Description
A quick, small-batch recipe for cake-style doughnut bites made in an air fryer. These treats are ready in 15 minutes, require no deep fryer, and offer a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for dough)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter, melted (for coating)
- Optional: Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for coating
- Cooking spray (avocado oil recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until no lumps remain.
- Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix with a fork or hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Dust hands lightly with flour and roll small pieces of dough (walnut-sized) into balls or flattened discs.
- In a separate shallow dish or plate, mix the ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon. Melt the 1 tablespoon of butter for coating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place doughnut bites in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Cook for 3 minutes, then gently flip the bites.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove hot doughnuts from the air fryer and immediately brush or dip them in melted butter.
- Roll the buttered bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still hot.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough doughnuts. Ensure bites are uniform in size for even cooking. Coat immediately while hot so the sugar adheres properly. If browning too fast, lower temperature to 325°F (160°C). Dough can be frozen raw and cooked from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cook time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-6 bi
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: air fryer doughnuts, doughnut bites, small batch dessert, quick treats, air fryer recipes, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, easy baking