Save There's something magical about the sound of an air fryer basket hitting the counter at exactly the right moment—that crispy-yet-soft moment when a donut bite is done. I stumbled onto these cinnamon sugar clouds one lazy Sunday morning when I realized I had all the ingredients but absolutely zero patience for a deep fryer mess. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a donut shop, my hands were delightfully sticky, and I understood why these little bites disappeared so fast.
I made these for my neighbor one morning and watched her face light up when she bit into one—that look when you taste something and it's exactly what your brain was hoping for. She came back the next day asking if I could teach her, and suddenly we were both standing in my kitchen at 8 AM, laughing about donut batter on our aprons and making a second batch because the first one somehow vanished.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of tender donut bites; measure by spooning into a cup and leveling off to avoid a dense result.
- Granulated sugar (for dough): Adds gentle sweetness without competing with the cinnamon coating.
- Baking powder: This is your leavening agent—make sure it's fresh, or your bites will be flat instead of fluffy.
- Salt: A small pinch that makes the sweetness sing.
- Milk: Use any milk you prefer, dairy or non-dairy, as long as it's room temperature for easier mixing.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and creates structure as they cook.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for dough): Adds richness and moisture; the melted form distributes evenly.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon is all you need to deepen the flavor without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): This combines with cinnamon for the addictive coating.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show; buy good cinnamon if you can, because stale cinnamon tastes like nothing.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Applied while the bites are warm, this helps the cinnamon sugar stick like a dream.
Instructions
- Whisk the dry team:
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Use a whisk to break up any little flour lumps and distribute the leavening evenly—you want everything uniform.
- Blend the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until they're well combined and smooth. This is your liquid gold.
- Bring them together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms—no more. Overmixing activates the gluten and makes the bites tough instead of cloud-like.
- Roll into balls:
- Lightly grease your hands and pinch off pieces of dough about the size of a tablespoon. Roll each between your palms into a smooth ball; the dough will be slightly sticky, and that's perfect.
- Fire up the air fryer:
- Preheat to 350°F for exactly 3 minutes. This temperature is key—too hot and they brown before cooking through, too low and they stay dense.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place dough balls in a single layer, spacing them so air can circulate freely. If your basket is small, don't overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so each side gets exposure to the heat. You're looking for a light golden color and a slightly firm exterior.
- Brush with butter while warm:
- The moment they come out, brush each bite with melted butter while they're still steaming. This step is non-negotiable—it makes the cinnamon sugar cling beautifully.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl and toss the warm, buttered bites until every surface is covered in that spiced sweetness.
- Serve immediately:
- Eat them right away while they're still warm and the cinnamon sugar hasn't hardened. This is when they're absolutely perfect.
Save There was this one moment when my friend bit into a donut bite and closed her eyes like she was tasting something sacred, and I realized that simple fried dough coated in cinnamon and sugar has this quiet power to make people happy. It's not complicated or fancy, but somehow it's memorable—the kind of thing people ask you to make again.
Why the Air Fryer Works Magic Here
The air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, creating a golden, crispy exterior without any oil splatter or deep-frying guilt. The donuts cook evenly, rise beautifully in the tight space, and come out looking like you spent way more effort than you actually did. No deep pan of oil sitting on your stove, no lingering fried smell in your kitchen for three days—just clean, quick, perfectly cooked donut bites.
Variations and Swaps
The base recipe is forgiving enough to play with. A pinch of nutmeg in the dough adds warmth and complexity; cardamom works too if you're feeling adventurous. For dairy-free versions, swap milk with oat or almond milk and use plant-based butter for brushing and the topping—the results are indistinguishable. You can even coat them in cocoa powder and sugar instead of cinnamon, or dust them with confectioner's sugar while warm for a different finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These are best eaten fresh and warm, but life happens and sometimes you have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; they'll lose some of their initial softness but stay edible. To resurrect them, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes—they'll warm through and regain some of that just-made texture. Cold donuts are fine too, but warm donuts are the reason this recipe exists.
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours, then roll and cook whenever the craving hits.
- If you're doubling the batch, prepare all the dough balls on a tray in the fridge so you're ready to cook without delay.
- Serve these with a small bowl of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping if you want to push them from great to unforgettable.
Save These cinnamon donut bites are proof that some of the best things in life come together in minutes, taste incredible, and require almost nothing to make. Bake a batch the next time you want something warm and sweet without the fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to cook these cinnamon bites in the air fryer?
They cook for 7–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), ensuring a golden exterior and soft interior.
- → Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and butter to make a dairy-free version.
- → What texture should I expect from these bites?
The bites are soft and fluffy inside with a slightly crisp cinnamon sugar coating outside.
- → Is it necessary to shake the air fryer basket during cooking?
Shaking the basket halfway through helps evenly cook the bites and maintain a uniform golden color.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the dough?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough enhances the spice profile subtly and complements the cinnamon.