You can whip up classic cinnamon‑sugar donuts in your air fryer with just five pantry staples — flour, sugar, milk, egg, and butter — in about 30 minutes. Mix dry and wet, shape or pipe into rings, then air‑fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden, flipping once. Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar and enjoy tender, slightly crisp results without deep‑frying. Plus a quick glaze option. Keep going for tips on timing, coatings, and storage to perfect them.
Ingredients
Ingredients you can grab from your pantry and fridge: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, an egg, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla. You’ll also want cinnamon and a bit more sugar for the coating—those two turn simple dough into addictive bites. Focus on ingredient quality: use fresh baking powder, real vanilla, and whole milk if you can; those small choices lift texture and aroma.
Measure confidently and keep flavors balanced; this is where flavor pairings matter. Cinnamon with brown or granulated sugar is classic, but you can swap in nutmeg or a citrus zest for brightness. If you’re mindful about sweetness and spice, you’ll control the final hit of flavor. These basics keep the recipe lean, predictable, and fast, so you can have warm, fragrant donuts in minutes. Stock these staples and you’ll be ready to improvise fillings, glazes, and toppings to suit any craving today.
Equipment
The right gear makes these donuts a breeze: you’ll need an air fryer (ideally with a 3–4 quart basket), a set of mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk and spatula, and either a donut cutter or a 2–3 inch round cutter plus a small cutter for the hole. Pick an oven-safe spray or a pastry brush for light oiling, and have a wire rack ready for cooling. If you’re choosing an air fryer, do a quick Brand Comparison—look at capacity, temperature range, and user reviews—so you get consistent results. Smaller baskets cook faster but hold fewer donuts; larger units may need longer times. A sturdy nonstick donut pan works too if your model fits. Check Warranty Info for peace of mind and possible replacements. Keep tools simple and reliable; you’ll save time and avoid frustration, letting you focus on flavor and that perfect cinnamon-sugar finish always.
Dough Preparation
Start by warming your hands and getting ready to mix: you’ll combine dry and wet ingredients separately, then fold them together just until the batter holds—overmixing makes tough donuts.
You’ll measure flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, and egg; stir dry, whisk wet, then fold. Use a gentle kneading technique for one to two minutes until smooth; don’t go overboard. Transfer to a oiled bowl, cover, and relax during proofing duration—about 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled. Punch down gently, shape into rounds, and let rest before cutting holes. Keep your motions light and confident; feel the dough tighten without getting stiff. If it feels sticky, chill briefly rather than adding too much flour. The aim is airy, tender rings with a structured crumb that holds glaze and cinnamon sugar without collapsing.
| Step | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mix | 5 | min |
| Knead | 1–2 | min |
Air Frying and Finishing
Now that you’ve shaped and rested the dough, pop the rings into a preheated air fryer so they crisp up without soaking in oil: heat to about 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, lightly brush or spray the basket and each donut with oil, and arrange them in a single layer with space between so air can circulate. Use short cycles — 3–5 minutes — flipping halfway to get even color and the best Crisp Techniques. Watch closely; don’t overbake. When golden, transfer to a rack to cool slightly before finishing. For Glaze Application, dip warm donuts briefly so glaze clings without melting off, or drizzle for a lighter touch. Keep movements efficient and confident.
- Preheat and oil basket.
- Air fry in one layer.
- Flip for even browning.
- Cool slightly, then glaze.
Enjoy the crunch, then serve immediately for peak texture and shine brightly.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Although air-fried donuts won’t mimic deep-fried ones exactly, you’ll get fantastic results if you tweak a few things: shorten or lengthen cook time for your preferred crispness, swap cinnamon for cardamom or cocoa in the coating, try stuffed or filled versions, and cool them briefly before glazing so the finish sets nicely. Keep these tips in mind: press edges gently when shaping, spray lightly with oil for extra crunch, and test one to dial timing. For storage, let donuts cool, then layer with parchment in an airtight container; for longer life use Freezer Tips: freeze flat on a tray, then bag. Reheat at low air-fryer temp. For gifting, use simple Gift Packaging: small boxes or parchment-wrapped bundles tied with twine. Table below gives quick ideas.
| Tip | Quick Action |
|---|---|
| Freeze | Freeze flat, then bag |
| Gift | Wrap in parchment or box |
Enjoy experimenting, share your favorites with friends and family.
Conclusion
You’ve just turned five simple ingredients into warm, cinnamon-sugar bliss, and you’ll want to make these air fryer donuts again and again. Don’t worry if a few aren’t perfect—practice makes perfect. You can tweak glazes, swap spices, or freeze extras for lazy mornings. Keep things simple, trust the process, and enjoy sharing them with friends; after all, a shared treat tastes better. Now grab a donut and dig in — and savor every delightful bite today.
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