Air Fryer Donuts

Share your love

It’s funny isn’t it how food brings back memories and somehow one small bite can take you back to a whole moment in your life so for me these Air Fryer Donuts remind me of a lazy Sunday morning with my family when we decided to try something new and honestly I didn’t expect much but then everything changed because the first batch well it was a disaster and I slightly burned them and I remember thinking okay great typical me but then I tried again and somehow they turned out soft and golden and actually really good so I was surprised and also a little proud

And you know what made it even better was how everyone gathered around the kitchen and my kids kept asking are they ready yet and my answer was always just wait a little more and that smell filling the house was everything so have you ever had a moment like that where something simple turns into a special memory because if not then trust me you’re in the right place and even if your first try isn’t perfect that’s kind of the fun part right because cooking at home isn’t about perfection but it’s about those little moments and small wins and maybe a few burnt donuts along the way

Homemade air fryer donuts golden and light with sugar topping styled on a white table in natural soft lighting

🍩 Air Fryer Donuts

Air Fryer Donuts are soft, fluffy, and super delicious treats made without deep frying. Instead of using lots of oil, we use an air fryer to cook them until golden and slightly crispy outside while staying soft inside. They taste just like bakery donuts but are much easier to make at home—and less messy too!

🥛 What to Eat with Air Fryer Donuts?

These donuts are amazing on their own, but you can make them even better with a few extras. Serve them with a glass of cold milk 🥛, hot chocolate 🍫, or coffee ☕. You can also add fresh fruits like strawberries 🍓 or bananas 🍌 for a balanced snack. Want to go extra? Dip them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or glaze 😍.

🛒 INGREDIENTS: for 🍩 Air Fryer Donuts

🍞 For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk 🥛
  • 1 egg 🥚
  • 2 tbsp melted butter 🧈
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

✨ For Topping:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

👩‍🍳How to make🍩Air Fryer Donuts?

1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix everything well so it’s evenly combined.

2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

3️⃣ Make the Dough

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4️⃣ Knead the Dough

Place the dough on a clean surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes. It should become smooth and stretchy.

5️⃣ Let It Rise ⏳

Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

6️⃣ Shape the Donuts 🍩

Roll the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a glass or donut cutter to cut shapes. Use a smaller cutter for the hole.

7️⃣ Second Rest

Place donuts on a tray and let them rest for 15–20 minutes so they puff up nicely.

8️⃣ Air Fry Time 🔥

Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Spray the basket lightly.
Place donuts inside (don’t overcrowd).
Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden.

9️⃣ Add Topping ✨

Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll them in sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Freshly made air fryer donuts arranged on a white plate with minimal styling and bright food blogger aesthetic

🧰 Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls 🥣
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Donut cutter or glass
  • Kitchen towel
  • Pastry brush

💡 Helpful Notes

  • 🌡️ Milk should be warm, not hot (important for yeast!)
  • 🍩 Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
  • ⏱️ Keep an eye on cooking time—air fryers vary
  • 🎨 You can decorate with glaze, chocolate, or sprinkles
  • 👶 Kids can help shape and coat donuts (fun activity!)

🧊 How to Store Leftovers?

  • Let the donuts cool completely first
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
  • Keep in the fridge up to 5 days

🔥 Reheat:

  • Air fryer: 2–3 minutes
  • Microwave: 10–15 seconds

❓ FAQ

🤔 Can I make these without yeast?

Yes, but they’ll be more like biscuit donuts, not fluffy.

❄️ Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze up to 2 months and reheat in an air fryer.

😕 Why didn’t my dough rise?

Your yeast may be old, or the milk too hot.

🌾 Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but mix half with white flour for a better texture.

🍯 Can I make glaze?

Yes! Mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla.

🍫 Can I fill them?

Yes! Add chocolate or jam after cooking.

🥗 Are they healthier?

They use less oil than fried donuts 👍

👨‍👩‍👧 Can kids help?

Yes! It’s a fun and safe recipe for kids.

🎉 Conclusion.

Air Fryer Donuts are one of the easiest and most fun treats you can make at home. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for any time of the day. Plus, using an air fryer makes everything quicker and cleaner.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends 💌 and subscribe to the blog 📝 for more easy, trendy, and delicious recipes just like this one! 🍩✨

Air Fryer Donuts

Recipe by NatashaCourse: Dessert / SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10–12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

minutes
Calories

220

kcal

Ingredients

  • 🍞 For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¾ cup warm milk 🥛

  • 1 egg 🥚

  • 2 tbsp melted butter 🧈

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ✨ For Topping:

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Directions

  • Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, then stir everything together so it’s well combined. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while stirring until a soft dough forms.
  • Next, knead the dough on a clean surface for about 8–10 minutes. This helps make the donuts soft and fluffy. Once the dough is smooth, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  • After the dough has risen, roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out donut shapes. If you want the classic donut hole, use a smaller cutter in the center. Place the donuts on a tray and let them rest for another 15–20 minutes so they can puff up a bit more.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place a few donuts in the basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook them for about 5–6 minutes until they are golden brown. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Once cooked, brush the donuts with melted butter and roll them in sugar or cinnamon sugar while they are still warm. This helps the topping stick and gives it that classic sweet coating.

Notes

  • 🌡️ Milk should be warm, not hot (important for yeast!)
    🍩 Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
    ⏱️ Keep an eye on cooking time—air fryers vary
    🎨 You can decorate with glaze, chocolate, or sprinkles
    👶 Kids can help shape and coat donuts (fun activity!)
Share your love