How To Make Cinnamon Donuts In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Cinnamon donuts are a quintessential treat, beloved for their soft, pillowy texture and warm, aromatic spice. Traditionally deep-fried, these donuts have now found a modern twist in the air fryer, allowing you to achieve the same crispy exterior and tender interior with a fraction of the oil. Air frying cinnamon donuts is not only healthier but also remarkably convenient, cutting down cooking time while retaining that irresistible flavor. This guide will walk you step by step through making perfect cinnamon donuts in an air fryer, ensuring they come out golden, fluffy, and coated with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar every time. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a casual home cook, these tips and techniques will elevate your air fryer donut game.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Make Cinnamon Donuts In Air Fryer

Temperature control is critical when air frying cinnamon donuts because the balance between a crispy exterior and a soft interior depends on it. The optimal temperature for cooking cinnamon donuts in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). At this moderate heat, the donuts cook evenly without burning the delicate sugars or drying out the interior.

Temperatures higher than 350°F can result in a donut that looks perfectly golden on the outside but remains undercooked in the middle. Conversely, lower temperatures can make the donuts dense and chewy because the heat is insufficient to properly expand the dough and create that signature fluffy texture. A steady 350°F ensures a balance between caramelizing the sugar and fully cooking the donut dough.

How Long To Make Cinnamon Donuts In Air Fryer

Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the donuts as well as the model of your air fryer. On average, cinnamon donuts require 6-8 minutes in the air fryer. It’s essential to check them around the 6-minute mark to prevent over-browning.

The donuts should be golden brown on the outside while maintaining a soft, springy texture inside. If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, it may help to rotate the donuts halfway through the cooking cycle. This ensures consistent heat distribution and prevents hot spots that could burn one side.

How To Tell If It Is Done

There are several reliable ways to determine if your air fryer cinnamon donuts are perfectly cooked:

1. Visual Cues: The exterior should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid deep brown, which indicates overcooking.
2. Touch Test: Gently press the top of the donut. It should spring back, indicating a soft, fluffy interior.
3. Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the donut is fully cooked. If it’s wet with dough, continue air frying for another minute or two.

Ingredients Needed

To make cinnamon donuts in an air fryer, you will need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 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
• Cinnamon sugar for coating (½ cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
• Nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing

Optional: powdered sugar glaze or chocolate drizzle for finishing.

How To Make Cinnamon Donuts In Air Fryer

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
2. Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into small donut shapes or use a donut mold suitable for the air fryer. Make sure the hole in the center is defined for even cooking.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Donuts: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the donuts in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 6-8 minutes, checking halfway and rotating if necessary.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, toss them gently in cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Altering the temperature can drastically change the outcome:

• Higher Temperature (375-400°F): The donuts may brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside. You may need to reduce the cooking time and monitor closely.
• Lower Temperature (325°F): Donuts will cook more evenly inside but may lack that golden, slightly crisp exterior and could be denser.

Always adjust cooking time in tandem with temperature changes to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking time and temperature are intertwined:

• Shorter Time: Donuts will likely be undercooked in the center. Use a toothpick to test doneness before removing.
• Longer Time: Donuts may dry out or become overly crispy. Monitor closely, especially after the 6-minute mark, since air fryers vary in intensity.

It’s better to undercook slightly and add a minute if needed than overcook from the start.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with careful steps, mistakes can happen:

• Donuts are too dense: Check your leavening agents (baking powder/soda) and ensure you didn’t overmix the batter, which can lead to gluten development.
• Donuts are burnt on the outside, raw inside: Reduce temperature and extend cooking time; rotating or flipping donuts halfway helps.
• Donuts stick to the basket: Make sure to lightly grease the air fryer basket and, if using molds, consider lightly greasing those as well.

Expert Tips

1. Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space for air circulation.
3. Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm for better adhesion.
4. Experiment with toppings: a light glaze, powdered sugar, or chocolate drizzle can enhance flavor.
5. Use a silicone donut mold for uniform shapes and easier handling.
6. Store properly: Air-fried donuts are best eaten fresh, but can be kept in an airtight container for 1-2 days and refreshed in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Cinnamon Donuts In An Air Fryer?

To make cinnamon donuts in an air fryer, you typically need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. For coating, you will also need additional sugar and ground cinnamon.

How Do I Prepare The Dough For Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts?

First, mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) in one bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla). Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms, ensuring it is not too thick or too runny for piping or scooping into the air fryer molds.

What Type Of Air Fryer Is Best For Making Donuts?

A standard countertop air fryer with a temperature range of 320°F to 400°F and a basket or tray that allows for even airflow works best. If possible, use a donut pan or silicone molds that fit inside the air fryer basket to maintain the classic donut shape.

At What Temperature And For How Long Should I Cook Cinnamon Donuts In An Air Fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the donuts for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and donut thickness.

How Do I Make The Cinnamon Sugar Coating Stick To Air-fried Donuts?

After cooking, brush the donuts lightly with melted butter while they are still warm. Immediately roll or sprinkle them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The residual heat and butter help the coating adhere evenly.

Can I Make These Donuts From Pre-made Dough Or Biscuit Dough?

Yes, store-bought biscuit dough or pre-made donut dough can be used for convenience. Simply cut the dough into donut shapes or use a mold, then cook in the air fryer at the same recommended temperature until golden brown. Adjust cooking time slightly if using thicker dough.

How Should I Store Leftover Air Fryer Cinnamon Donuts?

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness. Avoid covering while warm to prevent sogginess.