Save One Sunday morning, my sister called asking if I could make donuts for her kids' breakfast, but I had maybe twenty minutes before they arrived. I stood there staring at my air fryer, thinking there was no way, when it hit me—why not try donut bites instead of the traditional kind? Ten minutes later, golden puffs were tumbling in cinnamon sugar, and the kitchen smelled like a fair. When those kids bit into their first one, their eyes went wide in that specific way that makes all the kitchen chaos worthwhile.
I've made these countless times now, and what surprised me most was how my picky nephew actually asked for seconds—he's the kid who scrutinizes every food item like a food critic. Watching him dust cinnamon sugar off his fingers while grinning told me everything about whether this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): This is your foundation, and measuring it correctly matters more than you'd think—spoon and level it rather than scooping straight from the bag to avoid packing it down.
- Granulated sugar for dough (1/4 cup): Keeps the bites tender and adds just enough sweetness so the cinnamon topping doesn't overpower.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): The secret to that fluffy, cloud-like texture; don't skip this or you'll end up with dense little hockey pucks.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Brightens the cinnamon flavor in a way that makes people say they taste something special but can't quite name it.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Use whatever you have on hand—dairy, oat, almond, it all works beautifully.
- Large egg: Acts as both a binder and a leavening agent, creating that airy crumb structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing): The extra butter for brushing is what makes the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that slightly tacky exterior.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just enough to add depth without making them taste like vanilla donuts.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon): Don't cheap out on the cinnamon here—get the good stuff, because it's literally the star of the show.
Instructions
- Whisk your dry base:
- Combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, making sure there are no little pockets of baking powder lurking in the corners. This even distribution is what gives you consistent rise across all your bites.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until it looks completely smooth and combined. There's no need to overthink this part—just make sure the egg is fully incorporated.
- Bring them together gently:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until everything comes together; you want a slightly thick, lumpy batter, not a polished, smooth one. Overmixing develops gluten and makes your donut bites tough instead of tender.
- Shape your bites:
- Lightly wet your hands and roll the dough into sixteen balls about the size of a tablespoon each. The moisture on your hands keeps everything from sticking without adding extra flour that could dry things out.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for three minutes; this ensures your bites start cooking immediately and rise properly rather than settling in a lukewarm environment.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place the dough balls in a single layer with a little space between each one—they'll puff up slightly, so crowding them means they'll steam instead of getting that golden exterior. Air fry for seven to eight minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Brush while warm:
- The moment they come out of the air fryer, brush each one with melted butter while they're still warm enough that the butter soaks in slightly. This is the layer that makes the cinnamon sugar stick and gives you that irresistible coating.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the warm donut bites until they're completely coated. Working quickly while they're warm means the butter helps everything adhere rather than sliding right off.
- Serve immediately:
- These are at their absolute best within the first few minutes, when the outside is still slightly crispy and the inside is still soft and warm.
Save There was this one time I made a batch for a morning meeting at work, and my boss took one bite and immediately asked if I could sell them. That's when I realized these weren't just a quick treat—they were something special enough to make people pause and actually enjoy their breakfast instead of rushing through it.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
The air fryer circulates hot air around these donut bites at high speed, which means they get that golden, slightly crispy exterior in minutes without any oil splattering or your entire house smelling like a deep fryer for three days afterward. There's something almost magical about how they puff up in real time through the basket window—it's hard not to stand there and watch the whole process.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you've made these once and they turn out perfect, you can start playing around with the basics. A tiny pinch of nutmeg mixed into the dough adds warmth without changing what makes them recognizable, while a hint of cardamom feels fancier without being obvious.
Storage and Leftovers
These are genuinely best eaten fresh, still warm, the texture is incomparable. But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F for about two minutes—they'll come back to life almost like they just came out the first time.
- Don't refrigerate them because cold changes the texture in a disappointing way.
- You can actually freeze the shaped dough balls before cooking and air fry them straight from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Make a double batch and keep uncooked balls on hand for those mornings when you need something special in ten minutes flat.
Save These little bites have a way of turning an ordinary Tuesday morning into something worth remembering, which is really all you want from a dessert that takes less time than a shower. Make them once, and they'll become part of your regular rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the donuts soft and fluffy?
The combination of baking powder and careful mixing creates a tender dough that rises evenly, resulting in soft and fluffy bites.
- → Can I use a different coating instead of cinnamon sugar?
Yes, alternatives like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or flavored sugars can be used to customize the finish to your taste.
- → How do I prevent the donut bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket before placing the dough balls to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- → Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to make the donuts suitable for a dairy-free diet.
- → How can I store and reheat the donut bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer for about 2 minutes to regain their crispy exterior and soft interior.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?
Chocolate, caramel, or fruit-based sauces complement the cinnamon sugar flavor and add extra richness to each bite.