Introduction
Last weekend, my daughter asked me for fresh donuts, and I panicked. Making traditional donuts from scratch seemed overwhelming with all the yeast, rising time, and deep frying mess. Then I remembered this incredible 2-ingredient hack I’d seen on social media. Within 20 minutes, we had warm, fluffy donut bites that tasted like they came from a bakery!
These magical donut bites prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most brilliant. Using just self-raising flour and Greek yogurt, you can create light, airy donuts without any yeast, eggs, or complicated techniques. Moreover, the air fryer eliminates the need for deep frying, making this treat both healthier and easier to clean up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just flour and yogurt, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Additionally, there’s no need to worry about proofing yeast or waiting for dough to rise.
Lightning-Fast Preparation
From start to finish, these donut bites take only 21 minutes. Furthermore, most of that time is hands-off cooking in the air fryer, giving you time to prepare the cinnamon sugar coating or clean up.
Perfectly Portion-Controlled
Unlike full-sized donuts, these bite-sized treats allow for better portion control. Consequently, you can enjoy the satisfaction of fresh donuts without overindulging.
Healthier Alternative
Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. As a result, you get all the crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the excess grease.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- Self-raising flour – 140g (1 cup) – the key to fluffy texture
- Sweetened Greek yogurt – 140g (5 oz) – adds moisture and tangy flavor
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- Granulated sugar – 3 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Melted butter – for coating (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
Optional Extras
- Melted chocolate – for drizzling or dipping
- Powdered sugar – alternative coating option
- Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon for enhanced flavor
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any size works)
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale (for best results)
- Pastry brush for oil application
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Start by combining the self-raising flour and Greek yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together until a soft, cohesive dough begins to form. Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface for kneading.
Gently knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and uniform. Be careful not to overwork it – you want to eliminate dry flour patches without making the dough tough. If the mixture feels sticky, rub a small amount of oil on your hands rather than adding more flour.
Shaping the Donut Bites
Divide your smooth dough into two equal portions for easier handling. Roll each portion into a long log, approximately 1 inch thick. Using a dough scraper or sharp knife, cut the logs into small pieces weighing 8-12g each.
Gently roll each piece between your palms to create smooth, round balls. This rolling motion helps ensure even cooking and a more professional appearance. Place the shaped balls on a lightly floured surface while you prepare the air fryer.
Air Frying Process
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes – this ensures even cooking from the start. Meanwhile, lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the donut bites from sticking.
Arrange the donut balls in the basket, leaving adequate space between each one as they will expand during cooking. Cook for 5 minutes, checking halfway through if desired. The donuts should be puffed and golden, though uneven browning is completely normal with air frying.
Final Coating and Serving
While the donut bites are still warm, quickly brush them with melted butter. Immediately roll each buttered donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture – the warmth helps the coating stick perfectly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentations
These donut bites are delicious served warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee. Additionally, they make an excellent breakfast treat alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfait.
Elevated Options
For special occasions, arrange the donut bites on a tiered serving stand with small bowls of different dipping sauces. Consider offering melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or fruit preserves for variety.
Party-Perfect Setup
Create a DIY donut bar by providing multiple coating options in separate bowls. Guests can customize their bites with different sugars, spices, or glazes.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour before mixing with yogurt. Then coat the finished donuts in powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast.
Lemon Zest Variation
Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. Pair this version with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Spiced Autumn Version
Mix ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg, allspice, and extra cinnamon into your coating sugar. This combination creates a warm, fall-inspired treat perfect for cozy mornings.
Glazed Donut Style
Skip the cinnamon sugar and instead dip the warm donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
Dough Preparation
You can prepare the dough up to 2 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
Coating Ingredients
Pre-mix your cinnamon sugar coating and store it in an airtight container for up to one week. Similarly, you can prepare any glazes or dipping sauces a day ahead.
Storage Solutions
While these donuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore some crispiness.
Professional Notes
Ingredient Quality Matters
Choose thick, high-quality Greek yogurt for the best results. Thin or watery yogurt will create a sticky dough that’s difficult to work with. Furthermore, ensure your self-raising flour is fresh – old flour can result in dense, heavy donuts.
Temperature and Timing
Air fryer models vary significantly in their heating patterns. Start checking your donuts at the 4-minute mark to prevent overcooking. Some units run hotter and may require temperature reduction to 325°F (165°C).
Texture Troubleshooting
If your dough feels too wet, resist the urge to add more flour immediately. Instead, let it rest for 5 minutes – the flour will continue absorbing moisture. Only add flour if absolutely necessary, and do so sparingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? While Greek yogurt works best due to its thick consistency, you can substitute regular yogurt. However, drain it through cheesecloth for 30 minutes first to remove excess liquid, or your dough may become too sticky.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour? You can make your own by combining 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly before using in the recipe.
Can I bake these in the oven instead? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly oil the basket before cooking, and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, some air fryer liners or parchment paper designed for air fryers can help prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these donut bites? Yes, but freeze them before coating. Place uncooked, shaped dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy? This usually happens from over-kneading the dough or using old baking powder in your self-raising flour. Knead just until the dough comes together smoothly, then stop immediately.