Air fryer donuts are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts. They are light, fluffy, and coated in a sweet glaze, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Plus, using an air fryer means you get all the indulgence without the excess oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than deep-fried donuts with less oil
- Quick and easy to make with minimal mess
- Soft and fluffy with a deliciously crispy exterior
- Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt
- Can be customized with different toppings and fillings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Milk (for glaze)
- Sprinkles or toppings of choice
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donuts and a smaller cutter for the center holes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Coat the Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Add sprinkles or toppings if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set before serving, then enjoy your homemade air fryer donuts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Glaze: Swap the regular glaze for a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder to the powdered sugar and milk mixture.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of glazing, coat warm donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Filled Donuts: Fill with jam or custard using a piping bag for a bakery-style treat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months and thaw before glazing and serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent my donuts from being too dry?
Make sure not to overmix the dough, and avoid overcooking them in the air fryer.
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?
Yes, store-bought biscuit dough works well for a quick and easy alternative.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I air fry the donut holes?
Absolutely! Air fry them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Do I need to use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Not necessarily, but it can help prevent sticking if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
What if my glaze is too thin?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but it may make the donuts denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
How can I make them extra fluffy?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and do not overwork the dough.
Conclusion
Air fryer donuts are a simple, healthier way to enjoy a classic sweet treat. Whether you prefer them glazed, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or filled with delicious flavors, these donuts are sure to satisfy. With easy preparation and quick cook time, they’re perfect for a weekend breakfast or a delightful snack anytime. Try them out and enjoy homemade donuts with less oil and more flavor!
Print
Air Fryer Donuts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts + donut holes 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These quick and easy donuts are made with refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough, then air-fried to golden perfection. No need for deep frying—just a few minutes in the air fryer, and you’ll have warm, fluffy donuts that taste just like your favorite bakery!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Simple Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep the Donuts
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Open the biscuit dough and separate each piece.
- Use a small round cutter (or bottle cap) to cut out the center of each biscuit to create a donut shape. Save the holes for donut holes!
2️⃣ Air Fry the Donuts
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the donuts in a single layer, without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Remove and immediately brush with melted butter.
3️⃣ Add Toppings
- For Cinnamon Sugar: Mix sugar & cinnamon in a bowl, then dip each warm donut in the mixture.
- For Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Dip or drizzle over the donuts.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the donuts set for a minute, then enjoy them warm!
Notes
- Homemade Dough Option: Use yeast dough for a bakery-style donut.
- Chocolate Glaze: Mix ½ cup melted chocolate chips with 1 tbsp milk.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
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