Some treats just make people wander into the kitchen without being called, and these air fryer cinnamon donut bites do exactly that. I first made them on a busy afternoon when I wanted something warm and sweet without committing to a pot of hot oil. The shortcut dough, a simple blend of self-rising flour and sweetened Greek yogurt, came together in minutes and puffed up beautifully in the air fryer. The moment they were rolled in cinnamon sugar, the aroma pulled my family straight to the counter, hands outstretched, waiting for a taste.

What makes these little bites special is the texture: crisp-edged on the outside with a soft, tender crumb inside, thanks to the moisture and tang of the yogurt. They are just the right size for snacking, and the cinnamon sugar clings to the buttery surface in a way that feels nostalgic and celebratory. On evenings when we want a touch of indulgence, a thin drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bites adds a glossy finish. This is the kind of dessert that feels playful and low-pressure, yet consistently impressive, which is why it has become my go-to when I need something quick and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• Self-rising flour: Use 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons. Look for a consistent brand like White Lily or King Arthur. Self-rising flour already includes leaveners and salt, which makes these bites puff without yeast.
• Sweetened Greek yogurt: Use 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons. A thicker yogurt (like Chobani or Fage) keeps the dough cohesive and adds tenderness. Sweetened yogurt balances the cinnamon sugar nicely.
• Granulated sugar: Three tablespoons for the coating gives a classic donut-shop sweetness without overpowering the warm spice.
• Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon, fresh and fragrant. Choose a good-quality cinnamon for a deeper, more rounded flavor.
• Unsalted butter: About 4 tablespoons, melted. Brushing and tossing in butter creates a delicate, crisp finish that helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
• Melted chocolate (optional): A small handful, about 1/3 cup semisweet chips, melted and drizzled over cooled bites for an indulgent finish.
• Neutral oil or cooking spray: A light brush for the air fryer basket so the dough does not stick as it puffs.

Instructions

Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour with 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweetened Greek yogurt. Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then knead gently by hand on a lightly floured surface for 30 to 60 seconds, just until smooth. If the dough feels sticky, rub a thin film of oil on your hands to handle it more easily. Shape the bites: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each into a log about 1 inch thick. Cut into small pieces about the size of a walnut shell (roughly 8 to 12 grams each), then roll between your palms to form smooth balls. Keep pieces similar in size for even cooking. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 356°F for about 5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the basket with neutral oil to minimize sticking. A properly preheated basket helps create quick lift and a lightly crisp surface. Air fry the bites: Toss the dough balls in melted butter to coat lightly. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece. Air fry for about 5 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Rotate the basket halfway if your model browns unevenly. Slight variations in color are normal. Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. While the donut bites are still warm, brush again with a little melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar until well coated. Optional chocolate drizzle: Let the bites cool slightly so the chocolate sets on contact. Melt about 1/3 cup semisweet chips and drizzle over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Let donut bites cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, layering with parchment to prevent sticking. To refresh, pop them into a 300°F air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to revive the exterior crispness. For longer storage, freeze on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 320°F for 4 to 6 minutes. Avoid refrigerating; the cold can dry them out. If pre-coating with cinnamon sugar before freezing, expect a slightly softer exterior after reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

No self-rising flour? Make your own by whisking 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, then add the extra 2 tablespoons flour the recipe calls for. If you only have plain Greek yogurt, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey to mimic the gentle sweetness. Dairy-free yogurt (coconut or almond) works if it is thick; add a teaspoon of oil to the dough if it seems dry. For the coating, swap cinnamon sugar for powdered sugar or a cocoa-sugar blend. If you prefer less butter, brush lightly with milk or a neutral oil before rolling in sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm on a platter with small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar and melted chocolate so everyone can finish their bites as they like. A drizzle of caramel sauce is lovely for fall, while a dusting of powdered sugar feels festive during the holidays. Pair them with hot chocolate, chai, or a strong cup of coffee for contrast. For brunch, stack the bites in a tiered stand beside fresh berries and a bowl of vanilla yogurt for dipping. If you are hosting, label a few with colored sprinkles to make them stand out for kids.

Cultural Background

These quick donut bites nod to American fairground and bakery traditions, where cinnamon sugar and warm, fried dough are iconic. Using self-rising flour and yogurt echoes a long lineage of biscuit and soda breads in which chemical leaveners create quick lift without yeast. Air frying is a modern twist that captures the spirit of those treats with a lighter touch. The small, shareable format also resembles European beignets and South Asian sweet fritters, though the technique here prioritizes speed and minimal oil, making it feel distinctly contemporary and home-cook friendly.

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn, swap the cinnamon sugar for pumpkin spice and serve with warm apple cider. Winter calls for a cocoa dusting and a drizzle of peppermint chocolate. In spring, fold a teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough and finish with a lemon-sugar coating. For summer, pair the bites with a berry compote and a spoonful of whipped cream. Holiday parties are perfect for a glaze made with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drop of vanilla, then scatter festive sprinkles over the top before it sets.

Meal Prep Tips

Shape the dough balls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate tightly covered. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before air frying. You can also flash-freeze the raw balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and cook from frozen at 320°F for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing once. Keep a small jar of premixed cinnamon sugar on hand to streamline finishing. For parties, cook in batches and hold the finished bites in a warm, low oven at 200°F for 10 to 15 minutes without drying them out.

There is a special kind of joy in setting out a warm bowl of cinnamon-sugar donut bites and watching everyone gather around for just one more. Make them once and you will know exactly why they are the first thing to disappear at any gathering.