A duffin is a delicious hybrid between a muffin and a doughnut—soft and fluffy like a muffin but with the sweet, sugary exterior of a doughnut. When made in the air fryer, they turn out perfectly golden brown and light, with the added benefit of being quicker to cook than in the oven. These air fryer duffins are a delightful treat for breakfast or a sweet snack!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating, optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the air fryer basket: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly grease or line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the duffin batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the duffins light and fluffy.
  4. Form the duffins: Spoon the batter into silicone muffin cups or a muffin tin that fits in your air fryer basket. Fill each cup about halfway to allow room for rising.
  5. Air fry the duffins: Place the muffin cups in the air fryer basket. Cook the duffins at 320°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a duffin comes out clean.
  6. Coat in sugar: While the duffins are cooking, mix the remaining sugar with the cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. Once the duffins are done, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with melted butter. Immediately roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Let the duffins cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutrition (per duffin, assuming 8 duffins):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Fat: 8 g
    • Saturated fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
    • Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugars: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Potassium: 60 mg

Note:
You can easily customize your duffins by adding chocolate chips, berries, or nuts to the batter before air frying. You can also try drizzling them with a glaze for extra sweetness. These air fryer duffins are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but want a quicker, healthier option than frying!