Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts!
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fluffy donut coated in crispy cinnamon sugar—especially when it’s made healthier in an air fryer! As someone who’s experimented with countless donut recipes, I can confidently say this method delivers all the indulgence of deep-fried donuts without the grease. Let me walk you through every step to create these irresistible air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts in your own kitchen.
Why Air Fryer Donuts?
Traditional donuts require messy deep-frying and precise oil temperature control. Here’s why air frying is revolutionary:
- Healthier: Uses little to no oil compared to deep-frying
- Foolproof: Eliminates risks of under/overcooking from oil fluctuations
- Quick: Ready in under 15 minutes start-to-finish
- Consistent: Even browning every time
Key Ingredients & Science Behind Them
Understanding your ingredients ensures perfect donuts:
| Ingredient | Role | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Structure | For lighter donuts, swap 25% with cake flour |
| Buttermilk | Tenderness & rise | No buttermilk? Mix milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice |
| Cinnamon | Warm spice notes | Use Ceylon cinnamon for floral aroma |
| Granulated sugar | Sweetness & browning | For deeper flavor, try light brown sugar |
| Butter | Richness & moisture | Must be room temp for even mixing |
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Make the Dough
Whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- In another bowl, cream:
- ¼ cup butter + ½ cup sugar
- Alternate adding to butter mixture:
- 1 egg + 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup buttermilk
2. Shape the Donuts
- Roll dough ½-inch thick on floured surface
- Cut with 3-inch ring cutter, then make centers with 1-inch cutter
- Pro tip: Reroll scraps only once to avoid toughness
3. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly spray basket with oil
- Cook in batches: 4-5 minutes per side until golden
4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While warm, toss donuts in mixture of:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Creative Variations
- Glazed: Dip in powdered sugar + milk mixture
- Chocolate: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to dry ingredients
- Apple Cider: Replace buttermilk with reduced apple cider
Q&A Section
Q. Can I make these vegan?
A. Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and almond milk + vinegar for buttermilk.
Q. Why are my donuts dry?
A. Overmixing or overcooking causes dryness. Mix until just combined and check at 3 minutes.
Q. Can I freeze unbaked dough?
A. Yes! Freeze shaped donuts on parchment, then air fry frozen (add 1-2 minutes).
Serving & Storage Tips
- Best served: Immediately after coating while still warm
- Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 2 days (reheat 1 minute in air fryer)
- For crowds: Double the batch—they disappear fast!
Why This Recipe Works
Through extensive testing, I’ve found these secrets guarantee success:
- Buttermilk’s acidity creates ultra-tender crumbs
- Preheating the air fryer prevents uneven cooking
- Coating while warm helps sugar adhere perfectly
Final Thoughts
These air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts prove you don’t need deep-frying for perfect, fluffy treats. In just minutes, you get golden-brown donuts with that irresistible crackly cinnamon sugar coating – warm, comforting, and dangerously addictive.
The best part? How easily they adapt to your cravings. Swap toppings, adjust spices, or make them vegan – this recipe is your blank canvas. One bite and you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Now grab your air fryer and let that sweet cinnamon aroma fill your kitchen. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making these!