Print

Crispy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Delight

crispy air fryer donuts - featured image

These crispy air fryer donuts feature a tender inside and a crunchy exterior, coated with a warm cinnamon sugar glaze that clings perfectly. A quick and easy treat perfect for any occasion without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk (whole or 2%; almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing donuts before coating)

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. (5 minutes)
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. (3 minutes)
  3. Form the dough: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined; dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour if too sticky. (5 minutes)
  4. Roll and cut: Lightly flour work surface. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut donut shapes and holes using a donut cutter or two round cutters. Re-roll scraps once. (10 minutes)
  5. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Air fry donuts: Lightly grease air fryer basket. Place donuts in a single layer. Air fry 5 minutes, flip, then cook 3-4 more minutes until golden and crispy. (8-9 minutes)
  7. Prepare cinnamon sugar glaze: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt butter for brushing. (5 minutes)
  8. Glaze donuts: Brush hot donuts with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. (5 minutes)
  9. Cool slightly on wire rack for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fine granulated sugar for the cinnamon sugar glaze for better adhesion. Brush donuts with melted butter before coating to help sugar stick. Flip donuts halfway through air frying for even crispness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour if needed. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend and adjust milk. Vegan option: replace egg with flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter. Donuts can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes if no air fryer is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar glaze, homemade donuts, quick donuts, easy dessert, crispy donuts, air fryer recipes