Save to Pinterest There's something about the smell of cinnamon and warm dough that stops me mid-morning, every single time. Years ago, I'd wake up craving donuts but didn't want to heat up the kitchen with a deep fryer, so I started experimenting with my air fryer one Saturday. Within minutes, these little golden bites were ready, and my kitchen filled with that unmistakable sweet-spicy aroma. Now they're my go-to when I need something fast but still feel like I've actually cooked.
I made these for a friend who was skeptical about air fryer cooking, convinced nothing could taste as good as the real thing. She bit into one still warm from the basket, closed her eyes, and didn't say anything for a few seconds. That silence told me everything. Now she texts me asking for the recipe whenever she wants to impress someone.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation—make sure it's fresh and not packed down when measuring, or your donuts might turn dense.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough): Sweetness without overpowering; this ratio lets the cinnamon shine.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Your secret weapon for fluffiness—don't skip this or they'll taste more like dense balls than donuts.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch that somehow makes everything taste more like itself.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Any temperature works, though room temperature mixes in more smoothly without lumps.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything and adds richness; room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough): Melted rather than solid ensures an even, tender crumb throughout.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A hint of vanilla deepens the cinnamon flavor in a way that's hard to describe but impossible to miss.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar + 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon): Mix these together first so you get even distribution and no clumpy spots.
- Melted butter for brushing (2 tbsp): Applied while the donuts are still warm so the sugar actually sticks instead of falling off.
Instructions
- Combine your dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step distributes the leavening evenly, so you don't get dense pockets in some donuts.
- Prepare the wet base:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Cold or lumpy wet ingredients can make the dough grainy.
- Bring it together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—overmixing develops gluten and makes them tough instead of tender. A few small flour streaks are fine.
- Shape your bites:
- Lightly grease your hands and roll the dough into 16 balls, each about a tablespoon in size. Damp hands work better than oily ones.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for 3 minutes so the basket is truly hot when the donuts go in, which helps them rise and brown evenly.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place the dough balls in a single layer with a little space between each one—they puff up slightly—and cook for 7–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Look for a light golden color.
- Coat while warm:
- Brush each donut immediately with melted butter while still warm, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth makes everything stick perfectly.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Eat them right away for the best texture and that perfect warm-donut experience.
Save to Pinterest My favorite moment with these is when someone takes that first bite and their expression shifts—surprise, then immediate contentment. It's the joy of discovering something sweet and comforting in what felt like an ordinary morning.
Make Them Your Own
Once you nail the basic recipe, the fun begins. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the dough adds warmth and complexity, especially nice if you're serving them with coffee. I've experimented with brown sugar instead of white sugar in the coating, which gives a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor. For chocolate lovers, rolling them in cocoa powder mixed with cinnamon and a bit of sugar creates something between a donut and a brownie bite. The vanilla extract is flexible too—almond extract brings a different character if you want to switch things up.
Air Fryer Timing and Temperature
Air fryers vary in personality, so if yours tends to run hotter or cooler, you might need to adjust the time slightly. I learned this the hard way after my first batch turned almost burnt on the outside while the inside was still dense—a reminder that even a quick recipe deserves your attention. Starting at 7 minutes and checking, then adding 30 seconds at a time if needed, gives you control and prevents over-browning. The basket shake really matters because it ensures even cooking and that light golden color you're after.
Storage and Variations
Leftovers last best in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, and honestly, they're still soft even the next morning. If you want to reheat them, a quick 2-minute spin in the air fryer brings back some of that warm-from-the-basket magic. For dairy-free versions, plant-based milk and butter swap in seamlessly without any noticeable difference in taste or texture. These donuts also pair beautifully with a chocolate dipping sauce, caramel, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature, not the fridge.
- Reheat for just 2 minutes in the air fryer to restore that warm, fluffy texture.
- Freeze extras for up to a week and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Save to Pinterest These air fryer cinnamon donuts prove that the best treats don't need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. They're proof that sometimes the simplest ideas, born from wanting something sweet and warm, become the recipes we make again and again.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives?
Yes, you can replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to make this suitable for dairy-free diets without altering the texture significantly.
- → How do I ensure the bites cook evenly in the air fryer?
Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with space between each and shake the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer for 2 minutes to restore freshness.
- → Can additional spices be added to the dough?
Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the dough mixture.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these cinnamon bites?
Chocolate or caramel dipping sauces complement the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully for an extra indulgence.