Save There's something almost magical about opening the air fryer basket to find sixteen golden, puffy little donuts waiting inside—no hot oil splattering, no complicated frying setup, just pure donut bliss in under twenty minutes. My kids discovered these one Saturday morning when I was testing out my air fryer, and suddenly I had a tiny crowd of pajama-clad taste-testers demanding more. The soft, pillowy centers and that cinnamon-sugar coating made them taste like something from a proper bakery, except they came from my kitchen in the time it takes to watch a cartoon episode.
I'll never forget watching my sister's face when she bit into one of these warm—she genuinely thought I'd bought them from somewhere until I showed her the bowl of flour and the air fryer I'd used. That moment of surprise, the cinnamon sugar clinging to her fingers, her asking if I could make them again next week—that's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base that creates that tender crumb, and you'll want to spoon and level it rather than scoop straight from the bag to avoid packing it down.
- Granulated sugar for dough (1/4 cup): Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without making them cake-like.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): The silent hero that makes these puff up beautifully in the air fryer heat.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A small amount that makes every other flavor pop—don't skip it.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Keeps the dough tender; room temperature works best if you remember to think ahead.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds structure to keep them from falling apart.
- Melted unsalted butter (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp more for brushing): This is what gives them that rich, almost bakery-like flavor—use real butter, not a substitute.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small splash that rounds out the flavor in a way people notice even if they can't name it.
- Cinnamon-sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon): The coating everyone actually remembers, so don't be shy with it.
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until they're evenly combined with no lumps hiding in the flour. This takes maybe one minute, but it's worth doing properly.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. You can do this while the oven preheats or while someone's distracting you—it's forgiving.
- Bring it together gently:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—a few streaks of flour are totally fine and actually mean you haven't overdone it. Overmixing makes dense, tough donuts, which defeats the whole point.
- Shape the dough:
- Lightly dampen your hands with water so the dough doesn't stick, then pinch off pieces about the size of a tablespoon and roll them into smooth balls. If the dough is sticky, your hands can be a little wetter; if it's dry, work quickly and gently.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for three minutes while you arrange your balls on a plate. This matters more than you'd think—a truly preheated air fryer gives you evenly golden donuts.
- Air fry with care:
- Lay the dough balls in the basket in a single layer with a tiny bit of space between each one—they'll puff up slightly and need room to brown. Air fry for seven to eight minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they cook evenly on all sides. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Coat while warm:
- Brush each warm donut bite with melted butter as soon as they come out—this is what helps the cinnamon sugar stick and makes them glossy. Then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a shallow bowl, coating all sides.
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed warm when the texture is at its softest and the cinnamon sugar is still fragrant.
Save The best part of this recipe isn't the speed or the ease—it's that moment when everyone gathers in the kitchen just from smelling them, drawn by that warm vanilla and cinnamon scent drifting through the house. Suddenly you're the hero of the morning, no effort required.
Making Them Your Own
Once you've made these once, you'll start thinking of variations, which is exactly when they become dangerous in the best way. A tiny pinch of nutmeg mixed into the dough deepens the spice flavor, or you could try adding a hint of cardamom if you're feeling adventurous. The cinnamon-sugar ratio can shift based on how much sweetness you like—some people add a pinch of sea salt to the sugar coating for contrast.
Storage and Keeping
These are best served warm, but they stay soft even at room temperature for most of the day if you keep them in an airtight container. If you have leftovers (which is rare), you can gently reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for about two minutes and they'll taste almost as good as fresh, though nothing quite matches that first warm bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with coffee in the morning, as an after-school snack, or alongside a cold glass of milk for dunking. They're also lovely on their own, but if you want to get fancy, a small bowl of chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping turns them into something feel-special.
- Pair them with strong black coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast moment.
- Make them dairy-free by swapping in plant-based milk and vegan butter—the result is just as tender and delicious.
- If you love extra flavor, brush them with a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of just butter.
Save These little donuts prove that the best treats don't need fancy techniques or complicated ingredients—just a few basics, a little warmth, and maybe someone waiting eagerly to enjoy them with you. Make them on a weekend morning and watch them disappear in minutes.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these donut bites dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to keep them dairy-free without compromising texture.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore crispness.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the dough?
Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to enhance the depth of flavor in the dough.
- → Are these donut bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this version contains vegetarian-friendly ingredients including eggs and dairy.
- → What temperature and time should I use for air frying?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 7–8 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
- → Can these donut bites be served with sauces?
Absolutely, they pair wonderfully with chocolate or caramel dipping sauces for added indulgence.