Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring back a summer evening from years ago when my grandkids invited themselves over after their sports practice. I pulled out my trusted air fryer, a treat they hadn’t seen yet, and decided to try baking donuts instead of serving store-bought cookies.
I mixed the simple batter—flour, sugar, cinnamon, milk, butter, vanilla—and filled the silicone molds in that cozy kitchen of mine, full of afternoon light and laughter. As the donuts puffed and turned golden in the air fryer, the warm aroma made everyone pause. When I brushed them with butter and rolled them in cinnamon sugar, their eyes lit up, and the older one declared, “These taste like fairgrounds at home!”
Since then, these donuts have become a weekend tradition. I’ve made them for neighbors, for early-morning book club brunches, and even packed a few when my daughter had a new school assignment. They come together fast, feel indulgent without being heavy, and always bring that little smile. They feel special but are easy enough for everyday moments—exactly the kind of recipe I cherish sharing.
Short Description
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are light, airy treats made in silicone molds, coated in warm cinnamon-sugar—ready in under 20 minutes with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Coating: ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Silicone donut molds
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Small bowl for coating
- Pastry brush or fork
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat fully—this ensures even rising and color.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth, with no lumps—gentle mixing helps keep them light.
Step 4: Prepare the Molds
Grease silicone donut molds lightly with oil or butter. Fill each about ¾ full for perfect puffiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts
Place molds in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes or until the donuts are golden and bounce slightly when touched.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While donuts cool briefly, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl. Lightly brush each donut with melted butter then roll in the sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Healthier Treat: Uses air fryer, not deep frying, reducing oil use.
Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, warmly spiced, and irresistibly soft.
Customizable: Swap coatings or add a drizzle of glaze.
Kid-Friendly: Great for baking with little helpers—easy, fun, and delicious.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dense Donuts
Solution: Don’t overmix—stir just until ingredients come together.
Sticky Coating
Solution: Let donuts cool slightly before brushing and coating to prevent sugar from clumping.
Uneven Cooking
Solution: Ensure the air fryer heats to 350°F. Rotate molds halfway if your fryer has hot spots.
Donuts Sticking to Molds
Solution: Grease molds well and allow donuts to cool before gently nudging them out.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm on a platter with coffee or milk
Host a brunch spread with fruit salad and yogurt parfaits
Offer toppings bar: powdered sugar, cocoa, or lemon glaze
Family-style: let everyone pick a donut and carry-on chat
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Reheat gently in air fryer at 325°F for 2 minutes to restore crispness
Avoid microwave, it softens the coating and texture
FAQs
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour makes slightly lighter donuts—use same measurement.
2. Will frozen donuts reheat well?
Not ideal, texture changes. Best to eat fresh or store for just a couple of days.
3. Can I add glaze instead of cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a sweet drizzle.
4. How do I make mini donuts?
Use mini silicone molds and reduce cook time to about 6 minutes.
5. Can I skip the butter brush and roll them dry?
You can, but coating sticks better and delivers classic donut texture when you butter it.
Tips & Tricks
Use silicone molds for easy release and gentle cooking
For extra flavor, stir ½ tsp nutmeg or cardamom into the batter
Brush molds lightly each time for consistent release
Let air fryer fully preheat for crisp, golden results
Fresh donuts are best served within hours—enjoy while warm!
Recipe Variations
Maple Glazed Donuts
Mix ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp milk. Drizzle over donuts after cooking.
Apple Spice Coating
Mix cinnamon sugar with ⅛ tsp nutmeg and ⅛ tsp ground cloves. Use for rolling.
Lemon Sugar Donuts
Substitute 1 tsp lemon zest in batter; coat with sugar mixed with ½ tsp lemon zest for a bright twist.
Chocolate Sugar Donuts
Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar coating before rolling for a rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts have quickly found a place in my recipe rotation, not because they’re fussy, but because they bring smiles. The other afternoon, my neighbor dropped by for tea, and we shared warm donuts right in the kitchen, the perfect pause in a busy day. They’re sweet, but with a hint of cinnamon warmth that feels just right.
I love that they’re made quickly, enjoyed instantly, and still feel like a gentle celebration at home. I hope these donuts brighten your mornings as much as they have mine, easy, comforting, and sprinkled with nostalgia. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Coating: ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat fully.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the Molds
Grease silicone donut molds and fill each ¾ full with batter.
Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts
Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes or until golden and springy.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in the mixture.
