The Fluffiest Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: Guilt-Free Sweet Bliss

Crispy, golden donuts straight from the air fryer delight every sweet tooth craving.

These homemade air fryer donuts bring bakery-style magic to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Forget complicated frying techniques that leave your countertop greasy and messy.

Simple ingredients and smart cooking transform basic dough into light, fluffy treats in minutes.

Anyone can master this recipe with basic baking skills and an air fryer.

The process is straightforward, requiring just a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes of your time.

You’ll love how these donuts emerge perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Prepare to indulge in a delectable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Solutions for Air Fryer Donuts

• Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap unfrosted donuts individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keep frozen for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Keep unglazed donuts in sealed container at cool room temperature for 1-2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm cold donuts in air fryer at 300F for 1-2 minutes to restore original texture and warmth. Avoid microwave as it can make donuts soggy.

FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but skip the proofing step since instant yeast activates immediately in the dough.

• Why is my dough not rising?

Ensure your milk is warm (not hot), yeast is fresh, and you’re in a draft-free area with consistent temperature. Cold environments can prevent proper rising.

• Do I need a special air fryer for this recipe?

No, any standard air fryer will work. Just ensure you have a 3-inch and 1-inch cutter for shaping the donuts and follow the recommended cooking temperature.

Air Fryer Donuts Sweet Standouts

• Whip Up Quick Homemade Treats: Air fryer donuts let you create delicious bakery-style pastries without complicated kitchen skills, perfect for sudden sweet cravings.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easy glaze and simple ingredients mean you can experiment with different sugar coatings, sprinkles, or alternative flavoring options to match your mood.
• Master Healthier Dessert Option: Air frying reduces oil content compared to traditional deep-frying, providing a lighter version of classic donuts that feels less guilty and more nutritious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Project: Involving kids in cutting shapes, mixing ingredients, and glazing creates fun shared moments while teaching basic baking techniques in an engaging, interactive way.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

• Warm Milk: The primary liquid that activates the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
• Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the donuts rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the donuts.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the donuts their shape and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides moisture and contributes to the donuts' tender crumb.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: A classic combination that creates a sweet, smooth coating for the donuts.
• Hot Water: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Easily

Step 1: Activate Yeast

In a cozy bowl, combine warm milk, a sprinkle of sugar, and yeast.

Let the mixture sit peacefully for about 10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy and alive with potential.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

• Remaining sugar
• Salt
• Egg
• Softened butter
• First two cups of flour

Mix gently, then gradually incorporate the final cup of flour until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

Step 3: Develop Dough Texture

Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 5 minutes.

Watch as it transforms into a silky, elastic marvel that’s ready for rising.

Step 4: Allow First Rise

Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest until it doubles in size, creating beautiful volume and flavor.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Donuts

Roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness.

Use a 3-inch cutter for the outer ring and a 1-inch cutter for the center, creating classic donut shapes with love and precision.

Step 6: Prepare Second Rise

Place shaped donuts in a warm spot.

Let them rise again for 30 minutes, becoming puffy and full of promise.

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection

Spritz the donuts with a light oil coating.

Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes, watching them turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Whip Up Irresistible Glaze

• Melting butter
• Stirring in sugar
• Adding vanilla
• Thinning with hot water until smooth and glossy

Step 9: Final Flourish

Dunk the warm donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip away.

Rest them on a wire rack to set, creating a beautiful, tempting treat that’s crispy outside and soft inside.

Tips for Light and Fluffy Donuts

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating soft, fluffy donuts.
• Knead just until smooth to prevent tough texture, keeping donuts tender and light.
• Spray donuts lightly with oil to help achieve golden-brown exterior and prevent sticking.
• Let donuts rise in warm, draft-free spot to help them double in size, ensuring proper texture and lightness.
• Dip donuts while still warm for best absorption and smoothest coating, allowing excess to drip off naturally.

Donut Flavor Variations for Air Fryer

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly option that maintains soft texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with flax egg or applesauce to create plant-based donuts.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor, creating a healthier breakfast treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar, and create a sugar-free glaze with cream cheese and sugar-free powdered sweetener for diabetic-friendly donuts.

Fun Ways to Serve Air Fryer Donuts

• Breakfast Bliss Plate: Serve warm donuts alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a decadent morning feast.
• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Complement donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an indulgent treat.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy these donuts with a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino for a classic flavor combination.
• Party Presentation: Create a donut tower by stacking glazed donuts on a tiered stand for stunning gatherings and celebrations.

Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy golden air fryer donuts bring bakery magic right into home kitchens with minimal effort. Delightful homemade treats satisfy sweet cravings while offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pastries you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 cup lukewarm milk (100°F / 37.8°C)
• 1 egg

Leavening and Sweeteners:

• 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Glaze and Finishing:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• Coconut oil spray

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
2. Incorporate the remaining sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, and gradually mix in the flour. Blend until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
3. Knead the dough using a medium-low speed for approximately 5 minutes. The texture should become smooth, elastic, and slightly springy to the touch.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use circular cutters to create donut shapes, removing the center to form the classic ring design.
6. Allow the shaped donuts to undergo a second rise for 30 minutes, during which they will become puffy and slightly larger.
7. Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 350°F. Lightly spray the donuts with cooking oil to ensure a crisp, golden exterior. Cook for 4 minutes, monitoring for even browning.
8. Create a quick glaze by melting butter and mixing with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Thin the mixture with hot water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Immediately dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set and let the glaze harden slightly before serving.

Notes

• Create a consistent dough temperature by using room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate perfectly and ensure even rising.
• Prevent sticking while rolling by lightly dusting work surface with flour, using gentle pressure to maintain dough’s soft texture.
• Customize glaze by adding flavor extracts like almond or maple for unique taste variations that complement the classic donut.
• Ensure donuts stay moist by not overcrowding air fryer basket, allowing proper air circulation and even golden-brown cooking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg