If you’re looking for air fryer donut recipes, you’re in for a treat! These donuts are sweet, fluffy, and oh so easy to whip up in your air fryer. It’s amazing how a little kitchen gadget can make such deliciousness happen in no time.
Addresses long prep times, greasy oil splatter, and messy cleanups by offering quick, easy donuts with little oil and simple cleanup for busy mornings.
I know that sometimes baking can be tricky, especially when you want a treat that’s both satisfying and safe for my diet. These donuts use real yeast dough, so they’ve got an authentic taste without all the extra fuss of deep frying. Plus, they’re lower in fat, which is a bonus for everyone.
This recipe is quick and straightforward. You’ll spend about 30 minutes getting everything ready, and then just 4 minutes in the air fryer. They’re done in a flash, making them ideal for a last-minute snack or breakfast treat. And if you love customizing flavors, the glaze options are endless.
If you want to try something sweet along with these donuts, give my Air Fryer Biscuits a go! They pair well with all the yummy glazes you’ll make.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fluffy Texture : The real yeast dough gives these donuts a light and fluffy bite that’s hard to resist. It feels just like the ones from your favorite bakery.
- Sweet Flavor : With a mix of sugary goodness and hints of cinnamon, these donuts are delightful and satisfy any sweet tooth without being overly heavy.
- Quick and Easy : You’ll love how fast these come together. In just a little over two hours, you can go from mixing dough to enjoying fresh donuts.
- Great Storage : They stay fresh when stored properly and even freeze well, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats later without losing flavor.
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cool Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious air fryer donuts that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a light and fluffy treat with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm (about 100 degrees F)
- 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tsp
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil Spray, coconut oil works best
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter for glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tsp vanilla extract for glaze
- 4 Tbsp hot water, or as needed for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by cranking up your air fryer to the right temperature. You want it nice and hot so the donuts have that golden crisp when they cook. Just a few minutes will get it ready, but do not let it go too long, or it might overheat.
- Arrange Donuts in Air Fryer: Carefully place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between them for even cooking; you will want that nice airflow. If they are too close, some might not get that beautiful crispiness you expect.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the donuts for around four minutes, keeping an eye on them. They should look golden and smell amazing. Every air fryer is a little different, so check them early to avoid overcooking – nobody wants dry donuts!
- Let Cool for a Moment: Once cooked, let the donuts cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up just a bit. Rushing to glaze them while they are too hot may cause the glaze to melt right off, which can be pretty disappointing.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, mix up your glaze ingredients. It should be smooth and shiny, hitting that sweet spot between too runny and too thick. If it is not right, just tweak it a bit. A glaze that is too thin will slide right off!
- Dunk & Enjoy: Now comes the fun part! Dunk each donut into the glaze. You want them well-coated, but not drowning. Let any excess glaze drip off before you bite into one—trust me, you do not want a messy situation on your hands.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Donuts can be frozen unglazed and reheated in the Air Fryer.
- Expert Tips: If the dough does not rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and the warm spot is around 100 degrees F.
- When checking the milk temperature, aim for about 100 degrees F to activate the yeast effectively.
- For best results, let the donuts cool completely before glazing. It helps the glaze set better.
- If your glaze is too thick, adding just a1/2 teaspoon of hot water can help reach the desired consistency.
- When storing, keep donuts in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place frozen unglazed donuts in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with coffee or tea. Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. Top with sprinkles for a festive treat.
- Recipe Variations: Add chocolate chips to dough for a sweet twist. Incorporate pumpkin puree for a fall flavor. Use a maple syrup glaze instead of vanilla.
- Ingredient Notes: For best texture, whole milk or 2% is recommended. You can try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option, but results may vary. Quality yeast is crucial; check freshness before use for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 113mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
Recipe Tips
- If the dough doesn’t rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and the warm spot is around 100°F.
- When checking the milk temperature, aim for about 100°F to activate the yeast effectively.
- For best results, let the donuts cool completely before glazing. It helps the glaze set better.
- If your glaze is too thick, adding just a teaspoon of hot water can help reach the desired consistency.
- When storing, keep donuts in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these donuts warm alongside coffee or tea. Pair them with fresh fruit for breakfast or brunch options.
Try these donuts at a party or as a sweet treat for friends and family. They can also complement a variety of desserts.
Top with sprinkles for a festive touch. A simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar can add a sweet finish.
Recipe variations
- You can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option in your air fryer donuts.
- Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the donuts.
- Either substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg made from 1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water.
- If you’re preparing a larger batch, use 2 cups of milk and 6 cups of flour to maintain the right consistency in your air fryer donuts.
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How to Store?
To keep your Air Fryer Donuts fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating in the Air Fryer.
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