Save to Pinterest One Saturday morning, my daughter asked if we could make donuts without turning the kitchen into an oil-splattered disaster zone. I pulled out the air fryer and realized these pillowy bites could come together in less time than a coffee run. The cinnamon sugar coating caught her attention immediately—she loved rolling them warm, her small fingers getting sticky with butter and spice. Now it's become our weekend ritual, and honestly, there's something magical about how fast they transform from simple dough balls into something that smells like a carnival.
I made these for a small book club gathering, and they disappeared before the main discussion even started. Someone asked if they were store-bought, which felt like the highest compliment. That moment taught me that simple, warm, homemade treats often matter more than elaborate desserts because they feel thoughtful and approachable.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation—don't sift unless you're fussy, just spoon and level for consistency.
- Granulated sugar for dough (1/4 cup): Keeps the crumb tender and helps with browning.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is your lift; it's what makes these fluffy instead of dense.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that brightens the sweet without being noticeable.
- Milk (1/3 cup): I use whole milk for richness, but any kind works.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything and adds structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing): The butter is the secret to tenderness—don't skip brushing them warm.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth that people can't quite identify but love.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon): This ratio hits the sweet-spicy balance; adjust to your preference once you've made them once.
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This tiny step prevents lumps and ensures even leavening throughout.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Separation is fine; you're just breaking up the egg.
- Bring it together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing makes them tough, so resist the urge to beat it smooth.
- Form the dough balls:
- Lightly wet or butter your hands (the dough is tacky), then roll pieces into 16 small balls about the size of large marbles. A light touch keeps them tender.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for 3 minutes. This matters more than you'd think for even cooking.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place dough balls in a single layer with a little space between them. If your basket is small, work in batches; cramming them causes uneven cooking.
- Shake halfway through:
- At the 4-minute mark, give the basket a gentle shake so they brown evenly on all sides. They should be golden and set after 7 to 8 minutes.
- Butter while warm:
- Remove them to a plate and immediately brush each with melted butter. This step is crucial—the heat helps it cling and adds richness.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm bites to coat. Work quickly so the butter helps it stick.
- Serve right away:
- Eat them warm when the texture is at its peak—soft, slightly tender, and fragrant.
Save to Pinterest There's a moment when warm cinnamon sugar hits hot butter that smells like joy. My kitchen fills with this aroma that makes everyone stop what they're doing and wander over, following their nose like cartoon characters.
Why the Air Fryer Matters Here
The air fryer's circulating heat creates a light, cakey exterior while keeping the inside tender without the greasiness of deep frying. It's faster than the oven, and you're not heating up your whole kitchen in summer. Once you see how quickly they cook, you'll find yourself making these more often than you expect.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds a subtle warmth that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is. Cardamom, ginger, or chai spice work beautifully too if you want to shift the flavor profile. I've also brushed them with honey mixed with cinnamon instead of plain butter, and drizzling a simple glaze over the top is lovely for something a bit fancier.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are best fresh, but I've stashed leftovers in an airtight container and revived them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes. They're also surprisingly freezer-friendly if you form the dough balls ahead and freeze them before cooking. For dairy-free versions, swap plant-based milk and butter—they work just as well.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the air fryer rather than the microwave to keep them from getting gummy.
- Make the dough the night before and refrigerate, then form and cook in the morning.
Save to Pinterest These humble little donuts remind me that the best treats are often the simplest ones, made with care in whatever time you have. They taste like home.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the donut bites?
Form the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls using lightly greased hands to prevent sticking.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and butter to keep the same texture and flavor.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the donut bites for about 7–8 minutes.
- → How do I achieve the cinnamon sugar coating?
While warm, brush the donut bites with melted butter, then toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat evenly.
- → Can I prepare larger batches at once?
It's best to arrange the dough balls in a single layer; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.