Remember when fresh donuts meant a trip to the bakery at dawn or settling for stale grocery store versions? After perfecting this recipe through countless weekend mornings (and watching my kids literally dance around the kitchen waiting for these to finish), I can promise these air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts deliver all the fluffy, warm satisfaction you crave, with zero deep frying and maximum weekend magic.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients (Makes 12 Donuts)
Donut Foundation:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (secret ingredient!)
Wet Magic:
- ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for coating)
Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients are crucial, they create the smoothest batter and most tender donuts. Cold ingredients can make the batter lumpy and create dense results.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Method
Perfect Prep (15 minutes)
- Prepare coating: Mix sugar and cinnamon in shallow bowl, set aside
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth
- Create batter: Add wet ingredients to dry, stir just until combined (lumps are okay!)
- Rest briefly: Let batter sit 5 minutes while air fryer preheats
The Gentle Mixing Secret
Critical step: Don’t overmix the batter! Gentle stirring until just combined creates tender, fluffy donuts. Overmixing develops gluten, making tough, dense donuts instead of light, cake-like ones.
Air Fryer Cooking Process
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 6-8 minutes
Work in batches for best results
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes
- Spray donut pan or basket with cooking oil generously
- Fill each donut mold about ¾ full with batter
- Cook 6 minutes without opening air fryer
- Check doneness with toothpick—should come out clean
- Cook 1-2 minutes more if needed
- Remove immediately and coat while warm
Perfect Results Every Time
Visual cues for doneness:
- Light golden brown color on tops and bottoms
- Springs back when lightly touched
- Toothpick comes out clean when inserted
- Sweet, yeasty aroma fills the air (even though these aren’t yeast donuts!)
Texture goal: Tender, cake-like interior with slight crust that holds cinnamon sugar coating perfectly. Light, fluffy, and not greasy at all.
Coating Variations That Work
Classic Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Brush with melted butter first
Powdered Sugar Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whisk until smooth
Chocolate Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Maple Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Apple Pie Spice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
Serving & Storage Tips
Best served: Warm, immediately after coating for peak flavor and texture
Perfect for: Weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, afternoon treats, school bake sales
Storage: Airtight container for 2 days at room temperature
Make ahead: Batter can be made night before and refrigerated
Weekend morning tip: Make the batter the night before and let kids help with coating, they love rolling warm donuts in cinnamon sugar!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make air fryer donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and create donut holes in center with your thumb, or make donut holes by dropping spoonfuls of batter directly in the air fryer basket.
Why are my air fryer donuts dense instead of fluffy?
Usually from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Mix gently just until combined, and ensure milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature.
How do I get cinnamon sugar to stick to air fryer donuts?
Brush donuts with melted butter while they’re still warm, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the coating adhere perfectly.
Want more weekend breakfast treats that bring families together? Join over 15,000 confident home cooks getting tested recipes for special mornings. For more Recipes Follow us on Pinterest
Get My FREE Air Fryer Desserts Collection
Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Cake – Rich Chocolate Bliss, No Eggs or Dairy
Air Fryer S’mores – Perfect Gooey Marshmallows in Minutes
Air Fryer Mocha Mug Cake – Rich Chocolate Coffee Bliss in 8 Minutes