Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

The first time I made these in my air fryer, I wasn't expecting much—just a quick way to satisfy a donut craving on a Tuesday morning. But the moment that first batch came out golden and pillowy, filling my kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and butter, I realized I'd stumbled onto something special. My partner wandered in asking what smelled so good, and by the time I'd tossed them in cinnamon sugar, they were already reaching for one. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

I made a batch for my book club on a rainy Sunday, and honestly, they disappeared faster than anything else I'd brought. One friend asked for the recipe immediately, and another admitted she'd been intimidated by donut-making until she realized how simple these actually are. There's something about homemade donuts that makes people feel special, even when you've only spent fifteen minutes in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your donut structure—make sure it's fresh because older flour can make them dense instead of fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Use regular white sugar; the crystals help the cinnamon coat stick beautifully.
• Baking powder: This is what gives them that tender, airy crumb—don't skip it or they'll be tough.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the vanilla.
• Milk: Any kind works, but whole milk makes them slightly richer.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the crumb.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough tender and adds that luxurious mouthfeel.
• Vanilla extract: A small amount goes a long way—use real vanilla if you can.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, so use quality cinnamon that actually smells like something.

Instructions

Mix your dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, making sure there are no lumps hiding in the corners. This takes about a minute and sets you up for success.

Combine the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until they're well combined and look smooth. Don't overthink it—just whisk until there are no streaks.

Bring them together gently:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. This is crucial—overmixing makes tough donuts, so stop as soon as you don't see flour streaks.

Form your donut bites:

Lightly grease your hands with a tiny bit of oil and gently roll the dough into 16 small balls, about the size of a walnut. They don't need to be perfect—slightly irregular ones actually look more homemade.

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 350°F and let it warm for three minutes while you arrange the dough balls.

Arrange and air fry:

Place the balls in your air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a tiny bit of space between them so they can puff up. If you have a smaller basket, that's okay—just work in batches.

Cook until golden:

Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, and here's the trick: shake the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. You'll know they're done when they're golden all over and feel set when you gently touch one.

Coat while warm:

As soon as they come out, brush each donut bite with melted butter while they're still warm—the butter soaks in and adds flavor. Then, mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the donut bites until they're completely coated.

Serve immediately:

They're best enjoyed right away when they still have that warm, tender crumb. If you have leftovers (which is rare), you can reheat them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes.

Save

There was this moment when I made a double batch and my niece came home from school, walked straight into the kitchen, and just stood there smiling at the smell before saying anything. Those little things remind me why cooking matters—it's not just about the food, it's about creating a moment that people remember.

Why Air Frying Changes Everything

Traditional deep fried donuts are delicious, but they require oil, cleanup, and more time than most mornings allow. Air frying gives you that same fluffy interior and crispy-tender exterior without heating up your whole kitchen or dealing with splashing hot oil. I've made these in summer when I didn't want the oven on, and in winter when I was craving something warm—the air fryer delivers every single time.

Making Them Your Own

The basic recipe is perfect as is, but it's also a great canvas for experimentation. I've added nutmeg to the dough for a deeper spice note, made them dairy-free for a friend with allergies, and even drizzled them with chocolate on occasion. The beauty of this recipe is that it takes about the same amount of time no matter what you decide to do with it, so there's room to play.

Storing and Reheating

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—though honestly, they never last that long in my house. A quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer brings back that warm, soft texture better than any other method I've tried.

• For a chocolate dipping sauce, melt some dark chocolate with a splash of cream and a pinch of sea salt.
• Try a caramel sauce made from melted butterscotch chips mixed with heavy cream for something truly indulgent.
• If you're making them dairy-free, use coconut milk in the dough and brush with coconut oil for authentic flavor.

Save

These donuts have become my go-to when I want to feel like I've done something special in the kitchen without spending all day there. They remind me that some of the best things in life are the simple ones made with a little love.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket before placing the dough balls. You can also use parchment paper with holes or a silicone liner made for air fryers to avoid sticking.

→ Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, plant-based milk like almond or oat milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk for a dairy-free variation.

→ What is the best way to achieve a crispy outside?

Ensure the air fryer is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps even crisping on all sides.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes to restore crispness.

→ Can I add additional spices for flavor?

Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the dough enhances the warm spice profile beautifully.