Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

$To make these tasty donuts, gather these key items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients blend to form a soft and fluffy donut base. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise, and the cinnamon brings warmth. For the sweet coating that makes these donuts shine, you will need: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating) This cinnamon sugar adds a delightful crunch and flavor. The blend coats the warm donuts perfectly, making each bite a treat. To whip up these donuts, have these tools ready: - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Rolling pin - Donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller) - Air fryer - Cooking spray Having the right tools makes the process smooth and fun. You can use cookie cutters if you don't have a donut cutter. The air fryer ensures the donuts cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Next, add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Then, toss in 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix everything well. This step ensures that your donuts have a great flavor and rise nicely. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until they are smooth. This mixture brings moisture and flavor to your donuts. Now it's time to make the donuts. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut out the donuts. Be sure to make a hole in the center of each donut. This gives them their classic shape. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Once it's hot, place the donuts in the basket. Do not overcrowd them, as they need space to cook well. Lightly spray the donuts with cooking spray. This helps them get golden and crispy. Air fry the donuts for about 5-6 minutes. They should look golden brown when done. While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. As soon as the donuts come out of the air fryer, coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Do this while they are still warm for the best flavor. Enjoy your tasty treat! To make the best air fryer donuts, start with the right temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This helps the donuts cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each donut for better air flow. Lightly spray the donuts with cooking spray. This gives them a nice crisp outside. If your donuts are too dry, you might have overmixed the batter. Mix just until combined for a fluffier texture. If they stick to the basket, try using more cooking spray. If they look pale, they may need a bit more time. Air fry them for an extra minute and check again. To get fluffy donuts, use fresh baking powder. Old baking powder won’t rise as well. Also, don’t overwork the dough. A few lumps in the batter are okay. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook through while staying soft inside. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder to ensure your donuts rise perfectly and have a light texture. Donut Cutter Alternatives: If you don't have a donut cutter, use two different-sized round cookie cutters to create your donut shape. Even Cooking: Make sure the donuts are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning. Coating Tips: For a thicker sugar coating, allow the donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavor of your donuts. Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate Donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. This gives a rich chocolate taste. - Glazed Donuts: After air frying, dip the donuts in a simple glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. This makes a sweet, shiny coat. You can adapt this recipe to meet dietary needs: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good binding agent. - Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use plant-based milk too. Get creative with your toppings! Here are a few fun ideas: - Maple Glaze: Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of milk. - Sprinkles: After glazing, add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. - Coconut: Roll your warm donuts in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. These variations help you customize your donuts for any occasion. Enjoy making them your own! To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them neatly with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together. Store the container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. However, the cold can change their texture. To enjoy your donuts warm again, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts of 10 seconds. Microwaving too long makes them chewy. If you have extra donuts, freezing is a great option. Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date and store it for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want them warm, use the air fryer for a few minutes. Enjoy your hot, fresh donuts anytime! Yes, you can bake these donuts in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. You won’t get the same crispiness as air frying, but they will still taste great. You can use applesauce or mashed banana as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup of either for one egg. This keeps the donuts moist and adds a bit of extra flavor. You can also use a flax egg, which is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These donuts taste best fresh, but you can store them for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the air fryer or oven. You learned about making delicious donuts from scratch in this guide. I covered ingredients, tools, and step-by-step methods. You also found tips for perfect air frying and various flavors. Lastly, I shared how to store your donuts for later. Enjoy making these treats for friends or family. With practice, your donuts can be fluffy and tasty every time. Embrace the joy of frying, coating, and sharing these delights. Happy cooking!$

Delicious and easy air fryer donuts coated in cinnamon sugar.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 25

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1.33 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out the donuts.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray the donuts with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Air fry the donuts for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Once the donuts are finished, remove them from the air fryer and immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are warm.

Notes

Arrange the donuts on a beautiful plate, dust with a bit more cinnamon sugar, and serve with a side of warm apple sauce or your favorite dipping glaze for a delightful treat!

Keyword air fryer, cinnamon sugar, donuts