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Are you ready for a sweet treat that you’ll crave again and again? These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts are not only easy to make, but they also bring joy to every bite. With a crispy outside and a fluffy inside, these donuts will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these irresistible delights in no time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or weekend brunch.
- Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer gives these donuts a delightful crispy exterior while keeping them soft and fluffy inside.
- Customizable Coating: The cinnamon sugar coating can be adjusted to your taste, or you can try different toppings like chocolate or sprinkles.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 6 delicious donuts, they are just right for sharing with family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Alternative Ingredients
If you need to make swaps, here are some ideas:
– Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
– Substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter.
– Omit the egg and use 1/4 cup of applesauce instead.
Measurements and Substitutions
Accuracy helps your donuts taste great. Here’s how to measure right:
– Use a dry measuring cup for flour.
– Level off the flour with a knife for precision.
– For sugar, pack it lightly before leveling off.
– If you use a liquid measuring cup for milk, check at eye level.
This will ensure your donuts come out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whisk these dry ingredients together. Make sure they mix well. Look for no lumps. This step lays a great base for your donuts.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, take another bowl. Whisk together:
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix these until smooth. This blend adds flavor and moisture to your dough.
Rolling and Cutting Donuts
Now, lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn out the dough onto this surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Make sure to cut them close together to avoid waste.
Air Frying Process
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This step is key for even cooking. Arrange the cut donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Spray the donuts lightly with cooking spray for a crispy texture. Air fry them for 5-6 minutes. Check for golden-brown color and doneness.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating Technique
While the donuts fry, mix the remaining:
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Once the donuts are done, take them out carefully. While they are still warm, coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each side gets an even layer. This coating makes them irresistible and sweet.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
To make great donuts, you need the right dough. Start with 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Combine it with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth. Next, mix 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in another bowl. Stir it into the dry mix gently. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are fine. This keeps the donuts light and fluffy.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing Adjustments
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This temperature gives you a nice golden brown color. Fry the donuts for 5-6 minutes. Every air fryer is different. Check them halfway through. If they look pale, add a minute or two. You want them cooked all the way through, so check the centers.
Ensuring Even Coating of Cinnamon Sugar
While donuts are frying, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the donuts are hot, remove them carefully. Coat them quickly in the cinnamon sugar. Roll them around to cover all sides. The heat helps the sugar stick better. For a fun twist, try adding a bit of nutmeg to the mix for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your milk and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter donut.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so be gentle!
- Adjust Cooking Time for Crispiness: Keep an eye on the donuts while they air fry. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for that perfect golden brown.
- Experiment with Flavorings: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor in your donuts.

Variations
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
You can make gluten-free cinnamon sugar donuts easily. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works for baking, as it gives the best results. Follow the same steps in the recipe. The texture will still be soft and tasty!
Alternative Toppings and Glazes
You can change the toppings to suit your taste. Try a chocolate glaze for a sweet twist. To make it, melt chocolate chips with a little butter. Dip the warm donuts into the chocolate. You can also use sprinkles, nuts, or even coconut flakes. Get creative!
Seasonal Flavor Additions (e.g., Pumpkin Spice)
Seasonal flavors can make your donuts unique. For fall, add pumpkin spice to the batter. Use about 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. This gives a warm, cozy taste that everyone loves. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. Enjoy these treats year-round!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Donuts
After you enjoy your cinnamon sugar air fryer donuts, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh. Place the donuts at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to eat a leftover donut, you can reheat it easily. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut inside and heat for about 2-3 minutes. This makes the donut warm and soft again. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to dry it out.
Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage
To freeze your donuts, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the donuts in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your sweet treat anytime!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It will make your donuts denser and give them a nutty flavor. Use the same amount as the all-purpose flour. You might need to add a bit more milk since whole wheat absorbs more liquid.
How do I know when the donuts are done cooking?
Check the color and texture of the donuts. They should be golden brown. If they spring back when you gently press them, they are done. Use a toothpick to test the center. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, roll it out and cut the donuts as usual. This saves time on busy mornings!
In this post, we explored the key parts of making donuts. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned how to make them light and fluffy in an air fryer. You also found alternatives and ways to store donuts for later.
In the end, making donuts can be fun and rewarding. Use the tips to create your own tasty treats. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and technique
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts
Deliciously soft and fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, made effortlessly in an air fryer.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.33 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable.
Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Turn the donut dough out onto the surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out the donuts from the dough.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) to ensure it's ready for frying.
Arrange the cut donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there's space between them to allow for expansion (you may need to work in batches). To enhance crispiness, lightly spray the donuts with cooking spray.
Air fry the donuts for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked in the center. Check for doneness, as air fryers may vary.
While the donuts are frying, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the coating.
Once the donuts are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. While they are still warm, promptly coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
For an appealing display, arrange the freshly coated donuts on a decorative plate. Lightly dust with additional cinnamon sugar for a touch of sparkle and serve alongside a small bowl of warm apple sauce or your favorite dipping glaze for an extra special treat!
Keyword air fryer, cinnamon sugar, donuts
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