Make soft and fluffy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts at home with this easy recipe. These homemade donuts are lightly golden, buttery, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.
Introduction
Honestly, homemade donuts don’t have to be complicated. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are one of my favorite ways to make donuts when I want something warm, sweet, and homemade without deep-frying a whole batch.
I usually make these on a lazy weekend morning because the dough is simple to prepare, and the air fryer gives the donuts a beautiful golden outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Once they’re brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, it’s pretty hard to eat just one!
They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or a little oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Method
1. Activate the Yeast
Add the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar to a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until slightly foamy.
The milk should be warm but not hot.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels very sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Try not to add too much flour because that can make the donuts dense.
4. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
5. Shape the Donuts
Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out the donuts. Place them on a lightly floured or parchment-lined tray.
Cover and let them rest for another 20–30 minutes.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
7. Air Fry
Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; work in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, turning them halfway through if your air fryer browns unevenly.
They should be lightly golden and cooked through.
8. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, brush each one generously with melted butter.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl, then immediately toss each donut in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
9. Serve
Serve the donuts warm and fresh. That’s when they’re at their absolute best!
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overheat the milk. Very hot milk can prevent the yeast from working properly.
- Don’t over-flour the dough. A slightly soft dough helps create fluffy donuts.
- Give the dough enough rising time. This is important for a light texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate.
- Watch the cooking time. Air fryers vary, so start checking around 5 minutes.
- Coat while warm. The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
- For an extra buttery finish, brush the donuts twice before coating them.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon sugar donuts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- Hot coffee
- Chai or tea
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla glaze
- Chocolate dipping sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
For a fun breakfast spread, I usually serve them alongside fresh fruit and a big pot of coffee.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per donut, based on 10–12 donuts:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients, donut size, and amount of coating used.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are such a fun homemade treat. They’re soft in the middle, lightly golden on the outside, and covered in that irresistible buttery cinnamon-sugar coating.
Honestly, once you try making donuts in the air fryer, you may find yourself making them much more often. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or whenever that homemade donut craving hits!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
Yes. You can bake them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until lightly golden, usually around 10–14 minutes. The texture will be slightly different from air-fried donuts.
2. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come closer to room temperature before shaping and allowing the donuts to finish rising.
3. Why are my air fryer donuts not fluffy?
The most common reasons are adding too much flour, not allowing the dough to rise properly, or overcooking the donuts. Keep the dough soft and watch the cooking time carefully.
4. Can I use a different coating?
Absolutely! Instead of cinnamon sugar, try powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, or a simple powdered-sugar icing.
5. How should I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best when fresh, but you can warm them briefly in the air fryer before serving.
