2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts ! Quick & Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
2 Ingredient AIR FRYER DONUTS ! Quick & Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Emma's Goodies on YouTube.
Prep: 21 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 36 min
Cost: $4.45 total, $1.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Self‑Rising Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Sweetened Yogurt (plain or flavored; if using Greek yogurt add 1 tbsp sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (only needed if using Greek yogurt; also for cinnamon‑sugar coating)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for coating)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for cinnamon‑sugar coating)
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl combine the self‑rising flour and sweetened yogurt (add 1 tbsp sugar if using Greek yogurt). Mix with your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Rest and Divide
Form the dough into a log, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for a few minutes to prevent drying.
Time: PT3M
Shape Donut Balls
Roll each piece into a long rope, cut into 1‑inch sections, and roll each piece between your palms into a ball about 9‑10 g (the size of a small marble).
Time: PT5M
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for at least five minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Melt Butter
While the fryer heats, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave‑safe bowl.
Time: PT1M
Air Fry Donuts
Lightly grease the air‑fryer basket, place the dough balls in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and air fry for 4‑5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Butter and Cinnamon‑Sugar Coat
Immediately toss the hot donuts in the melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the churro‑donuts warm as a snack or dessert.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Self‑Rising Flour: All‑Purpose Flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt
- Instead of Sweetened Yogurt: Regular yogurt + 1 tbsp sugar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (adjust amount), Maple syrup (adjust amount)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil, Melted margarine
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Pumpkin spice (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Bench Scraper
- Plastic Wrap
- Air Fryer
- Small Saucepan or Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Tongs or Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the dough until just combined
- Shaping uniform 9‑10 g balls
- Preheating the air fryer to 350°F
- Air‑frying without overcrowding
- Coating in melted butter before cinnamon‑sugar
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the yogurt for extra flavor.
- For a chocolate drizzle, melt 2 tbsp chocolate and drizzle over the finished donuts.
Troubleshooting
Donuts are dense and not fluffy
Do not over‑mix the dough; keep it gently combined and avoid adding extra flour.
Donuts brown unevenly
Make sure the air‑fryer basket is greased and not overcrowded; shake halfway through cooking.
Cinnamon‑sugar does not stick
Coat the donuts in melted butter immediately after frying; the butter acts as an adhesive.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Best eaten same day; can sit out for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be shaped, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before air‑frying.
- Cinnamon‑sugar coating can be prepared in advance and stored in a small jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of churros in Spanish cuisine?
Churros originated in Spain as a simple fried dough pastry, traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a snack dipped in hot chocolate. They spread to Latin America and beyond, becoming a beloved street‑food treat.
What is the cultural significance and history of donuts in American cuisine?
American donuts evolved from Dutch olykoeks brought by early settlers. Over time they became a staple of coffee‑shop culture, symbolizing comfort food and weekend treats.
How does the two‑ingredient air fryer churro donut mash‑up fit into modern American snack trends?
It combines the nostalgic flavors of churros and donuts while using an air fryer for a healthier, oil‑light preparation, matching today’s demand for quick, indulgent yet lighter snacks.
What traditional regional variations of churros exist in Spain and Latin America?
In Spain, churros are often plain and served with thick hot chocolate. In Mexico, they may be coated in cinnamon‑sugar and sometimes filled with dulce de leche. Other Latin American countries add toppings like chocolate or caramel.
What occasions or celebrations are churro‑style treats traditionally associated with in Hispanic cultures?
Churros are popular at fairs, festivals, and as a breakfast treat on weekends. They are also served during holiday markets and family gatherings as a sweet indulgence.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional churros versus this air‑fryer version?
Traditional churros use flour, water, salt, and sometimes eggs, then are deep‑fried in oil and rolled in cinnamon‑sugar. This version replaces oil‑frying with an air fryer, uses self‑rising flour and sweetened yogurt for a softer interior, and adds butter for flavor.
What other American snack dishes pair well with these two‑ingredient air fryer churro donuts?
They pair nicely with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh fruit. For a brunch spread, serve alongside coffee, tea, or a fruit‑yogurt parfait.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making two‑ingredient air fryer churro donuts?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the dough, making the balls too large or too small (which changes cooking time), overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and skipping the butter coating, which prevents the cinnamon‑sugar from sticking.
Why does this recipe use self‑rising flour instead of all‑purpose flour?
Self‑rising flour already contains leavening agents and a small amount of salt, giving the donuts a light, airy texture without the need for additional baking powder or yeast, keeping the recipe truly two‑ingredient.
What does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies specialize in?
Emma's Goodies focuses on simple, minimal‑ingredient recipes and quick kitchen hacks that make baking and snack‑making accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies' approach to air‑fryer desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Emma's Goodies emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, often two or three items, and demonstrates how to adapt classic fried treats for the air fryer, whereas many other channels rely on more complex techniques or deep‑frying.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
