Start your morning with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts, soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

Start your day with a sweet, cozy treat with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts! Soft, fluffy, and loaded with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping, they’re quick and easy to make in the air fryer.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack, these donuts bring warm, homey flavors to any table with minimal effort.
If you are looking for any other donut recipes, my favorites are Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts, Air Fryer Chocolate Frosted Donuts, and of course Air Fryer Puff Pastry Donuts. All of those recipes are amazing and absolutely delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Soft and Fluffy: Air frying gives the donuts a tender, light texture.
- Warm Cinnamon Flavor: The crumb topping adds a cozy, comforting taste.
- Less Mess: No deep frying required, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert.
How To Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts

- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and tenderness for soft, fluffy donuts.
- Baking Powder – Helps donuts rise and become light and airy.
- Baking Soda – Ensures proper leavening and slightly tender texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness in the batter.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a subtle tang to donuts.
- Milk – Gives richness and smoothness to the donut batter.
- Butter – Contributes flavor, tenderness, and a rich, soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts and helps with slight caramelization.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds structure and richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the donut batter.
- Brown Sugar – Sweet, moist sugar for a rich, buttery crumb topping.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm, cozy spice flavor to the topping.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
- Butter – Provides richness and helps create a crunchy topping.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the crumbly topping texture.
How To Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the buttermilk and milk. Add in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mix well.

Step Two: In another bowl, mix the topping, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, butter, and flour, mix until crumbly.

Step Three: Grease the donut pan with olive oil spray, and then fill the cavity about 2/3 the way full with the batter.

Step Four: Sprinkle the topping onto the base batter.

Step Five: Set the donut pan into the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 12-15 minutes.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Fill donut cavities about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Even Airflow: Arrange donuts in a single layer for even cooking; cook in batches if needed.
- Check Donuts Early: Air fryer models vary, so start checking a minute or two before the suggested cook time.
- Use Melted Butter for Topping: Lightly brushing the crumb topping with melted butter helps it stick and enhances flavor.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let donuts rest a few minutes after air frying so the topping sets nicely.
Storing, Freezing & Make Ahead Instructions
- Storing: Store cooled Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the donuts.
- Freezing: Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the donut batter and crumb topping a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble and air fry the donuts just before serving for the freshest results.

Can I use frozen donuts in the air fryer? Yes! You can air fry frozen donuts at a slightly lower temperature for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and adjust the liquid slightly if needed to maintain batter consistency.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping in advance and store it in an airtight container. Sprinkle it on the donuts just before air frying.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Adjust the time depending on your oven.
Can I add extra spices or flavorings? Certainly! Try adding nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin spice to the batter or crumb topping for a seasonal twist.
Can I make mini donuts instead of regular-sized ones? Yes! Mini donuts will cook faster, so check them a few minutes earlier to prevent overcooking.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- GORTON’S FISH STICKS AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S BATTERED FISH NUGGETS
- AIR FRYER ROCKFISH
- AIR FRYER SWAI FISH
- AIR FRYER FROZEN FISH STICKS
- AIR FRYER FLOUNDER FISH
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Description
Ingredients
Donut Batter:
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted, unsalted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons butter, cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Then add the buttermilk and milk. Add in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mix well
- Grease the donut pan with olive oil spray, and then fill the cavity about 2/3 the way full with the batter.
- In another bowl, mix the topping, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, butter, and flour, mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping onto the base batter. Set the donut pan into the air fryer at 320 degrees F for 12 minutes.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Donut Pan
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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NancyS
don’t have a donut pan – wonder if I could use my mini bundt pan and fill only partially? Will give it a try
Laurie
Sounds great.