Air Fryer Donuts

Air Fryer Donuts are a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy soft, fluffy donuts without deep frying. Using the air fryer gives the donuts a golden exterior with a tender and airy interior while significantly reducing the amount of oil used. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, and can be customized with various glazes and toppings.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves the taste of classic donuts but wants a faster, lighter, and less greasy version. The convenience of the air fryer ensures that you can enjoy fresh, homemade donuts in under 30 minutes, making it a family-friendly treat that is fun to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it lets me enjoy fresh, homemade donuts with very little effort and without the heaviness of deep frying. The air fryer creates donuts that are soft and fluffy on the inside with a light golden exterior, all while using minimal oil. I also love how quick and versatile this recipe is—you can glaze them, coat them in cinnamon sugar, or add fun toppings to suit any craving. It’s a simple, feel-good recipe that delivers comfort, freshness, and homemade flavor in every bite.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it allows you to enjoy homemade donuts quickly, with healthier ingredients, and endless variations. Air fryer donuts are lighter than traditional fried donuts but still deliver the comforting texture and sweet flavor you crave. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and they impress everyone with minimal time and effort.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 donuts
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per donut (without glaze)

Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate drizzle

Cooking Directions

The donut batter is prepared by mixing dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients, then combining them until smooth. The batter is shaped into donuts using silicone molds or a piping bag, cooked in the air fryer until golden, and then coated with glaze or toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3: In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill a donut pan or silicone molds with the batter, or pipe the batter into donut shapes.

Step 6: Place the donuts in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

Step 8: Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the donuts in glaze or drizzle over the top.

Step 9: Add toppings such as cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle if desired.

How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts

Serve fresh and slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. These donuts pair well with coffee, tea, or milk. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack during the day.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper cooking and browning.
• Use silicone molds for uniform shapes and easier removal.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting the glaze completely.
• Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the donuts.

Variations of Air Fryer Donuts

Chocolate Air Fryer Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the batter.

Glazed Cinnamon Donuts: Toss freshly cooked donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glaze.

Maple Glazed Donuts: Replace the vanilla in the glaze with 1 teaspoon maple extract.

Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill cooled donuts with jam, chocolate, or cream.

Vegan Donuts: Use plant-based milk and flax egg instead of regular milk and egg.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store glazed or plain donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze plain donuts (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Reheating: Reheat donuts in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes to restore freshness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Silicone donut molds or piping bag
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Air Fryer Donuts are a quick, healthier, and customizable way to enjoy soft, fluffy donuts at home. With minimal oil, simple ingredients, and endless variations, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make, delicious, and fun to serve, this recipe brings the joy of homemade donuts to your kitchen in a fraction of the time.