Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that Bring Pure Joy

Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that Bring Pure Joy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 31, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the delightful experience of making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut that’s perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture—pure bliss! I stumbled upon this recipe during one lazy Sunday morning when I craved something sweet but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of deep frying. That’s when my air fryer swooped in to save the day! These donuts are incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of simple ingredients, and they cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll never go back. The joy of filling your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon while they cook is just the cherry on top. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear from the plate—everyone loves them!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make these delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a fun and easy baking adventure. You probably already have most of them in your pantry, which makes this recipe even more appealing! Trust me, the combination of these ingredients creates magic in the air fryer, resulting in donuts that are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ve got to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your donuts cook evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown exterior. A properly preheated air fryer will help create that delightful fluffy texture we all love, so don’t skip it! Just a few minutes of preheating can make a world of difference in your final product.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, gather a mixing bowl and let’s dive into the dry ingredients! You’ll want to combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. I usually whisk these together until they’re well mixed, making sure there are no lumps. The baking powder is essential here; it’s what will give your donuts that lovely rise while cooking. Just take a moment to appreciate the lovely scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen!

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, it’s time to whisk together the wet ingredients. Grab 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk them together until everything’s nicely blended. One little tip: make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot when you mix it in, or it might cook the egg. A smooth mixture is what you’re aiming for, so just take your time and enjoy the process!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Next up, it’s time to unite the wet and dry mixtures! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir them together. This is where you need to be careful—mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely want soft, fluffy ones! A few lumps are totally fine; they’ll bake out in the air fryer.

Fill the Donut Pan and Cook

Now, grab your donut pan and fill it with the batter. I like to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for a mess-free filling. Aim to fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. Once filled, pop the pan into your preheated air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer models can vary. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are cooking, let’s prepare that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating! In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This simple mixture adds an amazing flavor to your donuts, so don’t skip it! The sweetness combined with the warmth of cinnamon is what makes these treats truly special.

Coat the Donuts

Once the donuts are done and have cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to roll them in that delightful cinnamon sugar! Carefully remove them from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack for a bit. Then, take each donut and roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s completely coated. Make sure you get an even coating; it’s all about that sweet, crunchy exterior! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this last step.

Tips for Success

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts turn out perfectly every time!

Use a donut pan: Trust me, using a proper donut pan makes all the difference. It helps ensure that your donuts hold their shape while cooking and gives them that classic donut look!
Adjust cooking times: Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary. If you’re unsure, start checking your donuts at the 5-minute mark. You want them puffed and golden, but not overcooked!
Let them cool slightly: After air frying, let the donuts cool for a few minutes before rolling them in cinnamon sugar. This step helps the coating stick better, giving you that perfect sweet crust.
Experiment with flavors: Want to mix things up? Feel free to add some vanilla extract or nutmeg to your batter for a unique twist. The world is your oyster, so have fun with it!
Store leftovers properly: If you happen to have any donuts left (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last a day or two.
Reheat for best taste: If you want to enjoy your leftovers later, just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two. It’ll bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer goodness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most delicious Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Enjoy the baking adventure!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g

These delightful donuts are a sweet treat, and while they’re not exactly health food, they’re certainly a fun indulgence! Enjoy them as a special dessert or a delightful breakfast treat, and remember, everything in moderation!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my go-to answers.

How do I adjust the cooking time for my air fryer?

Great question! Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model. I recommend starting to check your donuts at the 5-minute mark. You want them to be puffed and golden, so keep an eye on them. If they need a bit more time, just add a minute or two, but don’t forget to check for doneness with a toothpick!

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the best results, you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit. Whole wheat can add a nice nuttiness, but it might be denser, so adjust your expectations accordingly!

How should I store leftover donuts?

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare treat in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a day or two. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed the same day you make them for that delightful softness!

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours. However, I recommend cooking them fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you have some cooked donuts left, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to revive their freshness!

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No worries! You can use silicone muffin cups or even line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since the donuts might be thicker in those pans. Keep checking for doneness to ensure they’re cooked through!

These answers should help you on your journey to making scrumptious Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments! Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These donuts come together in just 17 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat!
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil than traditional frying, so you can indulge without the guilt!
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip these up anytime the craving strikes.
Deliciously Flavorful: The sweet cinnamon sugar coating takes these donuts to the next level, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Fun to Make: Filling the donut pan and rolling them in cinnamon sugar is a fun activity—perfect for all ages!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or flavors, like chocolate chips or vanilla, for a personal twist!