Crispy Bubble Donuts (Mini Popcorn Donuts!)

These Crispy Bubble Donuts are the perfect bite-sized treat—light, airy, and sweet, with a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these popcorn-sized mini donuts are quick to make and incredibly fun to eat! Whether you enjoy them plain or coated with sugar, they’re perfect for snacking while watching a movie.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 3-4

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour (If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder)
  • 8g (2 tsp) baking powder
  • 270g (1 cup) yogurt (Can replace part with milk for a crunchier texture)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (Optional, adjust to taste)
  • Oil, for frying

For the Sugar Coating (Optional):

  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Sift the dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour and baking powder to remove lumps.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: Add yogurt and sugar to the flour mixture and mix well until a sticky dough forms.

💡 Tip: If you want crunchier donuts, replace 35% of the yogurt with milk (Use 65% yogurt + 35% milk).

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

  1. Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough (about 170°C / 340°F) but not smoking.
  2. Transfer the dough into a piping bag with a round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a Ziploc bag and cut a small opening at the tip.

Step 3: Fry the Bubble Donuts

  1. Pipe small portions of dough directly into the oil, cutting each piece with scissors. The dough will sink at first but quickly puff up and float like bubbles!
  2. Stir gently to ensure even frying, turning the donuts as they cook.
  3. Once they turn light golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a mesh tray or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Coat with Sugar (Optional)

  1. While still warm, roll the donuts in granulated sugar for a sweet, crispy coating. For extra flavor, mix in cinnamon!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Enjoy these mini donuts warm, with or without sugar coating. They’re crispy outside, fluffy inside, and totally addictive!

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Dip in melted chocolate, caramel, or honey for extra indulgence.
  • Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a cozy treat.
  • Mix in crushed nuts or cinnamon sugar for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips

  • Keep the oil temperature consistent—too hot and the donuts burn, too cold and they absorb oil.
  • Use a piping bag or Ziploc bag to easily shape the dough.
  • Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • For a crunchier texture, reduce yogurt and replace part with milk.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Yogurt adds protein and makes the donuts soft.
  • No eggs or butter, making them lighter than traditional donuts.
  • Bite-sized portions make them easy to enjoy in moderation.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Not gluten-free (Use gluten-free flour for an alternative)
  • Not dairy-free (Use plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Without Sugar Coating)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days (reheat before serving).
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super easy – just mix, pipe, and fry!
  • Crispy & fluffy – perfect bite-sized texture.
  • No eggs or butter – a lighter donut alternative.
  • Fun to eat – great for kids and movie nights!

Conclusion

These Crispy Bubble Donuts are tiny, sweet, and incredibly addictive! Whether you enjoy them plain or coated in sugar, they’re a delicious alternative to traditional fried donuts. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or treating yourself, these bite-sized delights will keep you coming back for more. Try making them once, and you’ll see why they’re so popular!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without yogurt?
Yes, but yogurt makes them soft. You can substitute with buttermilk or milk + 1 tsp vinegar.

2. What can I use instead of a piping bag?
Use a Ziploc bag and cut a small hole at the corner.

3. Can I air-fry these bubble donuts?
Yes! Air-fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

4. Why did my donuts not puff up?
Check that your baking powder is fresh and oil is at the right temperature.

5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy.

6. How do I make them crunchier?
Reduce the yogurt and replace part with milk (use 65% yogurt + 35% milk).

7. What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil.

8. Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes! Try adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon.

9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes before eating.

10. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based yogurt instead of regular yogurt.