The warm scent of freshly baked donut bites wafts through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to Saturday mornings at home. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites, a delightful solution for anyone craving a sweet treat without the fuss. With just two simple ingredients and a quick prep time of only 21 minutes, you can whip these up in no time. These little wonders are not only a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, but they also promise a light, fluffy texture that feels indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re a seasoned home-chef or just looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Are you ready to enjoy a batch of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bliss? Let’s dive in!
Why are these donut bites irresistible?
Quick and effortless: With only two ingredients, you’ll have delightful donut bites ready in just 21 minutes!
Healthier twist: Enjoy the fluffy texture minus the guilt, thanks to Greek yogurt, making them a lighter option than traditional fried donuts.
Customizable flavors: Add vanilla or other spices to make each batch uniquely yours, while different coatings keep things exciting!
Perfect for any occasion: These treats are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or a cozy night in with a cup of coffee. Pair them with Savory Pistachio Bites for the perfect spread!
Air fryer magic: Experience that freshly fried taste without the fuss & mess of oil, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll want to keep your air fryer handy for this one!
Air Fryer Donut Bites Ingredients
For the Donut Bites
• Self-Raising Flour – Essential for giving structure to your fluffy donut bites; substitute with regular flour plus baking powder for a DIY mix.
• Sweetened Greek Yogurt – Provides moisture and sweetness; opt for regular yogurt if you prefer, but adjust sugar for unsweetened varieties.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon-sugar mix; feel free to use a sugar alternative for a lower sugar option.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds that warm, comforting spice; consider adding nutmeg for a little twist!
Optional Toppings
• Melted Chocolate – For drizzling on top for a more indulgent treat; any chocolate type works wonderfully here!
These air fryer donut bites are not just quick and easy, but they also offer endless variations and a healthier sweet indulgence to enjoy any time!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt. Stir until a soft dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute until smooth, being careful not to add too much excess flour. The dough should be slightly tacky but hold together well, perfect for shaping your air fryer donut bites.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Divide the dough into two equal sections to make it easier to work with. Roll each section into logs about 12 inches long, then cut these into small pieces of about 8-12 grams each. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, ensuring they’re uniform in size to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) while you prepare the donut bites. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden exterior. While the air fryer heats up, brush the basket with a little oil to prevent sticking and coat the donut balls lightly in melted butter for extra flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry
Once preheated, carefully arrange the donut balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry for about 5 minutes, checking to ensure they puff up and turn golden brown. They may require a little extra time depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them for that perfect finish.
Step 5: Coat the Donuts
As soon as your donut bites emerge from the air fryer, immediately roll them in melted butter for a deliciously rich taste. Next, coat them thoroughly in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon while they’re warm, allowing the sugar to adhere. This step adds a sweet crunch that complements the fluffy texture of the air fryer donut bites.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once coated, the easy 2-ingredient air fryer donut bites are ready to serve! Enjoy these delightful treats warm, either on their own or drizzled with melted chocolate for a more indulgent experience. These donut bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply as a cozy snack at home!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Donut Bites
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Kneading Caution: Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep your air fryer donut bites light and fluffy. A gentle touch is key!
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Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches to prevent uneven cooking. Don’t pile the donut balls together—give them space to rise!
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Check for Doneness: Every air fryer is different; keep an eye on your donut bites as they cook to achieve that golden-brown color without burning.
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Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick comeback of their fluffy goodness!
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Experimenting Flavor: Feel free to add extracts or spices to the dough for personalization, making each batch of air fryer donut bites uniquely delicious!
What to Serve with Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites
Transform your sweet treats into a delightful meal with these delicious pairing ideas that complement their fluffy warmth.
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Hot Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee perfectly balance the sweetness of the donut bites, making your mornings brighter.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these warm donut bites alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert that melts in your mouth.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sugary bites while introducing vibrant colors to your plate. Pairing sweetness and acidity nicely enhances the overall experience.
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Decadent Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate makes for a perfect warm drink to indulge in while enjoying these light pastries.
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Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai create a delightful symphony of flavors that elevate the simple goodness of the donut bites.
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Honeyed Yogurt Dip: A drizzle of honey over Greek yogurt creates a creamy, sweet dip that pairs wonderfully with the donut bites’ cinnamon-sugar coating.
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Cinnamon Applesauce: The apple flavor adds a hint of tartness and pairs beautifully with the warm, sweet donut bites—perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Suggestion for Savory Copy: Try them alongside savory dishes like bacon or sausage for a delightful brunch spread, balancing sweet and savory effortlessly.
Air Fryer Donut Bites Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flow and customize these delightful donut bites to suit your preferences or dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a plant-based version.
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Regular Yogurt Substitute: If Greek yogurt isn’t available, regular yogurt works too; just add a touch of sugar if unsweetened.
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Flavor Boost: Incorporate a dash of vanilla or almond extract into the dough for an aromatic twist that enhances the flavor.
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Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for an exciting texture and flavor burst. Each bite will bring a nutty surprise!
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Sweet Coating Alternatives: Experiment with powdered sugar or a chocolate glaze for the coating instead of cinnamon-sugar. This is a fun way to mix up the sweetness!
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Spice It Up: Try using nutmeg or pumpkin spice in your cinnamon-sugar for an elevated taste experience; it’s especially nice during the fall.
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Crispier Texture: For more crunch, toss the donut bites in crushed graham crackers before air frying—give them that unique crispy exterior!
If you’re looking for more delicious snack ideas, consider pairing these donut bites with Savory Pistachio Bites or making some tasty Butter Steak Bites for a delicious spread. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Donut Bites
Room Temperature: Store leftover air fryer donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffiness.
Fridge: If you need them to last a bit longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but expect slight changes in texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donut bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy their delightful warmth again.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dough and shape the donut balls up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. If you prefer to prep even further ahead, the uncooked donut balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Roll in the cinnamon-sugar coating immediately after air frying for best flavor and texture. These make-ahead options ensure you have delightful treats ready to go, saving you precious time during busy mornings!
Air Fryer Donut Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right self-raising flour?
Absolutely! When selecting self-raising flour for your Air Fryer Donut Bites, look for a quality brand that’s fresh and has no clumps. If you’re using regular flour, combine it with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt to mimic self-raising flour’s leavening properties for optimal results.
What’s the best way to store leftover donut bites?
For leftovers, simply store your air fryer donut bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them fluffy and delicious! If you’re thinking longer than that, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but the texture may slightly change.
Can I freeze air fryer donut bites? How?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your donut bites! First, allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer the frozen bites into a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months!
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 1-2 minutes until they’re warm and fluffy again.
What can I do if my donut bites aren’t cooking evenly?
Very often, uneven cooking can happen due to overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the donut balls in a single layer, giving them ample space to rise and cook evenly. If you’re experiencing browning issues, simply flip them halfway through cooking to promote uniformity.
And remember, every air fryer may vary slightly in temperature and cooking time; keeping an eye on them helps!
Are these donut bites suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can customize these air fryer donut bites for various dietary needs! For gluten-free options, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider substituting granulated sugar with a natural sweetener of your choice. For dairy-free alternatives, regular yogurt can be replaced with plant-based yogurt to fit vegan diets. Always check ingredient labels to ensure everything aligns with your dietary preferences.
Air Fryer Donut Bites: Quick, Fluffy Magic in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt. Stir until a soft dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about 1 minute until smooth, being careful not to add too much excess flour.
- Divide the dough into two equal sections and roll each into logs about 12 inches long, then cut these into small pieces of about 8-12 grams each.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball for even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and brush the basket with a little oil.
- Air fry the donut balls in a single layer for about 5 minutes.
- Roll the warm donut bites in melted butter and then coat them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Serve warm, either on their own or drizzled with melted chocolate.
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