Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Donut Bites Recipe

Uses just two simple ingredients (plus coating) you probably already have
No yeast, no proofing — it’s quick and fuss‑free
Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish
Great for beginners or cooking with kids
Warm, comforting treats with minimal effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

Self‑raising flour
Sweetened Greek yogurt

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Optional:

Melted chocolate (for drizzling)

Directions

Make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self‑raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth, being careful not to overwork it. If it’s sticky, rub a little oil on your hands to help handle it.
Shape the donut bites. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a log about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut the logs into small pieces (about 8–12 grams each). Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth balls.
Preheat the air fryer. Preheat to 180 °C (350 °F) for about 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Cook. Toss each dough ball in melted butter (optional but gives richness), then arrange them in the basket with some space between each. Air fry for about 5 minutes or until puffed and lightly golden. They may not brown perfectly evenly — that’s normal. Check at 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Add cinnamon sugar. While still warm, brush with melted butter again (if using), then immediately roll the bites in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture so it sticks.
Serve. Transfer to a plate and enjoy while warm. For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate.

Servings and timing

Yield: ~12–16 donut bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Plain sugar only: Skip cinnamon for a classic sugar coating.
Powdered sugar dusting: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated cinnamon sugar.
Add mix‑ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts into the dough.
Glaze instead of coating: Dip finished bites in a simple glaze (e.g. powdered sugar + milk) rather than rolling in cinnamon sugar.
Savory twist: Omit the sugar, and brush with garlic butter + herbs after cooking for a savory bite.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 1–2 minutes until warm and soft again. Avoid refrigerating, as cold can make them tough.

FAQs

What kind of yogurt should I use?

It’s best to use thick Greek yogurt (sweetened or flavored) for structure. If using regular yogurt, drain off excess liquid to get a firmer consistency.

Can I skip preheating the air fryer?

Preheating helps ensure an even rise and better texture, so it’s recommended.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

They’re best fresh. However, you can freeze raw shaped dough balls and bake later, or store cooked ones for a short time (see “Storage/Reheating”).

What can I substitute for self‑raising flour?

Use all‑purpose flour plus 1½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup of flour.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes. Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) on a lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.

Why didn’t mine puff up well?

Possibilities: your flour is old (less rising power), the dough was overworked, or your air fryer wasn’t preheated properly.

Why doesn’t the coating stick well?

Roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm and after brushing with butter — that helps the sugar adhere.

Can I use whole wheat flour or gluten‑free flour?

Whole wheat may make them denser; gluten‑free blends may work depending on binding agents, but results can vary.

Are these vegan or egg‑free?

They are egg‑free, but not vegan because yogurt and butter are dairy. You could experiment with plant‑based yogurt and vegan butter, though texture may differ.

How should I store leftovers?

As above: airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then reheat in air fryer briefly.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Donut Bites recipe is a joyfully simple treat — minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and delicious results. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these warm, fluffy bites offer that indulgent donut flavor without the fuss of traditional frying or yeast. Try the variations to make them your own, enjoy them fresh, and delight in how something so easy can taste so good.