Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: A Guilt-Free, Golden Treat You Can’t Resist

If you’re a donut lover with a soft spot for that warm, sugary crunch of cinnamon-sugar coating, but you’re also watching your waistline or avoiding deep-frying messes, then Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are about to become your new obsession. These light, fluffy, and irresistibly aromatic treats offer all the flavor of classic fried donuts—with none of the oil, long wait times, or kitchen grease. Made entirely in your air fryer, these homemade delights come together quickly, require minimal cleanup, and deliver maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a midweek craving, or a fun activity with kids, this recipe is designed to bring joy without compromise.

The History of Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

The origins of the donut—round, sweet, and often deep-fried—can be traced back centuries across various cultures. Dutch settlers brought “olykoeks” (oily cakes) to early America in the 17th century, which evolved into what we now recognize as the modern donut. While traditional donuts were typically glazed or filled, the concept of coating them in cinnamon sugar gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly through roadside stands, bakeries, and regional fairs where funnel cakes and mini donuts were served hot and fresh with a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar.

Cinnamon sugar itself has ancient roots—cinnamon was once more valuable than gold, traded along spice routes from Sri Lanka to Europe. Combined with sugar, it became a beloved flavor duo for baked goods due to its warmth, sweetness, and comforting aroma. In recent decades, with the rise of health-conscious eating and appliance innovation, bakers began experimenting with baking or air frying instead of deep frying. The air fryer, introduced widely in the 2010s, revolutionized home cooking by offering crispy textures with little to no oil. Enter: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts—a modern twist on a timeless favorite, blending nostalgia with convenience and lighter preparation.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Goes Into Perfect Air Fryer Donuts?

The magic of these air-fried donuts lies in their simple, accessible ingredients—all of which work in harmony to create a tender crumb and golden-brown exterior. Here’s a detailed look at each component:

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness. For best results, spoon and level the flour to avoid dense donuts.
Baking Powder – Acts as the leavening agent, giving the donuts their signature puff and airy texture without yeast or long proofing times.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar – Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself, so the cinnamon-sugar coating isn’t doing all the work.
Unsalted Butter (melted) – Contributes richness and moisture. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content.
Milk – Binds the ingredients and creates a smooth, pourable batter. Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk can work too.
Egg – Provides structure, tenderness, and helps with browning during air frying.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Cinnamon and Sugar (for coating) – The star duo! Ground cinnamon delivers that spicy warmth, while granulated sugar melts slightly in the heat to form a delicate crust.
Melted Butter (optional, for brushing) – Used after air frying to help the cinnamon sugar stick better and add a glossy finish.

Note: Some variations may include nutmeg, nutmeg, or a touch of lemon zest for complexity, but the base recipe keeps things delightfully simple.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Follow these easy steps to make perfectly golden, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon sugar donuts right in your air fryer—no special tools needed beyond a mixing bowl and an air fryer!

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden color.
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but pourable, like pancake batter.
Transfer to a Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag: Pour the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. This makes it easy to pipe the batter directly into donut shapes inside the air fryer basket.
Pipe the Donuts: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a brush of oil. Pipe small circles of batter (about 2 inches in diameter with hollow centers, if possible). Alternatively, pipe solid rounds and use a chopstick or skewer to gently swirl out the center after piping. Leave space between each donut—they expand slightly as they cook.
Air Fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs or a spatula. The donuts are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, brush lightly with melted butter (this helps the sugar adhere), then roll generously in a mixture of ¼ cup sugar and 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tip: If you have a silicone donut mold designed for air fryers, place it in the basket and pipe the batter into the molds—this ensures uniform shape and prevents spreading.

Tips for Success: Mastering Your Air Fryer Donuts

Don’t Overfill the Basket: Air circulation is key. Only cook 2–3 donuts at a time depending on your air fryer size to ensure even crisping.
Watch the Time Closely: Air fryers vary in intensity. Start checking at 5 minutes to prevent over-browning. Smaller donuts may cook faster.
Flip Gently: Use silicone-tipped tongs to flip donuts halfway through cooking to avoid breaking them.
Use Fresh Baking Powder: Old leavening agents can result in flat, dense donuts. Replace baking powder every 6 months for optimal rise.
Keep Them Warm: If making multiple batches, place cooked donuts on a wire rack in a warm oven (170°F) to keep them crisp while finishing others.
Double the Coating: For extra flavor, dip the donuts in butter and roll a second time in cinnamon sugar after the first layer sets.
Experiment with Shapes: Try hearts, squares, or even mini balls (like donut holes)—they all work great in the air fryer!

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

One of the joys of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative twists:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (look for one with xanthan gum included).
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and almond, soy, or oat milk.
Low-Sugar or Keto-Friendly: Replace granulated sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in both the batter and coating. Use a keto-approved flour blend like almond or coconut flour (adjust liquid as needed).
Lemon Zest or Orange Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest to the batter and drizzle with a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and juice after coating.
Spiced-Up Cinnamon Sugar: Boost the warmth with a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom in the sugar mix.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled donuts for an elegant dessert touch.
Filled Donuts: Once cooled, use a piping tip to inject fillings like jam, custard, or peanut butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
Mini Donut Holes: Pipe small blobs of batter and air fry for 5–6 minutes. Perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacks.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Compared to traditional deep-fried donuts, air fryer versions are significantly lower in fat and calories—without sacrificing taste. By using little to no oil and skipping the deep fryer, you eliminate hundreds of excess calories per serving. Let’s break it down:

Nutritional Estimate (per donut, recipe yields ~6):

Calories: ~120–140
Total Fat: 5–6g (mostly from butter and egg)
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18–20g
Sugars: 8–10g (varies based on coating amount)
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 0.5–1g

While still a treat, these donuts are a smarter indulgence. To boost nutrition further:

Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or oat flour for fiber.
Use Greek yogurt in place of milk for added protein.
Reduce sugar in the batter and rely more on the cinnamon-sugar coating for sweetness.
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for balance.

These donuts are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They’re free from trans fats and artificial additives when made with wholesome ingredients—making them a cleaner choice for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Full Ingredients List

For the Donuts:

1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing, optional but recommended)

Detailed Directions

Preheat: Turn on your air fryer and set to 350°F (175°C). Allow to heat for 3–5 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth and emulsified.
Make the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. A few lumps are fine—overmixing leads to tough donuts.
Transfer to Piping Tool: Spoon batter into a piping bag, zip-top bag (corner snipped), or even a small squeeze bottle for precision.
Grease the Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket or silicone mold with non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil.
Pipe Donuts: Pipe 2-inch circles onto the basket, leaving 1–2 inches between each. Use a damp finger or skewer to adjust the shape or create a hole in the center if desired.
Air Fry: Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping carefully with tongs at the 3–4 minute mark. Cook until golden brown and springy to the touch.
Prepare Coating: While donuts cook, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt butter in a small dish.
Coat Immediately: As soon as donuts come out, brush or dip both sides in melted butter, then roll generously in cinnamon sugar. Repeat if desired.
Serve Warm: Enjoy right away for the ultimate fluffy, crunchy experience. Store extras in an airtight container for up to 2 days (reheat briefly in air fryer to refresh).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes using a greased donut pan, or pan-fry in a little oil for a crispier result.

Why did my donuts turn out dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour correctly (spoon and level), and check for doneness at 6 minutes.

Can I freeze air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes before coating.

Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes. Omit the baking powder and salt if using self-rising flour, but keep the sugar in the dry mix.

Are these suitable for meal prep?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before piping.

How do I prevent sticking?
Always grease the basket or use a silicone mold. Non-stick spray works best. Avoid overcrowding.

Can I make vegan cinnamon sugar donuts in the air fryer?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), plant-based butter, and milk. Choose a vegan sugar (some aren’t filtered with bone char).

What size should the donuts be?
Aim for 2-inch outer diameter with a ½-inch center hole. Too large, and they won’t cook through; too small, and they may dry out.

Summary

Indulge in warm, golden Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts—fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp outside, and coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar—without the guilt of deep frying. Ready in under 15 minutes, this easy, customizable recipe brings bakery-style bliss straight to your kitchen.

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