Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer doughnut bites! They’re my go-to when I need a quick sweet fix without the hassle of deep frying. I stumbled onto this recipe one lazy Sunday when my kids were begging for doughnuts but I didn’t want to deal with all that oil. Seven minutes in the air fryer and boom – golden, pillowy bites of joy!
What I love most is how forgiving they are. No fancy equipment needed, just basic pantry ingredients you probably have right now. The first time I made them, my husband walked in thinking I’d bought gourmet doughnuts – that’s how good they look! And the smell? Pure magic – like your favorite bakery but without leaving your kitchen.
These little bites solve all my cravings. Midnight snack attack? Air fryer doughnut bites. Last-minute playdate treat? Air fryer doughnut bites. Need something sweet with my coffee but don’t want to bake? You guessed it – air fryer doughnut bites to the rescue!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Doughnut Bites
Let’s talk ingredients – the simple magic behind these irresistible bites! For perfect air fryer doughnut bites every time, here’s what you’ll need:
The Dry Team:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (measured right – spoon it in and level off!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (the regular white kind works perfect)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
The Wet Team:
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind you’ve got, even almond milk works)
- 1 large egg (room temp is best)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted, your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together in minutes. I love recipes like this where I don’t have to make a special grocery run!
How to Make Air Fryer Doughnut Bites
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little bites of happiness! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking in no time.
Shaping and Preheating
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking, trust me! While it’s heating up, grab your dough (it’ll be sticky – that’s perfect) and use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion it out. I like making mine about the size of a large marble – small enough to cook through quickly but big enough to satisfy.
Lightly wet your hands (this prevents sticking) and roll each portion into balls. Don’t stress about them being perfect – rustic is charming! Now here’s the golden rule: don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each little guy some breathing room, about 1 inch apart. I usually do two batches to be safe.
Cooking and Finishing
Slide the basket in and set your timer for 5 minutes. At this point, my kitchen starts smelling like a doughnut shop – heavenly! After 5 minutes, peek in – they should be turning golden. If they need another minute or two, go for it, but don’t walk away! Air fryers can go from golden to overdone in seconds.
When they’re beautifully browned, carefully remove them (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers. Now comes the best part – the finishing touches! Roll them in cinnamon sugar while still warm, or if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with glaze. My kids love when I mix up colors for fun.
Pro tip: Let them sit for about 5 minutes before eating – they firm up just right and the flavors really come together. But honestly? I won’t judge if you can’t wait!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Doughnut Bites
Let me count the ways these little wonders will steal your heart:
- Lightning fast – From bowl to table in under 20 minutes (Sunday morning cravings solved!)
- No oil splatters – All the crispy goodness without the deep-fry mess
- Kid magic – Shaping the dough balls becomes a fun kitchen activity
- Endlessly adaptable – Dress them up fancy or keep it simple with powdered sugar
- Small batch perfection – Just enough to satisfy without leftovers tempting you all day
Seriously, once you try these, that doughnut shop drive-thru will be history!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Doughnut Bites
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of batches, here are my hard-earned secrets for air fryer doughnut bite perfection:
- Size matters! A small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) gives you uniform balls that cook evenly. No scoop? Two teaspoons work too.
- Preheat religiously. That hot air needs to be ready to work its magic the second your dough hits the basket.
- Know your machine. Air fryers vary – check at 5 minutes, then add time in 30-second bursts if needed.
- Wet hands = smooth balls. Dunk your fingers in water to prevent sticky dough disasters.
- Cool before coating. Give them 3-5 minutes so toppings stick better (and you don’t burn your tongue!).
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll be the air fryer doughnut bite champion of your kitchen!
Air Fryer Doughnut Bites Variations
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists to keep things exciting:
- Citrus kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor
- Chocolate lover’s dream: Dip cooled bites in melted chocolate or drizzle with chocolate glaze
- Whole wheat option: Swap half the flour for whole wheat – adds nuttiness without sacrificing texture
- Spice it up: Mix cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice right into the batter for extra warmth
- Berry bliss: Fold in a handful of finely chopped strawberries or blueberries (just reduce milk slightly)
My kids love when I let them create their own topping stations – crushed nuts, sprinkles, powdered sugar – the sky’s the limit!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the scoop on keeping your air fryer doughnut bites fresh (if they last that long!). At room temp, pop them in an airtight container – they’ll stay delicious for about 2 days. For longer storage, the fridge keeps them happy for up to a week.
When you’re ready for round two, just toss them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F to bring back that fresh-baked magic. They crisp right back up like they were just made! Pro tip: Store them plain and add toppings after reheating for maximum yum.
Nutrition Information
Each air fryer doughnut bite clocks in at about 80 calories – just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth! Keep in mind these are estimates (that cinnamon sugar coating might add a little extra joy). Values will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients and toppings.
FAQs About Air Fryer Doughnut Bites
Can I freeze them? Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, but stick to a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly denser, but they’ll still be delicious. I’ve had great luck with almond flour too!
Why are mine dense? You might be overmixing the batter. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients come together – a few lumps are fine. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh! For more on baking powder, check out Food Network’s explanation.
Got more questions? Feel free to ask – I’m here to help you nail this recipe!
Print
7-Minute Air Fryer Doughnut Bites That Taste Magical
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer doughnut bites made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Scoop small portions of dough and shape into balls.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place dough balls in air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check for doneness at 5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before coating.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American