Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts (5 Mins!)

Your Donut Craving, Solved in Minutes

What if I told you that warm, fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-dusted donuts were less than 15 minutes away? And what if they required just two simple ingredients, no sticky yeast, and no vat of hot, splattering oil? It sounds too good to be true, but your air fryer is about to make it a reality. Forget complicated recipes and long proofing times. This is the ultimate guide to making incredible air fryer donuts that will satisfy any craving, any time. This simple method for air fryer donut bites is a game-changer for quick breakfasts, easy desserts, or a fun afternoon snack.

The Magic of Two Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its stunning simplicity. You only need two core ingredients for the dough itself, plus a few pantry staples for that classic cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s baking at its most accessible and rewarding.

For the Fluffy Donut Bites

Ingredient	Amount	Sensory Notes & Tips
Self-Raising Flour	140 g	This is the key to no-yeast magic! It has the leavening agent built right in for a perfect puff.
Sweetened Greek Yogurt	140 g	Provides moisture, a slight tang, and the protein needed to create a soft, tender dough.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Ingredient	Amount	Sensory Notes & Tips
Melted Butter	2-3 tbsp	Acts as the delicious “glue” that makes the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to the warm donuts.
Granulated Sugar	3 tbsp	Provides that classic, sweet, crunchy exterior that defines a great donut.
Ground Cinnamon	1 tsp	Use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor that fills the kitchen.
Melted Chocolate	Optional	For an extra layer of indulgence, a dark or milk chocolate drizzle is pure perfection.

From Bowl to Belly: Timing Your Treat

This is officially one of the fastest treat recipes you will ever make. The speed is one of the best features of these air fryer donuts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Data Insight: This 15-minute recipe is revolutionary. Traditional yeast-risen donuts can take 2-3 hours from start to finish. This air fryer version is over 90% faster, making it possible to enjoy fresh donuts on a whim.

Step 1: Create the 2-Ingredient Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and the sweetened Greek yogurt. Start by stirring with a spatula until a shaggy, soft dough begins to form. There’s no need for a mixer here; simplicity is key.

Step 2: Knead and Shape

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently with your hands for about a minute until it becomes smooth and any dry patches of flour are gone. Pro Tip: If the dough feels a bit sticky, rub a little oil or flour on your hands. This trick lets you manage the dough easily without it clinging to your fingers.

Step 3: Form the Donut Bites

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a long log, about 1-inch thick. Using a bench scraper or a knife, cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. For consistency, aim for pieces weighing between 8-12g each. Gently roll each piece between your palms to form smooth, round donut balls.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 180∘C (350∘F) for about 3-5 minutes. A hot start is crucial for a good puff. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent any sticking. Now, here’s a crucial step: place the donut balls in a single layer in the basket. Make sure to leave space between each one, as they will expand while cooking. Air fry for 5 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden. Don’t be alarmed if they don’t brown perfectly evenly—that’s a normal characteristic of air frying.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

This final step is all about timing! While the donut bites are still warm, immediately toss them in a bowl with the melted butter to coat them lightly. Then, transfer the buttered donuts directly into a separate bowl containing your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss well until every donut is generously coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. The warmth is what makes the coating stick perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per donut bite, assuming the recipe yields approximately 20-24 bites. This is for informational purposes and can vary based on specific ingredients.

• Calories: 45-55 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Protein: 1g

Healthier Alternatives & Fun Variations

Want to customize these delightful bites? This recipe is incredibly adaptable.

• Whole Grain Goodness: Substitute up to half of the self-raising flour with wholemeal self-raising flour for an added dose of fiber.
• Lower the Sugar: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of sweetened. For the coating, you can use a natural sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Skip the Butter: For a lower-fat option, you can lightly spritz the warm donuts with a neutral oil spray instead of tossing them in melted butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon-sugar mix for a more complex spiced flavor. You can also add 21​ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer donut bites are fantastic on their own, but they’re even more fun when you turn them into a full experience.

• Dipping Sauce Bar: Serve them warm on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. Melted chocolate, warm caramel, strawberry coulis, or a simple cream cheese glaze are all incredible options.
• Breakfast Board: Add a bowl of these donut bites to a weekend breakfast board alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and nuts for a fun and balanced meal.
• The Perfect Pairing: Nothing beats a warm donut bite with a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a cold glass of milk. It’s a simple, perfect pairing.
• Ice Cream Topper: For a truly decadent dessert, sprinkle a few warm donut bites over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Get flawless air fryer donuts every time by sidestepping these common issues.

1. Overcrowding the Basket: This is the #1 air fryer mistake. Piling the donuts in will cause them to steam instead of “fry,” resulting in pale, doughy bites. Always cook in a single layer, leaving space, and work in batches if necessary.
2. Forgetting to Preheat: Placing dough in a cold air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a less fluffy texture. The initial blast of hot air is essential for that perfect puff.
3. Using Regular Flour without Leavening: This recipe relies on self-raising flour. If you only have all-purpose flour, you must add a leavening agent (see FAQs below).
4. Coating Cold Donuts: If you wait too long after they come out of the air fryer, the donuts will cool and the butter won’t adhere as well, meaning your cinnamon sugar will just fall off. Coat them while they’re hot!

Storing Tips for Your Donut Bites

Frankly, these are so delicious they rarely last long! But if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them.

• Best Eaten Fresh: For the ultimate fluffy texture and crispy coating, these donuts are best enjoyed within a few hours of making them.
• Short-Term Storage: If you must store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The coating may become slightly soft.
• Reheating: To bring them back to life, pop them back in the air fryer at 160∘C (320∘F) for 1-2 minutes. This will warm them through and help crisp up the exterior again.

The Easiest Donut Recipe You’ll Ever Try

This two-ingredient air fryer donuts recipe is more than just a quick treat; it’s a kitchen hack that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. In just 15 minutes, you can produce warm, fluffy, perfectly coated donut bites that taste like they came from a bakery, all without the fuss of deep-frying. It’s the perfect, simple recipe to have in your back pocket for any occasion.

Ready to try the easiest donut recipe ever? Go for it! Let us know how they turn out by leaving a comment and a rating below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more simple, delicious air fryer recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

FAQs: Your Donut Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

You can, but the dough will be much stickier and harder to handle because regular yogurt has a higher water content. If you do, you will likely need to add more flour to get a manageable dough. For best results, stick with the thick consistency of Greek yogurt.

Q2: I don’t have self-raising flour. What can I use?

You can make your own! For every 1 cup (about 125g) of all-purpose flour, whisk in 121​ teaspoons of baking powder and 41​ teaspoon of salt. For this recipe, you would use 140g of all-purpose flour mixed with about 143​ teaspoons of baking powder and a generous pinch of salt.

Q3: Why didn’t my donuts get brown all over?

This is completely normal for an air fryer! The heat source in an air fryer comes from the top, so the tops of the donuts will get more golden brown than the bottoms or sides. As long as they are puffed and cooked through, they are perfect.

Q4: Can I make these in the oven?

Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven. Place the donut balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200∘C (400∘F) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. They won’t be quite as “fried” in texture but will still be delicious.