Air Fryer Donuts: Easy, Delicious, and Healthier Homemade Treats

Who doesn’t love a freshly made donut? With an air fryer, you can whip up delicious air fryer donuts in no time, with less oil and fewer calories than traditional fried versions. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned baker, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create fluffy, golden donuts that taste just as indulgent as store-bought ones.

Air Fryer Donuts A Sweet Treat Made Simple

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

Making air fryer donuts doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients. You’ll likely have most of these in your pantry:

For the Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
1/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough soft and tender.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
1 large egg: Binds the dough together.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the donuts.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.

For the Topping:

1/4 cup melted butter: Helps the sugar coating stick.
1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon: For that classic donut finish.

These ingredients are simple but deliver big on flavor.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Having the right tools can make preparing air fryer donuts much easier:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
Whisk or Fork: To mix and activate the yeast.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
Donut Cutter or Round Cookie Cutters: For shaping the donuts.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking in the air fryer basket.
Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying melted butter.
Air Fryer: The star of the show, delivering evenly cooked donuts with minimal oil.

These basic tools will have you ready to fry up a batch of perfect donuts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Donuts

Creating delicious air fryer donuts at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple, detailed steps to guarantee your donuts are fluffy, golden, and packed with flavor.

Prepare the Dough

The foundation of any good donut is the dough. Here’s how to prepare it:

Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, so start over with fresh yeast.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 large egg.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Pro Tip: If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, but don’t overdo it. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.

Let the Dough Rise

Letting the dough rise is crucial for achieving fluffy donuts.

Grease a Bowl: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat the surface.
Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out.
Warm Spot: Place the bowl in a warm spot (like near a sunny window or a pre-warmed, turned-off oven). Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, preheat your oven to 200°F, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.

Shape the Donuts

This is where your donuts take form:

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Cut the Donuts: Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (e.g., a glass and a small bottle cap) to cut out donut shapes.
Save the Centers: Keep the centers to make donut holes!

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a donut cutter, use any round objects with different sizes, like a mason jar lid for the outer circle and a shot glass for the inner circle.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating guarantees even cooking:

Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the Basket: Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Use perforated parchment paper for better air circulation, or poke a few holes in regular parchment paper.

Cook the Donuts

It’s time to air fry those donuts to perfection:

Arrange in the Basket: Place the donuts in the basket, leaving space between them to allow for airflow. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air Fry: Cook the donuts for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the first batch to adjust the timing for subsequent ones, as air fryer models can vary slightly.

Add the Topping

The finishing touch makes all the difference:

Brush with Butter: While the donuts are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each donut in the mixture until fully coated.

Pro Tip: For variety, dip some donuts in powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or a drizzle of caramel.

Serve and Enjoy

Your air fryer donuts are ready to be devoured:

Serve Warm: Serve the donuts immediately for the best texture and flavor. Warm donuts have a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.
Store for Later: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Pro Tip: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

This detailed guide guarantees your air fryer donuts are easy to prepare, perfectly cooked, and absolutely irresistible!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

Activate the Yeast: Make sure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. If it doesn’t foam, start over.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the donuts in small batches to guarantee even air circulation.
Flip for Even Cooking: Flip the donuts halfway through air frying to brown both sides evenly.
Customize the Coating: Experiment with powdered sugar or chocolate glaze for variety.

Variations of Air Fryer Donuts

One of the best things about air fryer donuts is how easy they are to customize:

Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Dip the donuts in melted chocolate and let them set before serving.
Jelly-Filled Donuts: Inject jam or jelly into the donuts after cooking for a sweet surprise.
Maple Bacon Donuts: Top with a maple glaze and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top.
Vegan Air Fryer Donuts: Substitute milk, butter, and eggs with plant-based alternatives.

Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Donuts

One of the best things about air fryer donuts is that they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried donuts.

Lower in Calories: By skipping the deep fryer, air fryer donuts have fewer calories and fat while still maintaining a golden, crispy texture.
Less Oil: Air frying requires minimal oil, reducing the fat content significantly.
Customizable Ingredients: Homemade air fryer donuts let you control the sugar and choose better-quality ingredients, making them a cleaner treat.
Portion Control: It’s easy to make smaller batches, so you’re not tempted to overindulge.

These benefits make air fryer donuts a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your air fryer donuts fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.

Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them away from heat and moisture to prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration: If you’ve added perishable toppings like cream or jelly, refrigerate the donuts in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place the donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating Tip: Revive your donuts by popping them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. This crisps them up and restores their fresh-from-the-fryer taste.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Donuts

Air fryer donuts are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

Classic Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a timeless treat.
Glazed Perfection: Drizzle with vanilla glaze or chocolate ganache for a bakery-style finish.
Toppings Galore: Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra flair.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for the perfect breakfast or snack.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the donuts in half and fill them with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

These ideas add variety to your donut experience, making them perfect for any occasion.

FAQs

Can you do donuts in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryer donuts cook evenly and quickly, delivering a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior without the need for deep frying.

Are air fried donuts better than deep fried?

Air fryer donuts are a healthier option because they require significantly less oil. They’re also easier to clean up, but some might miss the slightly richer flavor of traditional deep-fried donuts.

Is it better to bake or fry donuts?

Air frying combines the best of both worlds. You get the crispy texture of fried donuts with the ease and health benefits of baking.

How do you crisp things in an air fryer?

To crisp foods in an air fryer, set it to a high temperature (around 375-400°F) and cook for a short time. A light coating of oil can improve the crispiness.

A Beginner’s Guide to Air Fryer Donuts

If you’re new to air frying, making air fryer donuts is a great place to start:

Use Pre-Made Dough: Crescent roll or biscuit dough simplifies the process.
Don’t Overcrowd: Space the donuts evenly in the air fryer basket to allow for proper airflow.
Flip for Even Cooking: Turn the donuts halfway through cooking for consistent browning.
Practice Timing: Start with the recommended time and check the donuts early to avoid overcooking.

With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up perfect air fryer donuts in no time.

Advanced Tips for Air Fryer Donut Enthusiasts

For experienced cooks looking to up their donut game, try these advanced techniques:

Homemade Dough: Make your dough from scratch to customize flavors and textures.
Flavor Infusions: Add citrus zest, vanilla bean, or spices like nutmeg to the dough for a gourmet touch.
Creative Fillings: Pipe jam, custard, or chocolate into the donuts after cooking.
Experiment with Glazes: Try maple, espresso, or salted caramel glazes for variety.
Perfecting Texture: Brush the donuts lightly with oil before air frying for an extra-crispy exterior.

These tips will take your air fryer donuts to the next level, making them bakery-quality at home.

The Appeal of Air Fryer Donuts

Air fryer donuts offer an irresistible combination of convenience, health benefits, and flavor. They’re quicker to make than baked or fried donuts, with less mess and cleanup. Plus, they’re perfect for customizing to suit any taste or occasion, whether it’s a casual breakfast or a holiday gathering.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Donuts

When it comes to air fryer donuts, making them at home has distinct advantages:

Homemade Donuts

Customizable Flavors: Choose your own glazes, toppings, and fillings.
Healthier Ingredients: Control the amount of sugar and oil used.
Freshness: Nothing beats a donut fresh out of the air fryer.

Store-Bought Donuts

Convenience: Great for when you’re short on time.
Consistent Results: Perfectly shaped and pre-flavored donuts without the effort.

Pro Tip: Combine store-bought dough with homemade toppings to save time while keeping a personal touch.

Conclusion

Making air fryer donuts is a fun and rewarding experience that delivers delicious results without the guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re enjoying them plain, glazed, or with creative toppings, these donuts are a versatile treat perfect for any occasion.

So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of warm, fluffy, and irresistible air fryer donuts today!