Air Fryer Donuts

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Donuts: Crispy, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Easy!

There’s something magical about homemade donuts—the way the kitchen fills with the warm, yeasty aroma of dough rising, the satisfying crisp of the first bite into a golden-brown exterior, and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside. I first tried making Air Fryer Donuts on a lazy Sunday morning when my craving for something sweet collided with my reluctance to deep-fry. The result? A batch of light, fluffy donuts with just the right amount of crispiness—no messy oil required!

These donuts quickly became a family favorite, especially when topped with a rich chocolate glaze or a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and delivers bakery-quality donuts in minutes—right from your air fryer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier than deep-fried donuts—less oil, same incredible taste!
Quick & easy—no waiting for yeast dough to rise for hours.
Customizable—dip in glaze, roll in sugar, or add sprinkles for fun.
Kid-friendly—perfect for little helpers to shape and decorate.
No special equipment needed—just an air fryer and basic pantry staples.

The Picky Eater Who Fell in Love

My nephew, a notorious “no-dessert-unless-it’s-chocolate” kid, surprised us all when he devoured three of these donuts in one sitting. His verdict? “Better than the store!” Even my skeptical sister—who avoids anything fried—adored how light and airy they were. Now, it’s our go-to weekend treat.

What Makes These Donuts Special

Yeast-raised dough—creates an airy, tender crumb (no cakey texture here!).
Melted butter & vanilla—adds richness and depth of flavor.
Chocolate glaze—smooth, silky, and just sweet enough.
Air fryer magic—gives a crisp exterior without greasiness.

Making It Happen: Step-by-Step

Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit until frothy—this ensures your donuts rise beautifully.
Mix the Dough – Stir together flour and sugar, then add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Knead until smooth and no longer sticky.
Let It Rise – Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes—this is when the magic happens, and the dough becomes pillowy soft.
Shape the Donuts – Roll out the dough, cut into 4-inch circles, and use a small cutter (or bottle cap) for the centers. Don’t forget the donut holes—they’re the best part!
Second Rise – Let the cut donuts rest for another 30 minutes while you preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
Air Fry to Perfection – Cook in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 3–5 minutes until golden. The donut holes take just 2–3 minutes.
Glaze & Enjoy – Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and water for a luscious chocolate glaze. Dip while warm and top with sprinkles!

You Must Know: Pro Tips for Success

✔ Milk temperature matters—too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t activate it. Aim for 100°F (like warm bath water).
✔ Don’t skip the rise time—this ensures fluffy, light donuts.
✔ Air fry in batches—overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
✔ Spray the basket—prevents sticking (or use parchment paper).
✔ Glaze while warm—it clings better for a smooth, glossy finish.

Serving Ideas

Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a sweet contrast.
For brunch, add a side of crispy bacon—sweet and salty perfection!

Make It Different: Customizations

Cinnamon Sugar – Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Vanilla Glaze – Skip cocoa powder for a classic vanilla dip.
Vegan – Use plant-based milk, butter, and a flax egg.
Baked Option – No air fryer? Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (best fresh!).
Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to revive crispiness.
Freeze unglazed donuts—thaw and warm before glazing.

Donut Success Secrets

Knead well—this develops gluten for structure.
Check doneness—donuts should sound hollow when tapped.
Experiment with toppings—crushed nuts, coconut, or drizzled caramel!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes! Use the same amount—no need to activate it first.

Q: Why are my donuts dense?
A: Likely under-kneaded or over-proofed. Stick to the rise times!

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes! Refrigerate overnight after the first rise, then shape and proof before frying.

Q: Can I use a donut pan in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Just reduce cooking time slightly.

Q: What if I don’t have a cutter?
A: Use a glass for the outer circle and a shot glass for the hole.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins (includes rising)
Category: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8–10 donuts

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 cup warm milk (about 100°F)
2 ½ tsp. active dry yeast
½ cup + 1 tsp. granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
¼ cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 ½ tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 ½ tbsp. water

Instructions

Activate yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp. sugar. Let sit until foamy (~5 mins).
In a large bowl, mix flour and remaining sugar. Add milk mixture, egg, butter, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 mins until smooth. Let rise for 30 mins.
Roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut 4-inch circles, then cut out centers.
Let donuts rise another 30 mins. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Air fry in batches for 3–5 mins until golden. Donut holes take 2–3 mins.
For glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and water. Dip warm donuts.

Notes

Don’t skip the rise times for fluffy donuts.
Donut holes cook faster—keep an eye on them!
For sugar glaze, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and hot water.

Tools You’ll Need

Air fryer
Rolling pin
Round cutters

Allergy Info

Contains: Gluten, dairy, eggs

Nutrition (per donut)

Calories: 238kcal | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g