Air Fryer Donuts
Soft, fluffy, and lightly golden, Air Fryer Donuts are a delicious treat that you can make at home with much less oil than traditional fried donuts. Using an air fryer allows you to achieve a perfectly tender interior with a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the process quick and simple. These homemade donuts are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
One of the best things about air fryer donuts is how easy they are to prepare. With simple pantry ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy warm, freshly made donuts without deep frying. You can also customize them with different toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, or powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why homemade air fryer donuts have become so popular.
First, they are healthier than deep-fried donuts because they use very little oil. Second, they cook quickly in the air fryer, usually in less than 10 minutes. Finally, they are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a variety of glazes and toppings to suit your taste.
These donuts are perfect for weekend breakfasts, special occasions, or whenever you want a homemade bakery-style treat.
Ingredients
Makes about 8 donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or light oil for greasing
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
- Vanilla glaze
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6–8 minutes
- Total time: about 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Nutmeg
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
- Milk
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface.
Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donut shapes. You can also use a glass for the outer circle and a small bottle cap for the center hole.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Donuts
Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each donut.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
5. Add the Toppings
While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter.
Roll them in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar.
For glazed donuts, allow them to cool slightly before dipping them into your favorite glaze.
Simple Donut Glaze
If you prefer glazed donuts, you can make a quick glaze with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Whisk everything together until smooth. Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and allow them to set for a few minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of fluffy.
Keep the Dough Thickness Even
Rolling the dough evenly ensures the donuts cook at the same rate.
Avoid Overcrowding
Air fryers cook using circulating hot air, so leaving space between donuts helps them cook evenly.
Serve Fresh
Air fryer donuts taste best when served warm shortly after cooking.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Donuts
Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version.
Lemon Donuts
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
Filled Donuts
Skip the center hole and fill the cooked donuts with jam, custard, or chocolate cream.
Maple Glazed Donuts
Replace the milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a delicious maple topping.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
Approximate values based on 8 donuts.
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
Because they are air fried rather than deep fried, these donuts contain less fat and fewer calories than traditional donuts.
Storage
If you have leftover donuts, store them in an airtight container.
Room Temperature: up to 2 days
Refrigerator: up to 4 days
To reheat, place the donuts in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 minutes to refresh their texture.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade Air Fryer Donuts is an easy and fun way to enjoy a bakery-style treat without deep frying. With a soft interior, golden exterior, and endless topping possibilities, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack.
