As I stood in my kitchen, a delightful aroma wafted through the air, evoking warm memories of childhood mornings spent with sweet treats. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Air Fryer Donut Bites—a scrumptious way to indulge without the guilt. What I love about this quick recipe is not only the 23-minute prep time but also its delightful ability to transform a simple afternoon into a fun baking adventure. These bite-sized morsels are also freezer-friendly, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings without the hassle of a long baking session. Whether you prefer a classic glaze or a sugary cinnamon coating, these Air Fryer Donut Bites can be customized to suit every taste. Are you ready to whip up some magic in your kitchen?
Why Are Air Fryer Donut Bites So Irresistible?
Quick and Easy: In just 23 minutes, you can create a delightful batch, making them perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
Customizable: Enjoy the freedom to choose from a classic glaze, chocolate, or a cinnamon sugar coating based on your cravings.
Healthier Alternative: Thanks to the air fryer method, these donut bites are lower in calories compared to traditional fried versions, letting you indulge without the guilt.
Crowd-Pleasing: With 24 bite-sized treats, they’re an excellent option for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve little chefs in the kitchen! Rolling and glazing these donut bites is a fun activity that children will love. Enjoy a joyous baking experience that brings everyone together!
Air Fryer Donut Bites Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – The base for your delicious donut bites, giving them the perfect texture.
- Baking powder – This leavening agent ensures your donuts rise for a light, fluffy bite.
- Baking soda – Helps with browning and adds to the donut's airy structure.
- Salt – A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and creates that delightful outer crunch.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a subtle tang; you can make your own by mixing milk with lemon juice.
- Unsalted butter – Provides richness and depth of flavor; ensure it’s melted for easy blending.
- Large egg – Binds all the ingredients together while adding some protein.
- Vanilla extract – A touch of warmth that brings out the sweetness beautifully.
- Cooking spray – Essential for preventing the donut bites from sticking to the air fryer basket.
For the Glaze or Coating
- Powdered sugar – When whisked with milk and vanilla, it creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk – Adjust the amount for your preferred glaze consistency.
- Cocoa powder – Mix into the powdered sugar for a rich chocolate glaze option.
- Ground cinnamon – Combine with granulated sugar for a classic cinnamon sugar coating.
These Air Fryer Donut Bites ingredients come together to make a treat that’s hard to resist—a delightful addition to your home baking repertoire!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Donut Bites
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures that your Dry ingredients are evenly combined and will help your Air Fryer Donut Bites rise perfectly during cooking. Set this bowl aside for the next step.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of buttermilk (or your milk and lemon juice mixture), 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This liquid mixture will help blend the flavors together beautifully before combining with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in your batter are perfectly fine. This helps to create fluffy Air Fryer Donut Bites. Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes, which will enhance the texture.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while your donut batter is resting. This step is crucial as it ensures that the Air Fryer Donut Bites cook evenly and become perfectly golden brown. While it preheats, prepare your air fryer basket for easy baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This small step will save you from the disappointment of having your delicious Air Fryer Donut Bites stick to the basket after cooking.
Step 6: Portion the Batter
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the batter into small bite-sized balls, aiming for about 1 tablespoon each. Carefully drop the donut bites into the prepared air fryer basket, leaving space between each one to allow for even cooking and expansion.
Step 7: Air Fry the Donut Bites
Air fry the donut bites at 350°F (175°C) for about 6-8 minutes. Look for them to turn a delightful golden brown color and feel firm to the touch. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model, so be sure to check for doneness.
Step 8: Dental Check for Doneness
Use a toothpick to check the doneness of your Air Fryer Donut Bites; it should come out clean from the center. This is a great way to ensure that each bite is perfectly cooked and fluffy. If needed, air fry for an additional minute or two.
Step 9: Cool the Donut Bites
Carefully remove the donut bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Allowing them to cool slightly will help them firm up and make glazing easier. This is an exciting moment as the delightful aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 10: Make the Glaze or Coating
While the donut bites cool, you can whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create your glaze. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency. For a chocolate version, simply add cocoa powder in place of the vanilla.
Step 11: Coat the Donut Bites
While the Air Fryer Donut Bites are still warm, dip them into your glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar for a delicious coating. If you prefer a thicker glaze, dip them twice! This step adds an enticing sweetness that enhances each bite.
Step 12: Allow the Glaze to Set
Place the coated donut bites on a wire rack to allow excess glaze to drip off. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Watching the transformation from batter to beautifully glazed treats will surely become a cherished memory in your kitchen!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Donut Bites are a delightful treat that you can easily make ahead for busy mornings or unexpected guests! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix your dry and wet ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. When you're ready to cook, just combine the wet and dry ingredients, portion, and air fry as usual. For even more convenience, you can air fry extra batches and freeze them. When the cravings hit, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to bring back that delightful texture, and you’ll enjoy perfect, warm donut bites that are just as delicious as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Donut Bites
Room Temperature: Keep uneaten donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they are sealed tight to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat frozen donut bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will revive their delicious fluffiness!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Donut Bites
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense donut bites; a few lumps are okay.
• Let It Rest: Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes for more tender Air Fryer Donut Bites. This helps with the texture!
• Check Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time as air fryers can vary; start checking for doneness at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Use Cooking Spray: Don’t skip greasing the air fryer basket; it prevents sticking and ensures your donut bites cook evenly.
• Customize Your Coating: Feel free to experiment with your favorite glazes or coatings—everyone loves a surprise, right? Choose what satisfies your sweet tooth!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Donut Bites
Indulging in sweet, warm donut bites is a moment of pure joy, but what’s better than pairing them with delicious accompaniments?
- Coffee or Tea: The rich, aromatic flavors balance the sweetness beautifully, making each bite even more enjoyable at breakfast or snack time.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the donut bites' sweetness and providing a pop of color on your plate.
- Creamy Yogurt Dip: A dollop of vanilla or berry yogurt offers a tangy touch, elevating your donut bites and creating delightful flavor contrasts.
- Ice Cream Float: Pair these delightful bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a splash of soda for a fun, retro-inspired dessert experience.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce adds decadence, inviting a sweet moment that will impress any chocolate lover.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola alongside for a textural contrast, providing a satisfying crunch against the soft donut bites.
- Milkshake: Indulge in a thick, creamy milkshake; it’s a deliciously rich pairing to complement the air fryer donut bites’ sweetness.
- Sparkling Citrus Drink: A citrus spritzer brightens the palate, making each bite extra refreshing and invigorating, perfect for warm afternoons.
Let your creativity shine by transforming a simple batch of Air Fryer Donut Bites into a delightful feast!
Air Fryer Donut Bites Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these donut bites to suit every taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for deliciously inclusive bites.
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Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Lovers: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for rich, chocolaty donut bites that satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Fruit-Infused: Mix in ½ cup of finely chopped fresh fruit, like blueberries or bananas, for a fruity twist that bursts with flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for an aromatic twist that’ll elevate your baking game.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens each bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ¼ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and a heartiness that complements the sweetness.
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Heat Element: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle kick that enhances the flavor profile. The slight heat creates a delightful contrast!
The possibilities are endless—let your taste buds lead the way to your next batch of Air Fryer Donut Bites!
Air Fryer Donut Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Bites?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, ensure your buttermilk is fresh and your egg is at room temperature. If using regular milk with lemon juice, give it about 5-10 minutes to curdle properly before using to achieve that tangy taste.
How should I store leftover Air Fryer Donut Bites?
You can keep uneaten donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, making sure they’re sealed tight to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Donut Bites?
Yes! To freeze, first lay the donut bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once they are solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer them into a freezer bag, leaving some air to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
What if my Air Fryer Donut Bites turn out dense?
If your donut bites are dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Next time, mix just until combined and allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Also, check the baking powder and baking soda's expiry date, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.
Are Air Fryer Donut Bites suitable for pets or those with allergies?
These donut bites are delicious for humans but not suitable for pets, especially due to the sugar and butter. If you’re concerned about allergies, you can modify the recipe by substituting gluten-free flour and ensuring your coating is free of allergens. Always check the specific dietary considerations for each ingredient you use!
Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donut Bites for Sweet Cravings
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.25 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup buttermilk can substitute milk with lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cooking spray for greasing
Glaze/Coating Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk adjust for consistency
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate glaze
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium-sized mixing bowl: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until just mixed, then let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while the batter rests.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Portion the batter into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space in between.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown; check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the donut bites cool on a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze, adjusting for consistency.
- Dip the warm donut bites in the glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar.
- Allow the glaze to set on a wire rack before serving.
