Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Sweet and Simple Snack

September 30, 2025 by Amelia

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make, I’ve got just the recipe for you. Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are quick to whip up and perfect for any snack time. With a few simple ingredients and my step-by-step guide, you’ll have fluffy donuts coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar mix. Get ready to impress your family and enjoy a guilt-free dessert that’s simply divine! Let’s dive into making these tasty bites!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

To make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, you need the following main ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy donut base. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the donuts rise, and nutmeg offers a warm, cozy flavor. The milk and applesauce keep the donuts moist, and the egg binds everything together.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The delicious cinnamon sugar coating requires just three ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

This coating gives the donuts their signature sweet crunch. The melted butter helps the sugar and cinnamon stick, creating a perfect outer layer.

Suggestions for Dairy-Free Alternatives

If you’re looking for dairy-free options, here are some ideas:

Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk instead of regular milk.
Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.

These swaps make it easy to enjoy these tasty donuts without dairy. They still taste great and stay soft and fluffy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Air Fryer

First, you need to set your air fryer. Turn it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up. This step is key for even cooking. While it heats, you can prepare your donut batter.

Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and add these dry ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Whisk them well until they blend. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients:

1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir these until smooth. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Combine gently. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick but pourable.

Shaping and Cooking the Donuts

Next, lightly grease your donut pan or silicone molds. Fill each mold halfway with the batter. This allows space for the donuts to rise as they cook. Place the molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the donuts are done.

Coating the Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a shallow dish, mix:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, remove them from the molds. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix until they are fully coated. Enjoy your sweet treat!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Donut Texture

To get the best donut texture, follow these tips:

Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until mixed. Overmixing makes donuts tough.
Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: This spice adds depth to the flavor. It makes the donuts taste special.
Check for Doneness: The donuts are done when they are golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Filling Molds Too Full: Only fill molds halfway. This allows for rising and helps keep their shape.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking. Skipping this step can lead to uneven donuts.
Using Cold Ingredients: Let your milk and applesauce warm up a bit. This helps with mixing and baking.

Using a Donut Pan vs. Silicone Molds

Both options work well, but they have differences:

Donut Pan: This pan is sturdy and gives a nice shape. It’s great for classic donuts.
Silicone Molds: These molds are flexible and easy to remove. They can be a bit wobbly, so handle with care.

Choosing the right mold can help you get perfect donuts every time!

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can have fun with flavors in your donuts. Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. Use one tablespoon for a nice rich taste. You can also swap in flavored extracts, like almond or maple, to change the vibe. For a fruity twist, mix in some mashed ripe bananas or blueberries. These small changes can lead to big flavor jumps.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need gluten-free donuts, it’s easy! Use gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend you choose has a good mix of starches and proteins. This will help keep the donuts fluffy. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy tasty donuts without worry.

Topping Ideas Beyond Cinnamon Sugar

While cinnamon sugar is classic, try other toppings too! A drizzle of chocolate glaze or melted chocolate can be delightful. You can also roll the donuts in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For a fruity touch, add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or crushed nuts. Get creative with your toppings and make your donuts unique!

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Donuts

To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the donuts soft. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. If you want to store them longer, put them in the fridge. This will keep them nice for about a week.

How to Reheat Donuts in the Air Fryer

To make your donuts warm again, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in the basket for about 2-3 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy again. Check them often to avoid overcooking.

Shelf Life of Homemade Donuts

Homemade donuts stay good for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, the sooner you eat them, the better! Fresh donuts taste the best and have the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a regular oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled donut pan in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure they are done.

What other flavors can I try for these donuts?

You can get creative! Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. Use lemon zest for a fresh twist. You might even try pumpkin spice for fall vibes.

Is it possible to make these donuts vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and keep the applesauce.

How do I know when the donuts are done cooking?

The donuts are done when they are golden on top. Insert a toothpick into a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, cook for one or two more minutes.

You learned how to make tasty air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts. We covered the main ingredients, the best cooking steps, and useful tips for success. You can explore fun flavor changes and find great storage methods too. The air fryer makes this treat easy and quick. So, gather your ingredients and start baking these yummy donuts today! You will love making them and sharing with friends. Enjoy each bite of your homemade creation!

$To make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative) - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy donut base. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the donuts rise, and nutmeg offers a warm, cozy flavor. The milk and applesauce keep the donuts moist, and the egg binds everything together. The delicious cinnamon sugar coating requires just three ingredients: - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating) This coating gives the donuts their signature sweet crunch. The melted butter helps the sugar and cinnamon stick, creating a perfect outer layer. If you're looking for dairy-free options, here are some ideas: - Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk instead of regular milk. - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. These swaps make it easy to enjoy these tasty donuts without dairy. They still taste great and stay soft and fluffy! First, you need to set your air fryer. Turn it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up. This step is key for even cooking. While it heats, you can prepare your donut batter. Grab a large bowl and add these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Whisk them well until they blend. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: - 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative) - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir these until smooth. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Combine gently. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick but pourable. Next, lightly grease your donut pan or silicone molds. Fill each mold halfway with the batter. This allows space for the donuts to rise as they cook. Place the molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the donuts are done. While the donuts cool, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture. In a shallow dish, mix: - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, remove them from the molds. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix until they are fully coated. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the best donut texture, follow these tips: - Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until mixed. Overmixing makes donuts tough. - Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: This spice adds depth to the flavor. It makes the donuts taste special. - Check for Doneness: The donuts are done when they are golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Filling Molds Too Full: Only fill molds halfway. This allows for rising and helps keep their shape. - Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking. Skipping this step can lead to uneven donuts. - Using Cold Ingredients: Let your milk and applesauce warm up a bit. This helps with mixing and baking. Both options work well, but they have differences: - Donut Pan: This pan is sturdy and gives a nice shape. It’s great for classic donuts. - Silicone Molds: These molds are flexible and easy to remove. They can be a bit wobbly, so handle with care. Choosing the right mold can help you get perfect donuts every time! {{image_2}} You can have fun with flavors in your donuts. Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. Use one tablespoon for a nice rich taste. You can also swap in flavored extracts, like almond or maple, to change the vibe. For a fruity twist, mix in some mashed ripe bananas or blueberries. These small changes can lead to big flavor jumps. If you need gluten-free donuts, it’s easy! Use gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend you choose has a good mix of starches and proteins. This will help keep the donuts fluffy. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy tasty donuts without worry. While cinnamon sugar is classic, try other toppings too! A drizzle of chocolate glaze or melted chocolate can be delightful. You can also roll the donuts in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For a fruity touch, add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or crushed nuts. Get creative with your toppings and make your donuts unique! To keep your donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the donuts soft. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. If you want to store them longer, put them in the fridge. This will keep them nice for about a week. To make your donuts warm again, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in the basket for about 2-3 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy again. Check them often to avoid overcooking. Homemade donuts stay good for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, the sooner you eat them, the better! Fresh donuts taste the best and have the best texture. Yes, you can use a regular oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled donut pan in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure they are done. You can get creative! Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. Use lemon zest for a fresh twist. You might even try pumpkin spice for fall vibes. Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and keep the applesauce. The donuts are done when they are golden on top. Insert a toothpick into a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, cook for one or two more minutes. You learned how to make tasty air fryer cinnamon sugar donuts. We covered the main ingredients, the best cooking steps, and useful tips for success. You can explore fun flavor changes and find great storage methods too. The air fryer makes this treat easy and quick. So, gather your ingredients and start baking these yummy donuts today! You will love making them and sharing with friends. Enjoy each bite of your homemade creation!$