Irresistible Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts in Just 20 Minutes

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, homemade donut—especially when it’s fresh from the air fryer and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch. I still remember the first time I tried making Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts on a lazy Sunday morning. My kitchen filled with that sweet, spiced aroma, and my family came running like they could smell it from down the street. Best part? No messy deep-frying or waiting for oil to heat up. Just simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and donuts that taste like they came from a bakery.

After testing dozens of air fryer recipes over the years (some triumphs, a few disasters), I can confidently say this cinnamon donut recipe is foolproof. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to whip up fluffy, golden donuts in under 20 minutes. The secret? A quick batter that puffs up beautifully in the air fryer, plus that perfect cinnamon sugar coating that sticks to every nook and cranny. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make these crowd-pleasing treats—whether it’s for a special breakfast, after-school snack, or just because you deserve something delicious today.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

Once you try these, you’ll never go back to deep-fried donuts. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

• Crazy quick: From bowl to table in under 20 minutes—faster than a coffee run to the donut shop. Perfect for sudden cravings!
• No greasy mess: Skip the oil splatters and lingering fryer smell. Your air fryer does all the work while you sip your coffee.
• Lighter but just as indulgent: All the crispy, sugary goodness of traditional donuts, minus the heavy grease coma afterward.
• That cinnamon sugar crunch: Warm, buttery donuts rolled in spiced sugar? Trust me, you’ll lick your fingers clean.

Seriously, these disappear faster than I can make them—my kids once ate an entire batch before I even took photos!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts Ingredients

Gather these simple pantry staples—you probably have most already! The magic happens when these humble ingredients transform into golden, sugar-coated perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dry ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled—don’t pack it!)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder (fresh is key—test it with hot water if yours is old)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (I use fine sea salt)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff—I love Vietnamese cinnamon for extra warmth)
• Wet ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind works—I’ve used almond milk in a pinch)
  • 1 large egg (room temp blends smoother)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter, cooled slightly (salted or unsalted both work)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, not imitation!)
• Cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (adjust to taste—we like it extra spicy)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for that sticky, sugary crust)

See? Nothing fancy—just honest ingredients that create pure donut happiness. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—turning that simple batter into golden, sugar-dusted perfection! I’ll walk you through each step so your donuts come out flawless on the first try. Promise, it’s easier than you think.

Preparing the Donut Batter

First, grab two bowls—one for dry ingredients, one for wet. This separation matters! In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until they’re fully combined. No lumps allowed! In the second bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in the milk, melted butter (make sure it’s not hot!), and vanilla. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently—just until everything comes together. The batter will be thick but pourable; if it looks dry, add a teaspoon more milk. Overmixing makes tough donuts, so when you see the last flour streak disappear, STOP!

Cooking Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you grease the donut molds—a quick spritz of cooking spray or a swipe of butter works wonders. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or ziplock (snip the corner!) and pipe rings into the molds, filling each about 2/3 full. They’ll puff up beautifully! Slide the molds into the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes. Peek at 6 minutes—they’re done when golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If your air fryer runs hot (mine does!), check early to avoid overbaking.

Coating the Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

While the donuts cool slightly (just 1-2 minutes—you want them warm!), mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter and grab a pastry brush. Here’s the secret: brush each donut generously with butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar while it’s still tacky. The warmth helps the coating stick in every crevice. Don’t be shy—double-dip if you want extra crunch! Serve immediately with coffee or milk… if they last that long.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts

After burning through more batches than I’d like to admit (oops!), here are my hard-earned secrets for donut success:

• Pipe like a pro: That ziplock bag trick? Game-changer. Twist the top to control the flow, and pipe in a steady spiral—no messy spoon drips. Bonus: snip a slightly larger hole than you think for smoother rings.
• Trust the toothpick: These babies go from perfect to overdone FAST. At 6 minutes, poke the fattest part—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready. They’ll keep cooking a bit after removing!
• Freeze for later: Double the batch! Uncoated donuts freeze beautifully in a single layer, then rewarm in the air fryer at 300°F for 3 minutes before sugaring. Morning magic in minutes.

Oh—and lick the cinnamon sugar bowl. I won’t tell.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these irresistible air fryer donuts:

• Can I make these without a donut mold? Absolutely! Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins (fill halfway) or pipe small rings onto parchment in the air fryer basket. They won’t be perfect circles, but they’ll taste just as amazing.
• What if I don’t have regular milk? No sweat! I’ve used almond milk, oat milk, even buttermilk (adds extra tang). Just keep the same 1/4 cup measurement—the batter consistency is what matters most.
• How do I store leftovers? These are best fresh, but if you must save some, skip the coating and freeze them naked in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, then sugar them up!
• Can I bake these in a regular oven? Sure thing! Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes in a donut pan. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious—just add an extra minute to the coating step so the sugar sticks better.

Still stumped? Drop your question in the comments—I test every variation so you don’t have to!

Nutrition Information

Just a quick note—the nutrition info for these air fryer cinnamon donuts is an estimate based on standard ingredients. Your exact numbers might vary depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with that cinnamon sugar coating (we don’t judge!). Enjoy them as an occasional treat—they’re worth every bite!

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