You know those nights when you’re curled up on the couch, craving something sweet, but the idea of making a whole batch of doughnuts (and the inevitable cleanup) feels exhausting? That’s exactly how I discovered these single-serving air fryer cinnamon doughnuts. One lazy Sunday evening, I was desperate for a warm, cinnamon-sugar treat without committing to a mountain of dishes. Five minutes of mixing, six minutes in the air fryer, and boom – two perfect, piping-hot doughnuts just for me. No leftovers tempting me all week, no giant mixing bowls to wash. Just instant gratification with minimal fuss. These little beauties have become my secret weapon against late-night sugar cravings ever since.
Why You’ll Love These Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts
These aren’t just any doughnuts – they’re your new secret weapon for instant satisfaction!
- Lightning fast: From craving to eating in under 12 minutes (and most of that’s just the air fryer doing the work while you relax)
- No willpower required: Two perfect doughnuts mean zero leftovers staring you down from the counter all week
- That air fryer magic: Crispy edges with a tender middle that puts soggy microwave desserts to shame
- Pantry friendly: Uses ingredients you probably have right now (no special trip to the store needed)
Ingredients for Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts
Here’s the beautiful part – you likely have everything for these doughnuts in your kitchen right now! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these simple ingredients never disappoint.
For the doughnuts:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon (or more if you’re feeling wild)
- 1 tbsp milk (any kind works – I’ve used everything from whole to almond)
- 1/2 tbsp melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the batter)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff makes all the difference)
For that irresistible coating:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (trust me, you’ll want every bit of this)
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that transform into something magical in minutes. The coating sugar and cinnamon get their own special mention because that crispy, sparkly exterior is what makes these doughnuts truly addictive.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful thing – you barely need any special tools for these doughnuts! My must-haves:
- Your trusty air fryer (obviously!)
- A small mixing bowl (I use the same little ceramic one every time)
- A spoon or piping bag for shaping (I usually just use my fingers – it’s faster!)
Nice-to-have but not essential: a kitchen scale if you’re obsessive about measurements like me, and parchment paper if your air fryer basket tends to stick.
How to Make Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! I’ve made these so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but let me walk you through each step so your doughnuts turn out perfect on the first try.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Grab your little mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Here’s my secret – I always give the dry ingredients a quick sift through my fingers to break up any lumps. Then make a well in the center and pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir just until combined – a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing makes tough doughnuts, and we want these babies tender.
Step 2: Shape and Cook
Now for the fun part! I grease my hands lightly (the dough is sticky) and divide it in half. Roll each piece into a rope about 5 inches long, then pinch the ends together to form rings. Pop them in your preheated air fryer (350°F is perfect) with some space between – they’ll puff up! Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden. Pro tip: My air fryer runs hot, so I check at 4 minutes just in case.
Step 3: Coat and Serve
While they cook, mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. The second those doughnuts come out hot, toss them in the mixture – the heat helps the coating stick beautifully. Then eat immediately! That first crispy, cinnamon-y bite is pure bliss.
Tips for Perfect Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts
After burning my fair share of test batches (oops!), here are my hard-earned secrets for cinnamon doughnut perfection every time:
- Air fryers vary wildly – start checking at 4 minutes! Mine turns golden at 5, but my mom’s needs a full 7.
- Parchment paper is your BFF – cut a small square to prevent sticking without any messy sprays.
- Timing is everything – coat those babies the second they come out, when they’re steamy and ready to grab all that cinnamon sugar.
- Don’t stress the shape – mine often look more like “rustic circles” than perfect rings, but they taste just as amazing!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you’ve got in the pantry! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- Flour alternatives: Almond flour works beautifully for gluten-free – just add an extra teaspoon of milk since it absorbs more liquid
- Sugar swaps: Coconut sugar gives a caramel-like depth, or try maple syrup (reduce milk by 1/2 tsp)
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk (oat milk makes them extra tender)
- Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom takes these from good to “wow!”
The best part? Every variation still gives you that same warm, cinnamony hug in doughnut form. If you enjoy cinnamon treats, you might also love these air fryer churro bites!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! These doughnuts shine brightest fresh from the air fryer with a steaming cup of coffee – that cinnamon-sugar crust dissolving into each sip is pure magic. Feeling fancy? Drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze or dunk them in melted chocolate. For a breakfast twist, I love pairing them with fresh berries – the tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Honestly though? They rarely make it off the plate long enough for fancy pairings! For another quick sweet treat, check out these soft air fryer chocolate chip cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Let’s be real – these doughnuts are best eaten immediately while still warm and crispy. But if (somehow!) you have leftovers, here’s how to handle them: pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. When you’re ready for round two, give them a quick 1-2 minute blast in the air fryer to bring back that just-made texture. Fair warning – they’ll lose some of that initial magic, but still beat any store-bought doughnut by a mile!
Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts Nutrition
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into with these little treats! Keep in mind these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (like using almond milk vs whole). Per doughnut, you’re looking at roughly:
- 120 calories
- 20g carbs (that sweet, sweet cinnamon sugar coating counts!)
- 3g fat
- 2g protein
Not bad for a dessert that satisfies like this does! The best part? You know exactly what’s going into them – no mystery ingredients here. Understanding basic nutrition labeling can help you track these macros!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these little doughnut wonders since I started making them! Here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook them in batches – overcrowding the air fryer leads to sad, unevenly cooked doughnuts. I usually make two batches back-to-back when friends come over.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes in a regular oven. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious. Watch them closely – oven temps vary!
Best milk substitute?
Almond or oat milk work beautifully! I’ve even used coconut milk in a pinch – just adds a subtle tropical twist to the cinnamon flavor.
Why are mine dense?
You probably overmixed the batter! A few lumps are totally fine – stir just until combined for the lightest texture.
Share Your Thoughts!
Did these single-serving doughnuts hit the spot? I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your cinnamon-sugar creations. And if you loved them as much as I do, leave a quick rating below. Happy air frying!
Print
Single-Serving Air Fryer Cinnamon Doughnuts in Just 12 Minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 doughnuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy single-serving cinnamon doughnuts made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Shape dough into two small doughnut rings.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place doughnuts in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Coat warm doughnuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a piping bag or spoon to shape doughnuts easily.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American