Save to Pinterest One Saturday morning, I was standing in my kitchen with a craving for donuts but zero patience for a deep fryer. My air fryer had been sitting on the counter collecting dust, so I thought, why not try making donut bites in there? Twenty minutes later, I pulled out golden, fluffy little puffs that tasted like they'd come straight from a bakery, minus all the oil and mess. Now I make them whenever I need something warm and comforting without the fuss.
I brought a batch to a friend's house on a rainy afternoon, still warm in a paper bag. Watching her face light up when she bit into one reminded me that simple, homemade treats carry so much more meaning than fancy desserts ever could. She asked for the recipe right then and there, and now she makes them for her kids every weekend.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your base, and using measured flour instead of scooping straight from the bag makes a real difference in texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for topping): The first amount sweetens the dough gently, while the second becomes that irresistible crispy-sweet coating.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): This is what gives these bites their characteristic fluffy, cloud-like crumb without needing yeast or rising time.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch that deepens all the other flavors and keeps sweetness from becoming cloying.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Use whatever you have on hand—dairy or plant-based both work beautifully here.
- Egg (1 large): This binds everything together and helps create that tender crumb structure.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp melted for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing): Melted butter mixes into the dough smoothly and brushed butter makes the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Quality cinnamon makes all the difference—old, dusty cinnamon tastes flat and stale by comparison.
Instructions
- Mix your dry ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, making sure there are no lumps of baking powder hiding in there. This distributes the leavening evenly so every bite rises properly.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. Having these separate bowls makes the next step much easier.
- Bring them together:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—overmixing develops gluten and makes the donuts tough instead of tender. A few small lumps are actually fine here.
- Form your donut bites:
- Lightly grease your hands with a little oil and roll the dough into 16 balls, each about the size of a tablespoon. They don't need to be perfect; slightly irregular shapes actually look homemade and charming.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it preheat for three minutes so the donut bites cook evenly and develop that golden exterior.
- Arrange and cook:
- Place the dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space between each one, working in batches if needed. Shake the basket halfway through the seven to eight minute cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Coat while warm:
- The moment they come out, brush each warm donut bite with melted butter—this sticky surface is what makes the cinnamon sugar coating cling. Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm bites in it until fully coated.
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed while still slightly warm, when the sugar coating is still a little sticky and the donut itself is at its fluffiest.
Save to Pinterest There's something almost meditative about rolling sixteen small dough balls by hand, and even more satisfying when you pull out a basket of perfect golden puffs. It's the kind of recipe that reminds you that homemade doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
Deep frying donuts requires oil heated to precise temperatures, careful oil disposal afterward, and a kitchen that smells like fried food for days. The air fryer skips all of that while delivering the same fluffy texture and crispy exterior. You get that bakery-quality result without the heat, mess, or guilt of deep frying.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
The cinnamon sugar coating is timeless, but once you've made the base recipe, it opens up so many possibilities. A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds warmth, while a dusting of cardamom with your cinnamon sugar brings something unexpected and lovely. Some people brush theirs with a maple glaze instead of plain butter, or dip them in melted chocolate once they cool slightly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are absolutely best eaten fresh, but life happens and you'll have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, then reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for just two minutes to restore that soft texture. You can also prepare the dough balls ahead, freeze them on a baking sheet, and air fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Frozen dough balls will cook beautifully without thawing first, which makes these perfect for a spontaneous morning treat.
- Leftovers are great cold with coffee, or warmed up for that just-made experience.
- Make them the night before a breakfast gathering and reheat everything at once while you brew coffee.
Save to Pinterest These little donuts remind me that the best treats are often the simplest ones, made with your own hands in your own kitchen. They deserve a place in your regular rotation.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the donut bites cook evenly in the air fryer?
Arrange the dough balls in a single layer with space between each. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- → Can I use a different type of milk for the dough?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can be used to make these bites dairy-free without compromising texture.
- → What is the best way to form the dough balls?
Lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking and roll the dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls for consistent cooking.
- → Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar coating?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the warm spice flavors without overpowering the cinnamon.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store any extras in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to regain crispiness.
- → Is it necessary to brush the bites with butter before coating?
Brushing with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better and adds richness to the bites.