Name: Air Fryer Donut Bites with Sweet Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Self-Raising Flour (Or use all-purpose flour mixed with 1.5 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup.); 1 cup Sweetened Greek Yogurt (Thick yogurt preferred for best texture. Regular yogurt can be used if drained.); 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon; 0.25 cup Melted Chocolate (For drizzling.)

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding a sweet escape can be quite the task. Luckily, I’ve discovered a delightful solution: Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites! This recipe marries fluffy goodness with simplicity, using just self-raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt. These delightful treats are not only a time-saver, but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying, meaning you can indulge in something delicious without the guilt. Coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar blend, they make for the perfect quick morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. Have you ever wondered how such simple ingredients can create a remarkable texture and taste? Stick around, and let’s whip up some mouthwatering goodness together!

Want a Quick and Delicious Treat?

Simplicity at Its Best: With just two ingredients, you can create fluffy, scrumptious donut bites that are a breeze to whip up. Healthier Choice: Unlike traditional donuts, these bites are air-fried, reducing calories while maintaining that delightful taste. Perfect for Busy Days: Ready in minutes, they’re ideal for rushed mornings or spontaneous snack breaks. Customizable Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate drizzles or fresh berries. Family-Friendly: Kids will love rolling these in cinnamon-sugar, making it a fun kitchen activity. If you’re looking for similar easy snacks, check out these Air Fryer Mashed and Air Fryer Pizza recipes!

Air Fryer Donut Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need!

For the Donut Bites

Self-Raising Flour – Provides the structure and leavening necessary for fluffy donut bites. Substitution: Use all-purpose flour mixed with 1.5 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup.
Sweetened Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and a slight tang; thick yogurt is preferred for the best texture. Substitution: Regular yogurt can be used if drained to remove excess liquid or mix regular yogurt with a teaspoon of honey or sugar for sweetness.

For the Coating

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts and enhances their overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses the coating with a warm, traditional donut flavor.

Optional Topping

Melted Chocolate – For drizzling, adds a touch of indulgence to your donut bites.

With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re on your way to creating delightful Air Fryer Donut Bites that your family will adore!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Donut Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour with 1 cup of sweetened Greek yogurt. Mix together until a soft dough begins to form, ensuring that there are no dry patches. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Once combined, transfer the dough to a floured surface for kneading to achieve the perfect airy texture.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes on the floured surface, being careful not to overwork it. You want it to feel elastic and smooth, ensuring that it holds together well. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to maintain the lightness of your Air Fryer Donut Bites.

Step 3: Shape the Dough
Next, divide the dough into two equal logs, roughly 1 inch thick, and then cut each log into pieces weighing approximately 8-12 grams. Roll each piece into a smooth ball to promote even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful, fluffy texture in your finished donut bites – think of how traditional donuts are shaped for that perfect golden taste.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 3-5 minutes. While it warms up, lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the donut bites from sticking. Preheating ensures that the bites cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden color, mimicking a classic donut shop treat while keeping them healthier.

Step 5: Air Fry the Donut Bites
Carefully toss your formed donut balls in melted butter, then place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space in between for proper air circulation. Air fry the donut bites for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they puff up and turn golden; they should be light and fluffy on the inside with a crisp exterior.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
Once your Air Fryer Donut Bites are beautifully golden and fragrant, remove them from the fryer. While still warm, coat them generously in melted butter again, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This flavorful coating adds that classic donut taste, enhancing the sweetness of your delightful treats right out of the air fryer.

What to Serve with Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites

Transform your treat into a delightful meal by pairing these fluffy bites with something equally scrumptious and satisfying.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Juicy, vibrant fruits like berries and bananas add a refreshing contrast to the sweet donut bites, balancing flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of mint ties everything together for a delightful brunch option.
Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layering these donut bites with creamy yogurt and granola makes for a delightful breakfast or snack that satisfies both texture and taste. The tangy yogurt complements the sweetness perfectly for a well-rounded experience.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of your favorite brew enhances the cozy vibe of enjoying these donut bites. The rich notes of coffee or the herbal taste of tea make for a comforting pairing, especially during morning rituals or afternoon breaks.
Chocolate Dip: For the chocolate lovers, serving these donut bites with a side of melted chocolate for dipping transforms them into an indulgent dessert. This rich addition heightens their decadent taste and makes every bite more delightful.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup over the donut bites adds an extra layer of sweetness and elevates their appeal, perfect for those who enjoy a sweet twist. Pairing with a side of sausage or bacon can create a lovely breakfast platter.
Ice Cream: Create a fun dessert by pairing these air fryer donut bites with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm, fluffy donuts against the cold, creamy ice cream create a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible.

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Donut Bites

Thick Yogurt Matters: Use thick Greek yogurt for best results; otherwise, drain excess liquid from regular yogurt for a proper dough texture.

Preheat for Perfectness: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking; this ensures your donut bites turn golden and fluffy rather than dry.

Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the donut bites as they air fry; overbaking is common, so monitor closely to avoid uneven browning.

Store Smartly: For leftovers, keep air fryer donut bites in an airtight container for up to two days, reheating briefly in the air fryer to maintain their softness.

Experiment with Coatings: Don’t hesitate to customize! Try different toppings like chocolate drizzle or flavored sugars to elevate your air fryer donut bites.

Air Fryer Donut Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists, ensuring your donut experience is as unique as your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of self-raising flour, ensuring you still get that delicious fluffiness. They’ll be just as delightful without the gluten!
Chocolate Lovers: Swap the cinnamon-sugar for a rich chocolate coating or drizzle melted chocolate over the top right after air frying. Each bite will satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Fruit-Infused: Add a handful of fresh or dried berries to the dough for a fruity twist. This not only adds flavor, it gives your donut bites a beautiful pop of color too.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices by incorporating nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar mix. This can create an aromatic experience that enhances the sweetness beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the sweetened Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt, and the melted butter with coconut oil. You’ll achieve a similar texture while keeping it dairy-free!
Mini Donut Holes: Instead of rolling the dough into balls, use a small cookie cutter to create mini donut shapes. These bite-sized treats will be fun to snack on and perfect for sharing.
Maple Glaze: After frying, dip the warm donut bites in a maple syrup glaze instead of the cinnamon-sugar. This adds a sweet, sticky finish that makes them exceptionally decadent.

If you’re looking for more creative snacks, why not try these Fritter Waffle Donuts next? They bring a whole new twist on sweet treats!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during busy mornings or unexpected snack cravings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the self-raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. To maintain their fluffy texture, you may want to shape the donut bites and freeze them for up to 3 days in an airtight container, ensuring they retain their freshness. When you’re ready to indulge, simply air fry them directly from the freezer without thawing for about 6-7 minutes, and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You’ll have delightful, freshly cooked donuts in no time!

How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Donut Bites

Room Temperature: Leave Air Fryer Donut Bites uncovered for up to 1 hour for optimal taste and texture; beyond that, store in an airtight container.

Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days; this helps maintain their freshness while preventing them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (180°C) to restore their delightful fluffiness.

Air Fryer Donut Bites Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right self-raising flour?
Absolutely! When selecting self-raising flour, look for a brand that is finely milled and fresh to ensure good leavening. Check for a “use by” date and opt for a bag that’s free from lumps—this indicates proper storage. If you’re using all-purpose flour instead, don’t forget to mix in 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup to mimic the rise.

How should I store leftover Air Fryer Donut Bites?
For the best taste and texture, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend enjoying them fresh, but if you’re keeping them longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last another day. Just reheat them briefly in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to revive their fluffiness!

Can I freeze the donut bites, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Air Fryer Donut Bites, allow them to cool completely first. Then, spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my donut bites aren’t rising properly?
Very important to ensure your donuts rise perfectly! If your donut bites aren’t puffing up as expected, check the freshness of your self-raising flour—expired baking flour won’t provide the leavening needed. Additionally, ensure you’re mixing your dough just enough to combine the ingredients; overmixing can toughen the texture. Lastly, don’t skip preheating the air fryer; if it’s not at the right temperature, it can impact how well the donuts cook and rise.

Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
While this recipe includes Greek yogurt, which is a dairy product, you can make it more allergy-friendly! Simply substitute the sweetened Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Look for options that are thickened, similar to Greek yogurt, and be sure to check the sugar levels if you’re using unsweetened versions. Remember, the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

What toppings can I use if I don’t want cinnamon-sugar?
Feel free to get creative! Swap out the cinnamon-sugar coating for a decadent chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You could even use a glaze made from milk and powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For a fresh flair, add fresh berries or a touch of lemon zest on top to brighten the flavors. The more the merrier when it comes to toppings!