Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts (Printable)

Fluffy cinnamon sugar-coated bites made quickly in the air fryer for a sweet, easy treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
03 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until combined; avoid overmixing.
04 - Lightly grease hands and shape dough into 16 small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
05 - Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Place dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing evenly; cook in batches if needed.
07 - Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
08 - While warm, brush each bite with melted butter to enhance flavor and texture.
09 - Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss warm bites until evenly coated.
10 - Enjoy donut bites fresh for optimal softness and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready faster than you'd think possible, with zero oil splatter cleanup.
  • The cinnamon sugar coating gets crispy on the outside while the insides stay pillowy soft.
  • This recipe proves you don't need special equipment or fancy techniques to feel like you're treating yourself.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the dough—I learned this the hard way with one batch that turned out tough and cakey instead of fluffy, and it completely changed how I approached the recipe after that.
  • Shaking the basket halfway through is not optional if you want even browning; skipping it leaves some pale and others too dark.
  • These must be eaten warm to taste their best—reheating in the air fryer for 2 minutes brings them back to life if you somehow have leftovers.
03 -
  • Use room-temperature milk so it mixes into the dough evenly without shocking the batter.
  • Fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in the coating—old cinnamon tastes dusty and loses its warmth.
  • Don't skip the butter brush right after cooking; it's what makes the cinnamon sugar actually stick instead of sliding off.
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