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Craving warm cinnamon donuts but do not want to fuss with yeast or a deep fryer These two ingredient air fryer donut bites come together in minutes and will satisfy your sweet tooth with almost zero effort.
My family could not believe these started with just flour and yogurt It has been our go to when we want something homemade and a bit special without a lot of planning
Ingredients
- Self raising flour: gives structure and rise look for fine textured flour for the best air pockets
- Sweetened Greek yogurt: brings moisture sweetness and a subtle tang whole milk yogurt adds the richest flavor
- Granulated sugar: used for the finishing coat choose a non clumping brand for best coverage
- Ground cinnamon: the classic donut touch use fresh cinnamon for the most fragrant coating
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- Combine self raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt in a large bowl using a spoon or spatula Stir thoroughly to create a soft uniform dough If the dough feels overly dry sprinkle in a teaspoon of water If it gets sticky lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking
- Shape the Doughnuts:
- Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface Divide it in half and roll each piece into a log roughly an inch thick Use a knife or dough cutter to portion the log into bite sized pieces each about the size of a ping pong ball Roll into smooth rounds with your palms aiming for uniformity so they cook evenly
- Air Fry the Doughnuts:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius for about five minutes While it heats brush the basket with neutral oil to minimize sticking Air fryers can run hot or cool so check temperature with an oven thermometer if possible
- Toss and Cook:
- Lightly dip each dough ball in melted butter then space them in your air fryer basket with plenty of room for airflow Air fry for five minutes Watch for them to puff and develop golden spots They may not brown as evenly as fried donuts but that is completely fine
- Finish with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Once warm transfer the donut bites to a bowl Brush again with melted butter while still warm It helps the cinnamon sugar stick generously Roll each bite until fully coated with cinnamon sugar
- Serve:
- Pile your donuts on a plate and serve immediately If you like dip them in melted chocolate or a simple glaze for a celebratory treat
The first time I made these my daughter insisted on rolling every bite herself She giggled as cinnamon sugar covered her fingers and that memory makes me smile every time I pull out the air fryer
Storage Tips
Keep leftover donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For best texture rewarm them in the air fryer for two minutes at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit to refresh their outsides The donuts can be frozen for up to two months and revived with a quick air fry
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have self raising flour whisk together all purpose flour with one and a half teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt Use any sweetened thick yogurt you like including dairy free coconut or almond milk Greek style yogurts all work
Serving Suggestions
Pile donuts into a basket and set out different sauces like chocolate ganache maple glaze or vanilla custard Sprinkle extras of cinnamon sugar just before serving for a festive party platter These donut bites are wonderful with coffee or alongside fruit at brunch
Cultural Context
Quick doughs like this are beloved across many cultures from Australian damper to Indian bhatura and Greek loukoumades These air fryer donuts are inspired by easy home treats where time and ingredients are limited but comfort is the goal
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a pinch of fresh nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a holiday spin Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend in autumn Dust with powdered sugar for a winter snowball effect
Success Stories
A neighbor made these for her kids with dairy free vanilla yogurt and they all thought she had bought them fresh from a bakery Another friend rolled the dough through apple pie spice rather than cinnamon and it completely changed the flavor for fall
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to prep ahead shape your raw dough balls and freeze on a lined tray Once frozen transfer to a bag Cook straight from frozen adding one to two minutes to the air fry time and finish with butter and cinnamon sugar while hot
These donut bites are incredibly satisfying and so adaptable Try swapping the spices and coatings seasonally or keep it classic for an easy treat any time
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and structure. Regular yogurt may make the dough too wet, so consider draining off excess liquid if substituting.
- → How do I know when the donut bites are done in the air fryer?
They're ready when puffed and golden. Cooking time may vary; check for even color and a cooked-through texture after about 5 minutes.
- → Can I make these donut bites ahead of time?
These taste best fresh, but you can reheat leftover bites in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their texture.
- → What can I use for a topping besides cinnamon sugar?
Try powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for variety. Flavored glazes also work well.
- → Is it possible to freeze the dough for later?
Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze them. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → Why are my donut bites not browning evenly?
Air frying may cause uneven browning due to circulating air. Rotate or shake the basket during cooking for more uniform results.