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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt I use all-purpose flour for a soft texture. The granulated sugar helps sweeten the bites. Baking powder gives them rise, making them fluffy. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Milk adds moisture, while the large egg binds everything together. I melt butter for a rich flavor. Vanilla extract brings a nice aroma to the bites. - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Powdered sugar makes a sweet dusting that looks pretty. I often add cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor. You can skip it if you prefer plain donut bites. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt I stir it well until everything blends. Next, I whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. I add: - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract I mix these until smooth. Then, I slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. I stir gently, leaving a few lumps. Overmixing can make the donut bites tough. Before cooking, I preheat my air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This takes about 3 minutes. While it heats, I lightly grease the basket. I use non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil. This step helps prevent sticking. Now the fun part begins! I use a small muffin scoop or spoon to drop the batter into the basket. I make small dollops, about 1 tablespoon each. I make sure to leave space between them, as they will puff up. I air fry the donut bites for 6-8 minutes. I check them at 6 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked all the way through. Depending on the size of my air fryer, I might need to cook in batches. After cooking, I let them cool for a minute. They smell amazing! To get the best donut bites, avoid overmixing. When you mix, stir gently until the batter is just combined. A few lumps are fine; they help keep the bites soft. The ideal batter should be thick but pourable. This texture helps them rise well in the air fryer. You can boost the flavor with spices. Cinnamon works great and adds warmth. You can also try other spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Extracts like almond or coconut can add a fun twist. Just a few drops can change the whole taste. To make the sugar coating stick, dust the bites while they are warm. This helps the sugar cling nicely. You can also try other coatings, like chocolate or crushed nuts. These add fun flavors and textures, making your donut bites even more exciting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and texture in your donut bites. Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the donut bites light and fluffy; a few lumps are okay! Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the batter for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the donut bites as they cook; air fryer models may vary, so check for golden brown color. {{image_2}} You can make air fryer donut bites even more fun with flavors. Try adding a chocolate or vanilla glaze on top. Just melt some chocolate or mix powdered sugar with milk for a glaze. For nut lovers, chop up your favorite nuts and add them to the batter. It gives a nice crunch and taste. If you need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour. These flours work well and keep the bites tasty. For a vegan twist, use a flax egg instead of the large egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help bind the ingredients together. Donut bites are great on their own, but you can pair them with dips. Think about serving them with chocolate sauce or a sweet cream dip. Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas add a refreshing touch too. They make the perfect snack for any time of day! To keep your air fryer donut bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any extra moisture. Enjoy your donut bites within two days for the best taste. If they last longer, they may lose their soft texture. To freeze your donut bites, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat them, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. This will bring back their crispy texture. Your air fryer donut bites will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. If stored properly in the freezer, they can last up to three months. For the best flavor, consume them within a month. Enjoy them while they are warm and freshly coated for a delightful experience! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. The donut bites may taste nuttier and denser. Start with a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will help keep them light and fluffy while adding some fiber. To reheat, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donut bites in the basket for 2-3 minutes. This will warm them up and keep them crispy. Check them often to avoid overcooking. Many sauces work well! Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate sauce - Caramel sauce - Honey or maple syrup - Cream cheese frosting - Nutella These sauces add extra fun and flavor to your donut bites. Yes, you can make them ahead. Store them in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last for up to a month in the freezer. To make them healthier, swap out the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or agave. You can also reduce the butter or use unsweetened applesauce instead, which adds moisture. You can add extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Spices such as nutmeg or ginger can also enhance the taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Absolutely! These donut bites are perfect for kids. They are small, sweet, and fun to eat. You can even let kids help roll them in sugar for added fun. Yes, non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk works well. It will not change the taste too much, and it makes the recipe vegan-friendly. This post covers every step to make delicious air fryer donut bites. You learned about the right mix of dry and wet ingredients, along with tips for perfect texture and flavor. I also shared different flavors and storage methods, so you can enjoy them longer. Air fryer donut bites are fun, easy, and customizable. Try making them today, and be creative with your flavors and coatings. You will enjoy tasty treats that impress your friends and family!

Air Fryer Donut Bites

Delicious and easy-to-make donut bites cooked in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
  • 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. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Using a small muffin scoop or spoon, drop the batter into the air fryer basket, making small round dollops (about 1 tablespoon each). Leave space between them as they will expand.
  • Air fry the donut bites for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
  • Once done, remove the donut bites from the basket and let them cool for a minute.
  • In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with cinnamon (if using). While the donut bites are still warm, roll them in the sugar mixture until fully coated.

Notes

For extra flavor, add cinnamon to the powdered sugar.
Keyword air fryer, bites, dessert, donuts