Pin My air fryer sat on the counter for weeks before I really understood what it could do. Then one morning, craving something warm and sweet but refusing to heat up the kitchen with hot oil, I threw together a quick dough and popped it in. The result was nothing short of magic—soft, fluffy donut bites that tasted like I'd spent hours at a bakery, ready in minutes. It became my go-to when I wanted to impress without the fuss, and honestly, it's become the thing I make when I'm not sure what else anyone needs.
I made these for a friend's unannounced visit last fall, and she walked in asking if I'd lost my mind with the timing. Fifteen minutes later, she was eating warm donut bites straight from the basket, powdered cinnamon sugar all over her dark sweater, laughing that she'd never expected homemade donuts to be this easy. That's when I knew this recipe had staying power.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation—use fresh flour if you can, as older flour can make the crumb less tender.
- Granulated sugar: For both dough and topping; don't skip the topping sugar, it's what makes these special.
- Baking powder: The secret to getting them fluffy without yeast or waiting around.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavor.
- Milk: Brings moisture; room temperature works best so it mixes evenly.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives them structure.
- Melted butter: Use it for both the dough and brushing after cooking—it's non-negotiable for flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A whisper of vanilla makes all the difference in how they taste.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show; use good quality, it matters more than you'd think.
Instructions
- Mix your dry team:
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until they're evenly distributed. This takes less than a minute and sets up everything that comes next.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and unified. The combination should look slightly pale and cohesive.
- Bring them together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing toughens the donut bites, so stop as soon as you don't see any dry streaks.
- Shape into bites:
- Lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil and roll the dough into 16 small balls, each about the size of a tablespoon. Work quickly so they don't dry out.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes while you gather your next ingredients. A properly preheated fryer is the difference between fluffy and dense.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place the dough balls in the basket in a single layer with a little space between each one; you may need to work in batches. Fry for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're golden and springy to the touch.
- Butter while warm:
- The second they come out, brush each donut bite with melted butter while they're still steaming. This helps the cinnamon sugar cling and adds richness.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the warm donut bites until every surface is covered. Work fast so the butter stays tacky.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Eat them immediately for the best texture while they're still warm and the coating is fresh.
Pin My nephew asked me to make these every single time he visits now, and I've stopped pretending it's a special occasion thing. It's become our ritual—he helps shape the dough balls, I manage the air fryer, and we both wait impatiently by the counter for that timer to beep. These donut bites turned into something that's less about the recipe and more about that moment together.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, start playing. A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds warmth and depth, like autumn decided to move into your kitchen. Some people swear by adding a tiny bit of almond extract alongside the vanilla, which gives a subtle sweetness that makes people pause and wonder what they're tasting. You can even dust them with plain powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar if you're in a different mood, or make a little glaze from powdered sugar and milk to drizzle on top while they're still warm.
Make-Ahead and Storage Notes
These are absolutely best eaten fresh, but I won't lie and say I haven't reheated leftover ones the next morning in the air fryer for two minutes to bring them back to life. They soften as they cool, so if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container for up to a day, though they'll taste noticeably better on day one. For dairy-free versions, plant-based milk and butter swap in seamlessly without changing the texture or taste significantly.
Dipping Sauces That Elevate Everything
Cinnamon sugar is perfect on its own, but a warm chocolate dipping sauce or even a simple caramel sauce transforms these into something feel a little fancier. I've also melted a spoonful of cream cheese with a splash of milk to make a quick frosting that tastes like the inside of a cinnamon roll. These little touches turn a snack into something you'd serve to guests without a second thought.
- Chocolate sauce: melt dark chocolate with a bit of butter and milk for a silky dip.
- Caramel: warm store-bought or homemade caramel sauce and serve alongside for dunking.
- Cream cheese frosting: mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla for spreading or dipping.
Pin These donut bites live in that sweet spot where they feel indulgent but don't require any special equipment beyond an air fryer. They've become my answer to almost any craving, and they never disappoint.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure the donut bites are fluffy?
Use fresh baking powder and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain lightness and fluffiness in the dough.
- → Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, plant-based milk works well as a substitute to keep the texture moist without altering the flavor too much.
- → What is the best way to coat the donut bites evenly?
Brush the warm bites with melted butter first, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix to achieve an even, flavorful coating.
- → How should leftover bites be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to restore their softness.
- → Can I add other spices to the dough?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg or other warm spices enhances the flavor, complementing the cinnamon sugar topping nicely.