Air Fryer Donut Bites (No Yeast)

These easy Air Fryer Donut Bites are soft, lightly sweet, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. Made with Greek yoghurt and baking powder, they require no yeast, no rising time, and no deep frying.

The simple dough comes together in minutes using everyday ingredients. Once shaped, the donut bites cook until lightly golden in the air fryer before being brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They are a lovely quick treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack and are best enjoyed while still slightly warm.

Makes: 12 - Prep: 15 min - Cook: 8–10 min - Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Donut Bites

• 180 g plain flour (about 1½ cups)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 25 g caster sugar (2 tbsp)

• Pinch of salt

• 150 g thick Greek yoghurt (about ⅔ cup)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tsp milk, only if needed

• Neutral oil, for brushing and shaping

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• 30 g caster or granulated sugar (about 2½ tbsp)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 15 g butter, melted (about 1 tbsp)

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 3 minutes.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add the plain flour, baking powder, caster sugar, and salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.

3. Add the Yoghurt

Add the Greek yoghurt and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon until the ingredients begin to form a rough dough.

4. Bring the Dough Together

Gently bring the mixture together with your hands, but do not knead it heavily. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but firm enough to shape. If it feels dry or crumbly, add the milk ½ teaspoon at a time. If it is extremely sticky, sprinkle in a small amount of additional flour.

5. Divide the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Using a kitchen scale will help ensure that the donut bites cook evenly.

6. Shape the Donut Bites

Lightly oil your hands and roll each piece of dough into a smooth, tight ball. Smooth over any large cracks, as these could open further during air frying.

7. Prepare for Air Frying

Lightly brush each donut bite with neutral oil. Arrange them in the air-fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate. Cook them in batches when necessary.

8. Air Fry

Air fry at 180°C/350°F for 8–10 minutes, turning them after approximately 5 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the outside and completely cooked through in the centre. Open one donut bite to check before removing the entire batch, as air-fryer cooking times can vary.

9. Prepare the Coating

While the donut bites are cooking, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter separately.

10. Coat the Donut Bites

While they are still warm, brush each donut bite all over with melted butter. Immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

11. Serve

Serve the donut bites while they are still slightly warm. They are delicious on their own or served with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, jam, or a simple vanilla glaze.

Tips and Tricks

✅ Use thick Greek yoghurt rather than a thin natural yoghurt, which could make the dough too sticky.

✅ Add milk only when necessary and just a little at a time. The dough should be soft but still easy to shape.

✅ Avoid overmixing or heavily kneading the dough, as this can make the finished donut bites tough.

✅ Lightly oiling your hands makes the soft dough easier to shape without adding too much extra flour.

✅ Divide the dough into evenly sized portions so all the donut bites finish cooking at the same time.

✅ Leave space between the donut bites in the basket. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly.

✅ Air fryers vary, so check the donut bites a little early during the first batch.

✅ Brush them with butter and add the cinnamon sugar while they are still warm so the coating sticks properly.