Looking for a fun and tasty treat? You’ll love these Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts! They are easy to make and perfect for anyone, even if you’re new to baking. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can enjoy warm, sweet donuts in no time. Whether for breakfast or a snack, get ready to impress friends and family with this delightful recipe. Let’s dive into making your new favorite sweet treat!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– Cooking spray
To make these donuts, you need simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role. All-purpose flour gives structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. The salt balances the flavors. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice.
Buttermilk keeps the donuts moist. It also adds a slight tang. The egg binds the batter together. Melted butter adds richness and flavor. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. The extra granulated sugar is for coating. This is what makes them sweet and yummy.
Cooking spray is vital to prevent sticking. I always keep it handy for easy cleanup. With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer helps the donuts cook evenly.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk these together until they blend well. This creates a nice base for your donuts.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth. No lumps should remain.
Combining Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should stay slightly lumpy. This helps keep your donuts fluffy.
Filling the Donut Pan
Spray your donut pan lightly with cooking spray. Fill each donut shape about 2/3 full with the batter. Leave room for rising as they cook.
Cooking the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Preparing Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts cook, mix 1/4 cup of sugar with extra ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This sweet mix will coat your warm donuts.
Coating the Donuts
After cooking, let the donuts cool for about a minute. Then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully coated for that sweet finish. Enjoy your warm, tasty treats!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Fluffiness
To keep your donuts light and airy, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Some lumps are okay! This will help the donuts stay fluffy. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what we want.
Perfecting the Donut Shape
Using a donut pan is key for a nice, uniform shape. It helps the donuts rise evenly and gives them that classic look. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan. Just be aware that the shape will be different.
Cooking in Batches
If your air fryer is small, cook your donuts in batches. This way, each donut gets enough space to cook well. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. This method ensures that all your donuts are golden and delicious!
Variations
Chocolate Glazed Donuts
You can easily make chocolate glazed donuts by adding cocoa powder to the batter. Use about 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This will give your donuts a rich, chocolatey flavor. Simply mix it in with the dry ingredients. You might want to reduce the sugar a bit for balance. A chocolate glaze on top adds a nice touch. Just melt some chocolate and dip each donut after they cool.
Pumpkin Spice Version
For a fall twist, try a pumpkin spice version. Add about 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients. Mix in pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger. This will make your donuts warm and cozy. They pair well with a warm drink on chilly days.
Fruit-Infused Donuts
Want a burst of freshness? Add fruit to your donuts! You can mix in about 1/3 cup of berries, like blueberries or raspberries. Zest from a lemon or orange also works well. Just fold them into the batter gently to keep the lumps. This gives your donuts a lovely fruity flavor. Enjoy them with a light glaze or just plain!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Donuts
Keep your leftover donuts in an airtight container. This helps them stay fresh. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
For long-term storage, freeze your donuts. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!
Reheating Tips
To reheat, use your air fryer for the best texture. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This way, your donuts will be warm and crispy, just like when they were fresh. Enjoy them again!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk. You can add a little vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will make a nice substitute for buttermilk. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream. Just thin it with a bit of milk for the right texture.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
You can tell the donuts are done by looking for a golden brown color. You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. They should feel firm to the touch when they are done.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can use a regular oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick, just like in the air fryer. The texture may be a bit different, but they will still taste great.
How to prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?
To keep donuts from sticking, use cooking spray generously. Make sure to coat the pan well. You can also use parchment paper in the pan. This creates an easy lift for the donuts once they are baked. Just be sure to cut the paper to fit the pan properly.
You can make delicious air fryer donuts with simple ingredients. We covered all the steps, from mixing the batter to rolling in cinnamon sugar. Remember, avoid over-mixing for fluffiness and use a donut pan for perfect shapes. Feel free to try variations like chocolate glazed or pumpkin spice. Store your leftovers well and reheat for the best taste. With these tips, you can enjoy fresh donuts anytime. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy your air fryer treats!
