Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon In this recipe, we start with dry ingredients. All-purpose flour gives the donuts structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise and become fluffy. Salt enhances the flavors. Ground cinnamon brings that warm, cozy taste. - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg - 2 tbsp melted butter Next, we look at wet ingredients. Milk adds moisture to the dough. Unsweetened applesauce gives a nice texture and sweetness without extra sugar. The large egg binds everything together. Melted butter adds richness and flavor. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating) Finally, we prepare our coating. Granulated sugar makes the donuts sweet on the outside. Ground cinnamon in the coating brings that classic cinnamon sugar taste. You’ll toss the cooked donuts in this mix for a delightful finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing dry ingredients Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they blend well. Combining wet ingredients In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir everything until it’s nice and smooth. Mixing wet and dry ingredients together Now, pour the wet mix into the dry bowl. Gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. Don’t overmix, or your donuts will be tough. Preheating the air fryer Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat up while you prepare the donuts. Greasing the air fryer basket Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. This step helps the donuts release easily after cooking. Piping donut shapes Take a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Fill it with the batter and pipe donut shapes into the basket. Leave space around each donut for them to expand. Air frying time and temperature Cook the donuts in the air fryer for about 5 to 6 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. You might need to do this in batches based on your air fryer size. Preparing the cinnamon sugar coating While the donuts cook, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be the sweet coating. Tossing the cooked donuts in the coating Once the donuts are done, take them out and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mix right away. Make sure they are well coated. Let them cool a bit before you dive in! To make the best donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are fine. This helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Also, ensure proper frying space in the air fryer. Donuts need room to expand. Fry in batches if needed. This way, every donut cooks evenly. Adding vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet taste. Just a teaspoon can really boost flavor. You can also experiment with different spices. Try nutmeg or cardamom for a new twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a lovely display, arrange the donuts on a decorative plate. You can drizzle a simple icing on top. This adds a nice touch. Serving with fresh fruit makes it even better. It looks colorful and fresh, and tastes great too! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and texture in your donuts. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Customize Your Coating: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in your cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor twist. Air Fryer Variations: If you have a larger air fryer, consider making mini donuts for bite-sized treats or use silicone molds for perfectly shaped donuts. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your air fryer donuts easily. Here are two great options: - Chocolate cinnamon sugar donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. This gives your donuts a rich chocolate taste. After frying, toss them in cinnamon sugar just like the classic version. - Pumpkin spice donuts: Replace 1/4 cup of applesauce with pumpkin puree. Add 1 tsp of pumpkin spice to the dry ingredients. These are perfect for fall and have a warm, cozy flavor. If you need to tweak the recipe for dietary needs, here are some ideas: - Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best texture. - Low-sugar alternatives: Substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. This keeps the sweetness without the sugar spikes. Serve your donuts with some tasty pairings: - Pairing with coffee or tea: These donuts go great with a warm drink. The cinnamon flavor pairs well with coffee, while the lightness fits perfectly with tea. - Serving with a dipping sauce: Try a chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. This adds a fun twist and makes each bite even more delightful. To keep your donuts fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft. Make sure the container is not too big, as air can dry out your treats. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from getting hard. If you want to save some donuts for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. To thaw, just leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their warmth and flavor. These donuts last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. When frozen, they can remain good for about 2 to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your sweet treats while they are fresh for the best taste! Look for a golden brown color. The donuts should feel firm when you touch them. You can also insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes in the air fryer. Yes! You can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don't overcook. You can add a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness. Try adding nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. You might consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun twist. Each addition can bring a new taste to your donuts. Store the donuts in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for a day. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. For even longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. You’ve learned how to make delicious air fryer donuts. We covered all the key ingredients, from dry to wet, and the tasty coatings. I shared step-by-step tips for preparing and cooking, along with variations to try. Don’t forget to think about storage and freshness. Now, it’s time to have fun with flavors and presentations. Enjoy making these easy treats for yourself and others. Happy air frying!$

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Delicious and easy-to-make donuts with a cinnamon sugar coating, made in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 cup milk
0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In another bowl, combine the milk, applesauce, egg, and melted butter, stirring until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
Scoop the batter into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and carefully pipe the donut shapes into the basket, leaving space for them to expand.
Air fry for 5-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
While the donuts are frying, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tsp of cinnamon in a shallow bowl for coating.
Once the donuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Let the donuts cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate, and drizzle with a simple icing or serve with a side of fresh fruit for an eye-catching and delicious display.

Keyword air fryer, cinnamon sugar, donuts