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To make these tasty air fryer donuts, you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping) - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tbsp melted butter - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the donuts. Here’s how the amounts break down: - Flour: 1 cup gives your donuts structure. - Sugar: The 1/4 cup in the dough adds sweetness. You also need 1/2 cup for coating. - Baking Powder: 1 tsp helps the donuts rise. - Salt: 1/4 tsp balances the sweetness. - Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp adds warmth to the flavor. - Milk: 1/4 cup keeps the batter moist. - Egg: 1 large egg binds the ingredients. - Butter: 2 tbsp adds richness. - Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp enhances flavor. Using quality ingredients makes a real difference. Here’s what to consider: - Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a light texture. - Sugar: Granulated sugar is a must for sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. - Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for a stronger taste. - Butter: Always use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels. - Egg: Fresh eggs help with rising and binding. These ingredients together create a delightful treat that is light, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon goodness. Enjoy making your air fryer donuts! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, turn on your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is key for a crispy outside and soft inside. A hot fryer ensures even cooking. In a bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Whisk them together well. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tbsp melted butter - 1 tsp vanilla extract Whisk until smooth. Now, slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; lumps are okay. Get a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag. Fill it with the dough. Cut a small hole in one corner. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Pipe the dough into donut shapes, leaving space between them. Air fry the donuts for 5 to 6 minutes. They should be golden brown. While they cook, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl. After frying, let the donuts cool a bit. Toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix until coated. Enjoy your tasty donuts! To get light and fluffy donuts, use fresh baking powder. This helps the donuts rise. Mix the dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing makes them dense. Let the donut batter rest for a few minutes. This helps with the texture too. When your donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar mix. Use a shallow bowl for easy tossing. Coat the donuts right after frying. This ensures the sugar sticks well. Use a mix of sugar and cinnamon for great flavor. Toss the donuts gently to cover every part. One common mistake is not greasing the basket. This can cause donuts to stick. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the basket. Donuts need space to puff up. Lastly, check the cooking time. Overcooking can make them dry. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and texture in your donuts. Pipe with Precision: For evenly shaped donuts, pipe the batter steadily and consistently to maintain uniformity. Cool Before Coating: Let the donuts cool slightly before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar to prevent the coating from melting. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or vanilla to the batter for a unique flavor twist! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors of air fryer donuts easily. Try chocolate by adding cocoa powder to the dough. For a citrusy twist, mix in lemon zest and juice. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty taste. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each variation can bring joy to your taste buds. Making air fryer donuts that fit your diet is simple. For gluten-free donuts, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. If you want vegan donuts, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mix. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. These swaps make the donuts tasty without any animal products. Add-ins can make your donuts more exciting. Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit work well. You can also sprinkle in some sprinkles for color and fun. For toppings, think beyond cinnamon sugar. Consider a chocolate glaze or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These fun options can take your air fryer donuts to the next level! For the best taste, store your leftover donuts in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any moisture. Seal the container well to keep air out. You can refrigerate or freeze your donuts. If you choose to refrigerate them, they last about 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When you want to enjoy your donuts again, reheating is key. For refrigerated donuts, pop them in the air fryer for about 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. This helps restore their nice, warm texture. If frozen, let them thaw for a bit first. Then, follow the same reheating method. Enjoy your tasty treats just like fresh! Air fryer donuts taste best fresh, but they can last up to two days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each donut well to avoid freezer burn. Yes, you can use different flours! All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a heartier taste. If you prefer gluten-free donuts, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Just remember, different flours may change the texture a bit. You can make the batter ahead, but it is best to use it fresh. If you store it, keep it in the fridge and use it within 24 hours. The batter may thicken, so you might need to add a little milk to loosen it up before piping. Air fryer donuts are simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients and their measurements. Each ingredient plays a role in taste and texture. Following the step-by-step instructions leads to delicious results. I shared tips for fluffy donuts and avoiding common mistakes. You can try many flavor variations and dietary options. Remember to store leftovers wisely, using tips for reheating. Enjoy creating your perfect air fryer donuts. Have fun experimenting in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Delicious and fluffy donuts made in an air fryer, coated in cinnamon sugar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon until well combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
  • Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Pipe the batter into the basket in a circular shape, forming your donuts (you can create doughnut rings or round shapes). Ensure they are not touching.
  • Air fry the donuts for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the donuts are air-frying, mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl for the coating.
  • Once the donuts are done, allow them to cool slightly before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful air fryer donuts!

Notes

Place the coated donuts on a decorative plate. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon sugar on top and serve with a side of warm chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Keyword air fryer, cinnamon sugar, donuts