Homemade Donut Bites

Quick, homemade donut bites are a delightful treat with a crispy outside and fluffy inside—ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these easy donut bites can be customized to your liking. Whether you choose to air fry or fry them, you’ll enjoy the delicious flavor and texture that make these bites stand out at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
• Versatile Options: Customize with different coatings or glazes to fit any occasion or mood.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, brunches, or even as a fun family activity. Everyone loves donut bites!
• Air Fryer Friendly: Enjoy a healthier version of traditional fried donuts without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfectly Fluffy Texture: The combination of baking powder and careful cooking ensures a light and airy bite.

Tools and Preparation

To make your homemade donut bites, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• 1-inch cutter or shot glass
• Air fryer (optional)
• Pot (for frying)
• Slotted spoon (for frying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for your dough, ensuring even cooking.
• Air fryer: Provides a healthier way to achieve that crispy texture without deep frying.

Ingredients

Quick, homemade donut bites with a crispy outside and fluffy inside—ready in 15 minutes! Easy to customize, air fryer and frying options included.

For the Dough

• 2 cups All-purpose flour (Makes the dough stretchy and soft)
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar (Adds sweetness)
• 1 tbsp Baking powder (Helps create fluffy texture)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Balances the sweetness)
• 0.75 cup Milk (Provides moisture)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (Melted, adds richness)
• 1 Large egg (Binds the ingredients)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Adds classic donut flavor)

For Frying (If Using Traditional Method)

• Vegetable oil

For Coating

• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar (For coating)
• 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon (Mix with sugar)

For Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered sugar (For glaze)
• 2-3 tbsp Milk (Add gradually to desired consistency)
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract (Adds flavor to the glaze)

How to Make Homemade Donut Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until mixed—the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps relax the gluten for better texture.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Lightly flour your surface and hands. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin.

Step 6: Cut Out Donut Bites

Use a 1-inch cutter or shot glass to cut small circles from the rolled-out dough. Re-roll scraps to use all of the dough.

Step 7: Preheat Air Fryer

If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Air Fry Donut Bites

Place donut bites in the basket spaced apart. Lightly spray tops with oil. Air fry for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Step 9: Frying Option

For frying, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pot until it reaches 350°F. Fry about 4–5 donut bites at a time for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 10: Coat or Glaze

While still warm, coat your donut bites in cinnamon sugar or dip them in glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with milk and vanilla extract.

Step 11: Serve Fresh

Enjoy these delicious homemade donut bites fresh for the best taste and texture!

How to Serve Homemade Donut Bites

Serving homemade donut bites is all about creativity and presentation. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with a warm beverage: Enjoy your donut bites alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth enhances the flavors and creates a cozy experience.

Dipped in Glaze

• Glazed goodness: Drizzle or dip your donut bites in a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Coated in Cinnamon Sugar

• Classic coating: Roll warm donut bites in a mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for that traditional flavor reminiscent of fairs and bakeries.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Fruity complement: Pair your donut bites with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. The fruit adds freshness and balances the sweetness.

As a Dessert Platter

• Dessert sharing platter: Arrange several donut bites on a serving plate with options like chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. Great for gatherings!

In a Breakfast Bowl

• Breakfast bowl creation: Chop up the donut bites and serve them in a bowl with yogurt and berries for a fun breakfast twist.

How to Perfect Homemade Donut Bites

To achieve the ideal homemade donut bites, follow these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to create that fluffy texture you desire.
• Monitor frying temperature: Keep your oil at 350°F for optimal frying; too hot may burn them, while too cool will make them greasy.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the bites light and airy—overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Experiment with flavors: Add spices or extracts like nutmeg or almond to your dough for unique flavor variations.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy these treats fresh out of the fryer or air fryer for the best taste and texture.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Donut Bites

Homemade donut bites can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their delightful flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with donut bites.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate provides an indulgent experience when dipping your homemade donuts.
4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A simple drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the sweetness and add depth to each bite.
5. Savory Breakfast Sausages: Pairing sweet donuts with savory sausages creates an exciting flavor contrast that’s satisfying.
6. Whipped Cream Dip: A light whipped cream dip offers a fluffy texture that complements the fluffy inside of the donuts.
7. Cream Cheese Frosting: Serve with a side of cream cheese frosting for those who enjoy richer flavors along with their sweets.
8. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter adds protein and makes each bite even more filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade donut bites can be fun and rewarding, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few errors to watch out for:

• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can result in tough donut bites. Resting helps relax the gluten, making the bites fluffier.

• Incorrect oil temperature: Frying at too low or too high of a temperature can affect texture. Always ensure your oil is at 350°F before frying for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to dense donut bites. Stir just until combined, leaving some lumps for a light and airy texture.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can alter the dough’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts.

• Neglecting to preheat the air fryer: Skipping this step may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer to ensure perfect donut bites every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer them chilled.

Freezing Homemade Donut Bites

• Place cooled donut bites in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.

Reheating Homemade Donut Bites

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per bite; be careful not to overdo it.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade donut bites without yeast?

You can make homemade donut bites using baking powder instead of yeast. This recipe already uses baking powder, so you’re set!

Can I customize my homemade donut bites?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit into the dough before frying or air frying.

What is the best way to coat my homemade donut bites?

For a classic flavor, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Alternatively, dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

How long do homemade donut bites last?

When stored correctly, they will last about 2 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I air fry homemade donut bites?

Yes! Air frying is a great option that yields crispy outsides and fluffy insides without excess oil. Just follow the air frying instructions provided in the recipe!

Final Thoughts

Homemade donut bites are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. With just a few basic ingredients and some creativity, you can create delightful variations suited to your taste. Whether you enjoy them plain, coated in sugar, or drizzled with glaze, these little treats are sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try and discover how fun making your own delicious snacks can be!

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Homemade Donut Bites

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in homemade donut bites that are both crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these delightful treats can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you choose to air fry or deep fry them, each bite delivers a burst of flavor that will impress at any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making these delicious donut bites is a fun activity for the whole family. Enjoy them rolled in cinnamon sugar or dipped in sweet glaze for added temptation. These donut bites promise to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional: Cinnamon sugar or glaze (powdered sugar + milk)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures until slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out dough to about ½-inch thick and cut into small circles.
6. Preheat air fryer to 350°F or heat oil in a pot.
7. Air fry for 4–5 minutes or fry for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. Coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze while warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut bite
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg