There’s something about the smell of warm donuts that instantly makes a house feel like a home. The moment these Air Fryer Mini Donuts start cooking, everyone seems to wander into the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?” And honestly, I don’t blame them. Soft, fluffy, lightly golden, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, these little donuts are pure happiness in bite-size form.
I started making these on slow weekend mornings when the grandkids are visiting and the house is already buzzing with noise and laughter. Instead of pulling out a big pot of oil and dealing with splatters and mess, I reach for the air fryer and let it do the work. In just a few minutes, we have warm donuts ready to dip, dust, and decorate together. Those little kitchen moments turn into memories, and that’s my favorite part of cooking.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Donuts
These donuts give you everything you love about bakery donuts without the deep frying.
They’re lighter, faster, and far less messy.
The air fryer creates a gently crisp outside while keeping the inside soft and tender.
They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or those “just because” moments when someone needs a little sweetness.
And because they’re mini, everyone can enjoy a few without feeling overly indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Large egg
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
For the coating:
- Melted butter
- Cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar
Optional toppings:
- Chocolate glaze
- Vanilla glaze
- Caramel drizzle
- Sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Lightly spray silicone mini donut molds or the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Pipe the batter into each mold, filling about ¾ full.
- Place the molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–6 minutes until the donuts are set and lightly golden.
- Remove the donuts carefully and brush with melted butter while still warm.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar.
- Add glazes or sprinkles if desired and serve warm.
Kitchen Notes From My Home
Warm donuts absorb the coating beautifully, so don’t wait too long before dipping them.
If you don’t have donut molds, small silicone muffin cups work perfectly.
For extra fluffy donuts, make sure your baking powder is fresh.
I always keep a little extra cinnamon sugar on hand because it disappears fast around here.
Flavor Variations
- Apple cinnamon mini donuts
- Chocolate donuts with vanilla glaze
- Lemon sugar donuts
- Pumpkin spice donuts
- Strawberry donuts with pink glaze
These are perfect for letting everyone choose their own toppings — it turns dessert into a fun little family activity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these donuts with hot coffee, tea, or cocoa for a cozy morning treat.
They’re wonderful for brunch tables, holiday mornings, sleepovers, and birthday breakfasts.
Sometimes I tuck a few into a lunchbox as a sweet surprise, and they always come home gone.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 1–2 minutes to make them taste freshly baked again.
You can also freeze plain donuts and reheat when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Do I need donut molds?
They help keep the shape, but they’re not required. Silicone muffin cups work well.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely. Kids love piping the batter and decorating the donuts.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use plant milk and dairy-free butter.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Mini Donuts are more than just a recipe — they’re a little piece of joy you can make at home. They’re simple, comforting, and full of warmth, the kind of treat that brings people together in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making them for a special morning or a quiet afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts always deliver smiles. They remind me that the best moments aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re the ones where flour ends up on the counter, sprinkles scatter everywhere, and everyone is laughing while waiting for the next batch.
If you’re looking for a sweet, easy, and unforgettable air fryer dessert, these mini donuts deserve a permanent place in your recipe box. 🍩
