2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites
I first made these 2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Bites on a rainy Saturday when I wanted something quick, sweet, and a little nostalgic without dragging out the whole frying station. They’re pillowy little rounds made from just self-raising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt, finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating and a optional chocolate drizzle. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re perfect for after-school snacks, a weekend brunch treat, or a simple dessert when you don’t want to bake or deep-fry.
Why you’ll love this dish
These donut bites strip the fuss out of a classic treat. With only two pantry staples as the base, they’re fast, budget-friendly, and surprisingly tender thanks to the yogurt. The air fryer gives them a light, golden exterior without oil frying, so you get that donut feel with less mess and fewer calories.
- Quick: from bowl to bite in roughly 20 minutes.
- Kid-approved: fun to make and easy for little hands to help shape.
- Minimal cleanup: no oil splatters and only a bowl and spoon.
- Flexible: dress them up with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit compotes.
“Lightly crisp on the outside and pillowy inside — a brilliant shortcut to classic donuts without the frying mess.” — a fan favorite from my test kitchen
How this recipe comes together
Before you dive in, here’s the simple sequence so you know what to expect: mix a soft dough, shape small bites (or press into a mini doughnut mold), air fry until golden, and toss in cinnamon-sugar or decorate with melted chocolate. No proofing, no yeast, and no complicated glazing — just straightforward steps that give bakery-style results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredient list
- 140 g (1 cup) self-raising flour (see notes below if you only have plain flour)
- 140 g (5 oz) sweetened Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for best texture)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon sugar finish)
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
Substitution notes:
- If you only have plain/all-purpose flour: use 1 cup plain flour + 1½ tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- For a less sweet base, use unsweetened yogurt and increase the sugar in the coating or drizzle.
- To make vegan: choose a plant-based sweetened yogurt and a self-raising gluten-free blend if needed.
Directions to follow
-
Make the dough:
- Combine the self-raising flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Stir in the sweetened Greek yogurt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix — stop when the flour is just incorporated.
-
Shape the doughnuts:
- Lightly flour your hands and pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces. Roll into smooth balls or press into a small doughnut/mini-muffin pan for ring shapes. A small cookie scoop makes uniform bites quick and easy.
-
Air fry the doughnuts:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket or use a perforated parchment liner.
- Place the donut bites in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and springy to the touch.
-
Finish with cinnamon sugar:
- While still warm, toss the donut bites in a shallow bowl of extra granulated sugar mixed with a little extra cinnamon. For a glaze, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bites.
-
Serve:
- Serve warm for the best texture. They’re delightful on their own or paired with coffee, hot chocolate, or a fruit compote.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Plate a small stack on a serving board with a ramekin of melted chocolate for dipping.
- Pair with a latte or a mug of hot cider for a cozy breakfast.
- For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries and Greek yogurt for a balanced plate.
- Make a kid-friendly platter: place toothpicks in each bite and offer sprinkles, jam, and chocolate for decorating.
How to store & freeze
- Room temperature: keep in an airtight container for up to 24–48 hours. They’re best eaten the first day.
- Refrigerator: store for up to 4–5 days; reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes to refresh the exterior.
- Freezing: freeze cooked donut bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes.
Food safety tip: cool completely before sealing in containers to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until combined to keep the bites tender.
- Uniform size matters. Use a cookie scoop for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches so hot air can circulate.
- If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature by 10–15°F and watch the first batch to dial in time.
- For an even browning, spray the tops lightly with neutral oil before air frying.
Creative twists
- Chocolate chip: fold 1–2 tbsp mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- Lemon sugar: swap cinnamon for 1 tsp lemon zest and coat with sugar for a bright twist.
- Stuffed bites: flatten dough, add a small spoon of jam or Nutella, then seal and shape.
- Savory spin: omit sugar and cinnamon. Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 2 tbsp grated cheese for a savory bite — air fry and serve warm.
- Gluten-free: use a 1:1 gluten-free self-raising flour blend; texture will vary slightly.
FAQ
Q: Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of sweetened?
A: Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt and add 1–2 tbsp extra sugar to the dough, or increase the sugar in the coating. If you’re using plain yogurt and plain flour, remember to add 1½ tsp baking powder to replace the leavening from self-raising flour.
Q: What temperature and time work best in the air fryer?
A: I use 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway. Times vary by air fryer model and the size of the bites, so check at 5–6 minutes the first time you try this recipe.
Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead?
A: Absolutely. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and springy.
Q: Are these safe to make ahead for a party?
A: Yes — you can air fry them a few hours ahead, keep at room temperature in an airtight container, and refresh in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving. For larger make-ahead plans, refrigerate and reheat as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the raw dough?
A: Yes. Shape the bites and freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
If you want another minimal-ingredient take on quick donuts, check this helpful guide for 2-Ingredient Donuts from The Conscious Plant Kitchen for different shaping ideas: 2-Ingredient Donuts – The Conscious Plant Kitchen. For inspiration on cinnamon-sugar donut holes made in the air fryer, this recipe offers useful timing and coating tips: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes – Lolo Home Kitchen.
Air Fryer Donut Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the self-raising flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Stir in the sweetened Greek yogurt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix — stop when the flour is just incorporated.
- Lightly flour your hands and pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces. Roll into smooth balls or press into a small doughnut/mini-muffin pan for ring shapes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket or use a perforated parchment liner.
- Place the donut bites in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and springy to the touch.
- While still warm, toss the donut bites in a shallow bowl of extra granulated sugar mixed with a little extra cinnamon. For a glaze, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bites.
- Serve warm for the best texture. They’re delightful on their own or paired with coffee, hot chocolate, or a fruit compote.
