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Crispy Star-Shaped Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

star-shaped cinnamon sugar donuts air fryer - featured image

These crispy star-shaped cinnamon sugar donuts are made quickly and easily in an air fryer, delivering a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender inside and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for greasing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  5. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes; re-roll scraps and repeat.
  6. Lightly spray or oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and preheat to 350°F (175°C) if needed.
  7. Place donuts in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  8. While donuts cook, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  9. Brush or lightly spray the hot donuts with melted butter or oil, then coat evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  10. Transfer coated donuts to a cooling rack for a few minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep donuts tender. Roll dough to consistent ½ inch thickness for even cooking. Flip donuts halfway through air frying for uniform browning. Brush donuts with melted butter or oil immediately after cooking to help cinnamon sugar stick. If donuts are doughy inside, add 1-2 minutes more cooking time carefully. Use an air fryer with good airflow and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, star-shaped donuts, easy donut recipe, crispy donuts, quick donuts, homemade donuts