Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss
It was a Sunday morning and all I could think about was something sweet to kick off the day. I didn't want to spend hours baking, especially with the warm weather showing up again. So, I thought, why not give the air fryer a try for donuts? Honestly, the results were pleasantly surprising. These little treats come together pretty quickly and the cinnamon sugar coating gives them that cozy, homemade feel. I might even play around with different spices next time just for fun!
Why This Works So Well
- They're way lighter than frying in oil
- No need to wait for dough to rise
- You probably have all the ingredients already
Key Technique for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Using the air fryer is a brilliant way to make donuts lighter than the traditional frying method. They cook quickly and evenly while still delivering that crispy outer layer we all look for. Just remember to check in on them while they’re cooking, as different air fryers can vary in timing. Mine usually hurries along, so I tend to keep an eye out for those golden edges.
When shaping the donuts, consistency is key, but if they aren’t all the same size, don’t worry. They will still taste amazing! I sometimes make mine a little thick, which just gives them a softer bite. Remember to lightly flake your hands with flour to keep the dough from sticking.
Swaps & Substitutions
If you find yourself without buttermilk, a squeeze of lemon in regular milk works wonders. It’ll give the donuts that lovely tang. Also, if you can’t get your hands on ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice can add a different twist that’s definitely fun. Donuts are pretty forgiving that way.
If you’re short on time or maybe just don’t want to make the dough from scratch, you can always grab a tube of biscuit dough from the store. Just twist the biscuits into rings and give them a quick cook in the air fryer. They won’t be the same, but they’ll still be delightful!
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a squeeze of lemon)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (I use Kerrygold)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
Shape the Donuts
Lightly flour your hands and take a handful of dough, rolling it into a 1-inch thick rope. Join the ends to form a ring. Try to make them even, but don’t stress if they aren’t perfect - they’ll taste just as good!
Air Fry the Donuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to crowd them. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they’re golden. Note: My air fryer is a bit mean - if they look light, give them another minute or two.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. As soon as they come out of the air fryer, brush each donut with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. You might need to mold them a bit to get that sugar all over.
Pro Tips
- You can use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist.
- For extra crispiness, let the donuts sit for a minute after air frying before sugar coating.
- These are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container.
Troubleshooting
If your donuts come out a bit denser than expected, check that you didn’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay, but overmixing can lead to tougher donuts. If they seem undercooked after the timer, simply pop them back in for a minute or two. It’s all about getting to know your air fryer and adjusting accordingly.
For any donuts that stick to the basket, give the air fryer a light spray with cooking oil before placing your donuts inside. I've had times where they seemed glued down, and that little extra step just helps maintain that delicate balance of convenience and flavor.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Variations Worth Trying
Feeling adventurous? You can try adding some cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. Just replace a couple of tablespoons of flour with cocoa to start. Honestly, chocolate donuts with that cinnamon sugar coating are a fun surprise.
Another variation is to stuff your donuts. Before cooking, insert a little dollop of jam or chocolate into the middle of each donut. Just be cautious not to overfill, as too much filling can cause them to ooze out while cooking. I’ve had a few moments where that made a great mess but tasted amazing!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it for this recipe. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that really enhances the flavor.
→ What if I don't have an air fryer?
Honestly, you could bake them in a regular oven at 350°F. Just keep an eye on them; they’ll likely need a bit more time.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You could chill the dough for a few hours, but it's best fresh! If you make it the night before, let it come to room temp before shaping.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Created by: The Tastycrafter Team
Recipe Type: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 donuts
What You'll Need
For the Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a squeeze of lemon)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (I use Kerrygold)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
Lightly flour your hands and take a handful of dough, rolling it into a 1-inch thick rope. Join the ends to form a ring. Try to make them even, but don’t stress if they aren’t perfect - they’ll taste just as good!
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to crowd them. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they’re golden. Note: My air fryer is a bit mean - if they look light, give them another minute or two.
While the donuts are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. As soon as they come out of the air fryer, brush each donut with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. You might need to mold them a bit to get that sugar all over.
Extra Tips
- You can use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist.
- For extra crispiness, let the donuts sit for a minute after air frying before sugar coating.
- These are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 130
- Total Fat (g): 5.2
- Saturated Fat (g): 3.1
- Cholesterol (mg): 40
- Sodium (mg): 150
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 19.5
- Dietary Fiber (g): 0.6
- Sugars (g): 7.1
- Protein (g): 2.1