Last Updated on December 7, 2025
Imagine biting into a warm, soft donut with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating, made right in your air fryer. Sounds delicious, right?
If you’ve ever wanted a quick, easy way to enjoy homemade donuts without the mess of deep frying, this recipe is for you. You’ll learn how to make air fryer cinnamon donuts that are crispy on the outside and tender inside—all with less oil and less hassle.
Keep reading, and discover a simple treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone you share it with.
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Ingredients For Air Fryer Donuts
Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts starts with simple ingredients. These ingredients bring soft, sweet, and tasty donuts right to your kitchen. Each item has a special role in creating the perfect donut texture and flavor.
Using the right ingredients ensures your donuts are fluffy and full of cinnamon goodness. Let’s explore what you need for these easy, delicious treats.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the base for these donuts. It gives structure and softness. Using fresh flour helps keep the donuts light.
Baking Powder
Baking powder makes the donuts rise and become fluffy. It’s important for that light, airy texture.
Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness. It also helps create a slight crust on the outside.
Milk
Milk moistens the dough and binds ingredients. You can use any milk type you prefer.
Egg
The egg helps hold the dough together. It also adds richness and softness.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star flavor. Ground cinnamon gives the donuts a warm, spicy taste.
Butter
Butter adds flavor and moisture. Melted butter mixes easily into the dough.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. It adds a sweet, fragrant note.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix cinnamon and sugar for the perfect coating. This topping gives a sweet, crunchy finish.
Preparing The Dough
Preparing the dough is the first step to making delicious air fryer cinnamon donuts. The right dough creates soft, fluffy donuts with a perfect cinnamon flavor. This part requires simple ingredients and easy mixing techniques. Follow each step carefully to get great results.
Gathering Ingredients
Start by collecting all ingredients. You need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, milk, eggs, and butter. Measure each ingredient accurately for the best dough texture. Fresh ingredients make a big difference.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir them well to distribute everything evenly. This step helps the donuts rise and taste balanced.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients slowly. Stir gently until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
Kneading The Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out and knead it a few times. The dough should be smooth but soft. Too much kneading makes it tough.
Resting The Dough
Cover the dough with a clean cloth. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting helps the dough relax and rise slightly. This step improves donut texture.
Shaping The Donuts
Shaping the donuts is a key step in making Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts. It gives the donuts their classic look and helps them cook evenly. The shape also affects the texture and how well the cinnamon sugar sticks.
Taking time to shape the donuts carefully makes a big difference. You do not need special tools, just simple items found at home. The process is quick and fun.
Preparing The Dough For Shaping
Start with soft dough that is not sticky. Lightly flour your hands and surface. This stops the dough from sticking and tearing. Keep the dough cool but not cold. Warm dough can become hard to shape.
Forming The Donut Rings
Roll the dough into a flat circle, about half an inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out the donut shape. Then, cut out the smaller circle in the center for the hole. Press gently to keep the edges smooth.
Using Simple Tools For Shaping
If you don’t have a donut cutter, try using a cup and a bottle cap. The cup cuts the donut’s outer circle. The bottle cap creates the hole. This method works well and saves money.
Shaping Without A Cutter
Roll the dough into a long rope. Join the ends to form a ring. Pinch the ends tightly to seal. This creates a rustic donut shape. It also tastes great and cooks well in the air fryer.
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Air Frying Tips
Air frying cinnamon donuts gives a crispy outside and soft inside. The right tips help you get perfect donuts every time. Follow simple steps to avoid common mistakes and enjoy tasty treats.
Small changes in the air fryer process make a big difference. Use these tips for golden, evenly cooked cinnamon donuts.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Always preheat the air fryer before cooking donuts. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes at the cooking temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd The Basket
Place donuts in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding blocks air flow and causes uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
Use Cooking Spray Lightly
Spray the basket or donuts lightly with oil. This stops sticking and helps donuts brown nicely. Too much oil can make them greasy.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking
Turn the donuts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides become golden and crisp. Use tongs or a spatula carefully.
Adjust Time For Donut Size
Smaller donuts cook faster, bigger ones need more time. Watch closely and test with a toothpick to check if done. Avoid overcooking to keep them soft inside.
Making The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
The cinnamon sugar coating is the magic touch for air fryer cinnamon donuts. It adds a sweet, spicy flavor and a slight crunch. This coating turns soft donuts into a delightful treat.
Making this coating is quick and simple. It uses just two ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. The key is to get the right balance between cinnamon and sugar.
Choosing The Right Sugar
Granulated white sugar works best for the coating. It sticks well to the donuts and gives a nice texture. Avoid powdered sugar because it dissolves and loses the crunch.
Measuring Cinnamon And Sugar
Use about one tablespoon of cinnamon for every half cup of sugar. This ratio gives a good cinnamon flavor without overpowering the sweetness. You can adjust it to your taste but start with this simple mix.
Mixing The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Stir well to blend evenly. Make sure the cinnamon is spread throughout the sugar for consistent flavor.
Coating The Donuts
After frying, while the donuts are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mix. The heat helps the sugar stick well. Do not soak; just a light coating is enough for great taste.
Coating And Serving
Coating and serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts is a simple pleasure. The coating gives the donuts their sweet, classic taste. The serving style makes them inviting and ready to enjoy. This part of the process turns soft donuts into a treat that everyone loves.
Preparing The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Use about one cup of sugar and one tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir well to combine. This blend will coat the donuts evenly and add a warm flavor.
Coating The Donuts
Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter. Then, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mix. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. The butter helps the sugar stick and adds richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve donuts warm for the best taste. Place them on a simple plate or a paper towel. Offer a cup of hot coffee or milk on the side. This pairing makes the snack feel special and complete.
Variations And Flavor Twists
Air fryer cinnamon donuts are a delicious treat, but trying different flavors can make them even better. Small changes can give new tastes and textures. These variations keep your donuts exciting and fresh for every bite.
Experimenting with flavors lets you match your mood or season. You can add fruits, nuts, or spices. Each twist creates a unique donut experience.
Classic Cinnamon Sugar With A Twist
Start with the classic cinnamon sugar coating. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth. These spices bring a cozy aroma and richer taste. Try sprinkling coarse sugar for a crunchy texture.
Chocolate Glazed Cinnamon Donuts
Dip your donuts in melted dark or milk chocolate. The sweetness of chocolate pairs well with cinnamon spice. Sprinkle crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips on top. This adds crunch and more flavor layers.
Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Mix small apple pieces or apple sauce into the batter. The fruit adds moisture and natural sweetness. Top with a cinnamon sugar glaze or a drizzle of caramel. This gives a fresh, fall-inspired flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Donuts
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice mix to the batter. This combo creates soft, moist donuts with autumn vibes. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or cream cheese glaze.
Maple And Pecan Cinnamon Donuts
Use maple syrup in the batter or glaze for a sweet, rich taste. Top with chopped pecans for crunch. The nutty flavor balances the cinnamon perfectly, making a tasty treat.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts is fun and quick. Sometimes, small problems can happen. These can stop your donuts from turning out perfect. Here are easy ways to fix common issues. This helps you enjoy fresh, tasty donuts every time.
Donuts Are Too Dry
Dry donuts often mean too much cooking time. Try lowering the air fryer temperature by 10 degrees. Check the donuts a minute or two before time ends. Donuts cook fast in an air fryer. Also, use the right amount of batter for soft donuts.
Donuts Are Not Cooked Inside
Undercooked donuts need more time or a better batter mix. Make sure the batter is smooth and not thick. Spread the batter evenly in the donut mold. Cook for a few extra minutes. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, donuts are ready.
Donuts Sticking To The Pan
Sticking donuts can spoil the shape. Use non-stick spray or lightly grease the pan before adding batter. Let the donuts cool a bit before removing. Don’t rush taking them out. This helps keep their perfect round shape.
Uneven Cooking Or Browning
Uneven donuts mean the air fryer basket is too full. Leave space between donuts for air to flow well. Shake the basket gently halfway through cooking. This spreads heat evenly and cooks donuts on all sides.
Storing And Reheating Donuts
Storing and reheating Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts keeps them fresh and tasty. Proper storage helps keep the soft texture and warm flavor. Reheating brings back that just-made feeling.
Knowing how to store and reheat donuts saves food and time. It lets you enjoy the treat later without losing quality.
Storing Donuts Properly
Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. Store for up to two days to keep freshness.
For longer storage, place donuts in a sealed bag. Freeze them for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Best Way To Reheat Donuts
Use the air fryer for quick reheating. Heat donuts at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This method keeps the outside crispy and the inside soft.
If no air fryer is available, warm donuts in a microwave. Heat for 10-15 seconds on low power. Watch closely to avoid drying out.
Tips To Maintain Flavor And Texture
Do not overheat donuts. It makes them hard and dry. Heat just enough to warm through.
Adding a small piece of bread to the container helps keep moisture. It stops donuts from becoming stale quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Cinnamon Donuts In An Air Fryer?
To make air fryer cinnamon donuts, prepare the dough, shape it, and air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Then, coat with cinnamon sugar immediately for a tasty finish.
Can I Use Store-bought Dough For Air Fryer Donuts?
Yes, store-bought biscuit or donut dough works well. Simply cut holes, air fry, and add cinnamon sugar for quick homemade donuts.
What Temperature Is Best For Air Frying Cinnamon Donuts?
The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown, crispy exterior without drying out the donuts.
How Long Should Cinnamon Donuts Cook In An Air Fryer?
Air fry cinnamon donuts for 8-10 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Conclusion
Air fryer cinnamon donuts make a tasty, quick treat. They cook fast and need less oil. You can enjoy warm, soft donuts anytime at home. This recipe is simple and fun to try. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Give it a shot and enjoy fresh donuts without the mess. Easy to make, easy to love. A great way to satisfy your sweet tooth today.
