Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon sugar floating through your kitchen, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried making air fryer donuts—spoiler alert—it wasn’t pretty. But hey, trial and error is half the fun of cooking, right? This recipe is now my go-to for a sweet treat that’s so much easier than frying and way less messy.

What Are Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts?

Imagine a donut that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. That’s what these little beauties are. Air frying gives you that fried texture without all the oil, making them way healthier. Plus, who has time for deep-frying when the air fryer can whip these up in minutes? Air fryers are seriously the MVP of my kitchen.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

This recipe is as simple as it gets. I’m talking four ingredients simple. You’ll need:

If you want to mix it up, try adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the butter. It adds a little oomph to the flavor.

Equipment Needed

Your air fryer will do most of the heavy lifting, but here’s what else you’ll need:

• A small bowl for mixing the cinnamon sugar.
• A pastry brush for buttering the donuts (you could use a spoon, but trust me, a brush makes life easier).
• A biscuit cutter if you want those classic donut shapes. Or just go rogue and make donut holes. No judgment here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is where I made my first mistake—rolling the dough too thick. Don’t be like me. If you’re using biscuit dough, just flatten it slightly with your hands and cut out your shapes. For donut holes, just pinch off small pieces and roll them into balls. Easy peasy.

Set your air fryer to 350°F. I’ve learned the hard way that every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on them. Flip halfway through for even cooking—it’s a small step but makes a big difference. My first batch ended up crispy on one side and doughy on the other. Rookie mistake.

This part is honestly my favorite. Once the donuts come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with melted butter. Then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. For more creative ways to use cinnamon sugar, check out these fun recipes to level up your dessert game.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Air needs to circulate, or you’ll end up with soggy spots.
• For a thinner dough, your donuts will cook faster and get crispier.
• Taste your cinnamon sugar mixture before coating—sometimes I add a pinch of salt for balance.

Variations to Try

Here’s where you can get creative:

• Glazed Donuts: Whip up a quick glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle it on after the cinnamon sugar. It’s messy, but oh-so-worth it.
• Chocolate Dipped: Melt some chocolate and dip half the donut for a fancier treat.
• Spiced Sugar: Add cardamom or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a more complex flavor.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Donuts

Let’s be real—these are still donuts. But thanks to the air fryer, you’re cutting down on calories and skipping all that oil. You’re also in control of the sugar content. Try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re looking to lighten things up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: These donuts go from golden brown to burnt faster than you think.
• Skipping the butter: It’s tempting to save a step, but trust me, the cinnamon sugar won’t stick as well without it.
• Using the wrong dough: Biscuit dough works best for this recipe. I once tried crescent dough, and it was…not great.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely. Just keep it on the thinner side so it cooks evenly.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container for up to two days, but they’re best fresh.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free biscuit dough if you can find one.

How do I reheat air fryer donuts?

Pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for a couple of minutes. Good as new.

Final Thoughts

Making these cinnamon sugar air fryer donuts has become one of my favorite weekend traditions. They’re quick, easy, and the perfect excuse to break out my air fryer. So, what’s your favorite air fryer recipe? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!