Quick Description
Soft, fluffy donuts made in the air fryer, coated with cinnamon sugar or glazed for a perfect homemade treat. They’re easy, light, and a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6 donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Ingredients List:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing the air fryer basket)
For the Coating (optional):
- ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
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Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Make the Donut Dough:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
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Shape the Donuts:
- Flour your hands and a flat surface. Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball. Use your finger or a chopstick to poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it to form a donut shape. Repeat with the remaining dough. (You can also use a donut cutter if you have one).
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Cook the Donuts:
- Place the shaped donuts into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The donuts should be golden brown and puffed up.
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Coat the Donuts (optional):
- While the donuts are cooking, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Once the donuts are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately brush them with melted butter. Then, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
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Serve:
- Enjoy your warm, freshly made air fryer donuts! You can also glaze them or top them with your favorite toppings like chocolate or sprinkles.
Additional Notes:
- Glazed Donuts: If you prefer glazed donuts, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water to make a glaze. Dip the donuts into the glaze while still warm.
- Donut Holes: If you prefer donut holes, shape the dough into small balls and air fry for 5–7 minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a little nutmeg or cocoa powder to the dough for different flavors.
Dietary Info:
- Keto/Low-Carb: This recipe is not keto-friendly, but you can substitute flour with almond flour and use a sugar substitute like erythritol.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncoated donuts. Just freeze them on a tray and transfer them to a Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes when ready to eat.
