryer donuts?
Use baking powder as a leavening agent and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bites soft and tender.
- → Can I substitute dairy ingredients in this preparation?
Yes, plant-based milk and butter alternatives work well to maintain flavor and moisture.
- → What is the best way to coat the bites evenly in cinnamon sugar?
Brush the warm bites with melted butter before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for an even, flavorful coating.
- → Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Preheating to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
- → How can leftover bites be reheated without losing softness?
Reheat in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to regain warmth and maintain the fluffy texture.