Air Fryer Donut Bites: Get ready to experience donut bliss in a fraction of the time! Imagine warm, fluffy, golden-brown donut holes, lightly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. And the best part? You can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in your air fryer in under 15 minutes. Forget the guilt of deep-fried donuts; these Air Fryer Donut Bites are a healthier, quicker, and equally satisfying alternative that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
While the history of the donut itself is rich and varied, with roots tracing back to Dutch olykoeks, the concept of bite-sized versions is a more modern innovation. These little morsels of joy are perfect for parties, quick breakfasts, or simply satisfying a sweet craving without the commitment of a full-sized donut.
People adore donut bites for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The slight crispness gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, their small size makes them incredibly convenient and easy to eat. Whether you’re dipping them in chocolate sauce, tossing them in cinnamon sugar, or enjoying them plain, these air fryer donut bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I know I can’t resist them!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
Glaze Options:
- Simple Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Sugar: 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for easier glazing)
Preparing the Donut Bites Batter:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the leavening agents work properly and the donut bites rise nicely.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk (or milk mixture), melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donut bites. A few lumps are okay.
- Rest the Batter (Optional): For a slightly more tender donut bite, you can let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax a bit. However, this step is optional, and you can proceed directly to the next step if you’re short on time.
Cooking the Donut Bites in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but preheating helps ensure even cooking and a slightly crispier exterior. Check your air fryer’s manual for specific preheating instructions.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the donut bites from sticking and makes them easier to remove. You can also use air fryer parchment paper liners, but make sure they are perforated to allow for proper air circulation.
- Portion the Batter: Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the batter into small, bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of batter per donut bite. You can also use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the air fryer. This method can be a bit neater.
- Arrange the Donut Bites: Carefully place the donut bites in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air Fry: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the donut bites are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the donut bites. Check them after 5 minutes and add more time if needed.
- Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut bite. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they are done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue cooking for another minute or two.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the donut bites from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before glazing or coating. This prevents the glaze from melting too much.
Preparing the Glaze (Choose One):
Simple Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donut bites but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Chocolate Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be rich and chocolatey.
Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Glazing and Coating the Donut Bites:
- Glaze or Coat: While the donut bites are still slightly warm, dip them into the glaze or toss them in the cinnamon sugar.
- For Glazed Donut Bites: Dip each donut bite into the glaze, coating it evenly. Place the glazed donut bites back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. You can dip them twice for a thicker glaze.
- For Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bites: Place the slightly cooled donut bites in the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all sides are covered.
- Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent the glaze from being too sticky. The cinnamon sugar will adhere to the donut bites as they cool.
Tips and Variations:
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for chocolate chip donut bites.
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Different Glazes: Experiment with different glazes, such as maple glaze, vanilla bean glaze, or even a fruity glaze made with pureed berries.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the glazed donut bites for a festive touch.
- Storage: Store leftover donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: If you want to reheat the donut bites, you can do so in the air fryer for a minute or two, or in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
- Donut Hole Pan: If you have a donut hole pan that is safe for the air fryer, you can use it to make perfectly shaped donut holes.
- Prevent Sticking: Make sure your air fryer basket is well-greased to prevent the donut bites from sticking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the donut bites and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the donut bites from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Troubleshooting:
- Donut Bites are too dry: Make sure you are not overbaking them. Reduce the cooking time slightly. You can also add a tablespoon of oil to the batter.
- Donut Bites are not cooking through: Increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure your air fryer is preheated properly.
- Donut Bites are sticking to the basket: Make sure your air fryer basket is well-greased. You can also use air fryer parchment paper liners.
- Glaze is too thick
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Air Fryer Donut Bites are truly a game-changer. Forget the deep fryer and the guilt – this recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic donut in a fraction of the time and with significantly less fat. Honestly, what’s not to love? The light, airy texture, the customizable toppings, and the sheer ease of preparation make this a must-try for anyone craving a sweet treat.
I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Air fryer donuts? Really?” But trust me on this one. The air fryer works its magic, creating a perfectly golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s a culinary miracle, I tell you! And the best part? You can whip up a batch of these little delights in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dessert, a fun weekend brunch, or even a late-night snack attack.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! These Air Fryer Donut Bites are incredibly versatile. While I’ve shared my go-to cinnamon sugar coating, the possibilities are truly endless. Feeling adventurous? Try dipping them in melted chocolate and sprinkling them with chopped nuts or sprinkles. Want something a little more sophisticated? A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, flavored with a hint of vanilla or lemon, is always a winner. For a truly decadent experience, consider a Nutella glaze or even a cream cheese frosting.
And don’t forget about the fillings! Once your donut bites have cooled slightly, you can use a piping bag to inject them with your favorite fillings. Think raspberry jam, pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or even a homemade lemon curd. The options are limited only by your imagination (and your pantry!).
Serving suggestions? Well, where do I even begin? These donut bites are fantastic on their own, of course, but they also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re a delightful addition to a brunch spread, and they make a fun and festive dessert for parties. You can even get creative and use them to make a donut bite sundae, layering them with ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings.
Seriously, I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the possibilities!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Air Fryer Donut Bites. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And once you’ve tried them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick with the classic cinnamon sugar, or did you get creative with your toppings and fillings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with! Happy baking (or should I say, air frying!) and enjoy every single bite! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do.
Air Fryer Donut Bites: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips
Easy, delicious air fryer donut bites! Quick to make and perfect for a sweet treat, customize with simple, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar glaze.
By: TessaCategory: DessertDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 24 donut bitesDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for chocolate chip donut bites.
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Different Glazes: Experiment with different glazes, such as maple glaze, vanilla bean glaze, or even a fruity glaze made with pureed berries.
- Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the glazed donut bites for a festive touch.
- Storage: Store leftover donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: If you want to reheat the donut bites, you can do so in the air fryer for a minute or two, or in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
- Donut Hole Pan: If you have a donut hole pan that is safe for the air fryer, you can use it to make perfectly shaped donut holes.
- Prevent Sticking: Make sure your air fryer basket is well-greased to prevent the donut bites from sticking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the donut bites and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the donut bites from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
