There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, warm donut, especially one dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts bring all the cozy flavors of classic bakery donuts right into your kitchen — no deep frying required. They’re soft, fluffy, and coated in that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar goodness that makes them so hard to resist.
Using the air fryer means you can enjoy these donuts with far less oil, making them a lighter treat while still giving you that perfect golden exterior. They’re a breeze to whip up on a lazy weekend morning or for a quick dessert when you’re craving something sweet. With a simple batter and classic cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Quick and easy — ready in under 20 minutes
- Healthier than deep-fried donuts
- Fluffy, soft, and sweet with a crisp outside
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert
- Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Silicone donut molds
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Grease your silicone donut molds lightly with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, stir together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy.
Step 3: Fill the Donut Molds
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared silicone molds, filling each about three-quarters of the way full.
Step 4: Air Fry
Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Remove the molds carefully and let the donuts cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts lightly with melted butter, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations
- No donut mold? Make donut holes by shaping small balls of dough and air frying them for about 6 minutes.
- Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a classic glazed donut feel.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for more warmth.
- Chocolate twist: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon combination.
- Freeze for later: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- To reheat, place donuts back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh their texture
- If frozen, thaw overnight and reheat as above
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are wonderful with:
- A cup of hot coffee or tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Warmed with a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Fresh berries on the side
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
Nutritional Information (approximate, per donut)
Servings: 12
- Calories: ~140
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use silicone donut molds?
They help keep the classic donut shape, but you can use any oven-safe silicone molds or even make donut holes by shaping small rounds.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond milk or oat milk works well in place of whole milk.
Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Yes — bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes or until golden brown.
Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter can make them dense. Stir only until combined.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts prove you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy fluffy, sweet, bakery-style donuts at home. With a simple batter, a warm cinnamon sugar coating, and just a few minutes in the air fryer, you can have a cozy, nostalgic treat any day of the week.
If you try these donuts, feel free to share how they turned out, or tell me about any fun twists you added. Happy baking!
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Grease your silicone donut molds lightly with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, stir together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy.
Step 3: Fill the Donut Molds
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared silicone molds, filling each about three-quarters of the way full.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Remove the molds carefully and let the donuts cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the warm donuts lightly with melted butter, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
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