Easy Air Fryer Donuts – Fluffy, Delicious, and Quick

There is nothing quite like a freshly made donut—soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. But let’s be honest: traditional deep-fried donuts, while delicious, can be time-consuming, messy, and loaded with oil. That’s where air fryer donuts come in! They provide the same irresistible texture and taste but with far less oil, making them a healthier and easier alternative. If you’ve never made donuts at home before, don’t worry—this recipe is designed to be simple, quick, and foolproof.

Making donuts in the air fryer is not only a healthier choice but also a game-changer for convenience. There’s no need for a big pot of hot oil, no deep-frying mess to clean up, and no waiting for the dough to rise if you’re using a quick batter. If you have kids, they’ll love helping decorate the donuts with their favorite toppings. Whether you’re making these for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special treat, these air fryer donuts will be a guaranteed hit.

Now, let’s dive into why you’re going to love this recipe and why these donuts should become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These air fryer donuts check all the boxes: they’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your must-make list:

1. Healthier Than Deep-Fried Donuts

Traditional donuts are deep-fried in oil, which adds unnecessary fat and calories. With an air fryer, you get the same golden-brown exterior and fluffy inside without the extra grease. It’s a lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.

2. Quick & Easy – No Yeast Required

Some donut recipes require yeast and long rising times, but not this one. Using baking powder as the leavening agent makes the process super fast. In just 15 minutes of prep time and 5-7 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have fresh, homemade donuts without the hassle.

3. Customizable & Fun to Decorate

One of the best things about making donuts at home is that you can personalize them however you like. Coat them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle them with chocolate, or dip them in a simple vanilla glaze. The options are endless!

4. Great for All Ages

Kids love donuts, and they’ll have a blast helping make and decorate these. Plus, they’re small enough to be the perfect portion size for little hands.

Health Benefits

While donuts are typically considered an indulgent treat, making them in an air fryer offers some surprising health advantages. Here’s why these donuts are a better choice compared to their deep-fried counterparts:

1. Lower in Fat and Calories

Deep-fried donuts absorb a significant amount of oil, increasing their calorie and fat content. Air-fried donuts use little to no oil, significantly reducing the overall fat intake. This makes them a great option for those watching their calorie consumption.

2. Less Processed Ingredients

Store-bought donuts often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy fats. Making your own donuts at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you’re using high-quality, wholesome products.

3. Can Be Made with Healthier Substitutes

If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value of your donuts, you can make simple swaps such as:

• Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for extra fiber.
• Substituting coconut sugar or honey in place of refined sugar.
• Using almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy for a plant-based option.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Servings: 6 donuts

Nutritional Information (Per Donut)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 12g

Now that you know what to expect in terms of time and nutrition, let’s move on to the ingredient list!

Ingredients List

To make these easy air fryer donuts, you’ll need:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan version)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for added richness)

For the Toppings:

You can get creative with toppings, but here are a few ideas:

• Cinnamon sugar: ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Chocolate glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder + 1-2 tablespoons milk
• Classic vanilla glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for extra texture

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense.

2. Shape the Donuts

• If you have a piping bag, transfer the batter into it and pipe circles onto a lightly greased piece of parchment paper. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to shape the batter into rings.
• If using a donut mold, fill each cavity about ¾ full.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.

4. Cook the Donuts

• Place the donut molds or shaped batter into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each donut for even cooking.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Insert a toothpick into the donuts—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

5. Let Them Cool

• Once cooked, remove the donuts and let them cool for a couple of minutes on a wire rack.

6. Add Toppings

• Brush the donuts with melted butter and coat them in cinnamon sugar, or dip them into your favorite glaze.
• Let the glaze set for a minute before serving.

How to Serve

Once your air fryer donuts are ready and topped with your favorite glaze or coating, it’s time to enjoy them. While these donuts are absolutely delicious on their own, there are plenty of creative ways to serve them for an even better experience.

1. Serve Them Fresh and Warm

• The best way to enjoy air fryer donuts is fresh out of the fryer, when they’re still warm, soft, and slightly crisp on the outside.
• If you’ve added a glaze, let it set for a minute before taking that first bite so you can fully appreciate the balance of flavors and textures.

2. Pair with a Hot Beverage

Donuts and coffee are a classic combination, but you can also serve them with other drinks. Some great options include:

• Hot coffee or espresso – The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Chai latte – Spiced chai complements cinnamon or vanilla-glazed donuts perfectly.
• Hot chocolate – A rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with chocolate-glazed donuts.
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy) – A classic pairing, especially for kids!

3. Make a Dessert Platter

If you’re serving a group, consider making an assorted platter with different flavors and toppings. Include:

• Chocolate-glazed donuts with sprinkles.
• Cinnamon sugar-coated donuts.
• Vanilla-glazed donuts with crushed nuts.
• Maple-glazed donuts with a drizzle of caramel.

4. Turn Them Into a Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

Slice a donut in half and add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between the layers. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

5. Use Them as a Base for Other Desserts

• Strawberry shortcake: Slice the donuts and layer them with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
• Donut bread pudding: If you have leftover donuts, cut them into pieces and bake them into a bread pudding.
• French toast donuts: Dip leftover donuts in a mixture of egg, milk, and cinnamon, then pan-fry for a unique breakfast twist.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing your homemade air fryer donuts with the right side dishes, beverages, and complementary flavors can elevate your eating experience. Here are some pairing ideas to make the most of your donuts.

1. Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right drink to go with your donuts enhances the overall taste and enjoyment. Some excellent pairings include:

• Black coffee or espresso – The strong, slightly bitter taste balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Iced coffee or cold brew – Perfect for a refreshing contrast to warm donuts.
• Matcha latte – The earthy notes of matcha complement vanilla or chocolate-glazed donuts.
• Chilled almond milk or oat milk – A creamy, neutral option that pairs well with all donut flavors.
• Fresh fruit smoothies – A great way to add some nutrition while enjoying your treat.

2. Breakfast Pairings

If you want to include these donuts in a breakfast spread, consider adding:

• Scrambled eggs and turkey bacon – To balance out the sweetness with some savory flavors.
• Greek yogurt with fresh fruit – A lighter pairing that adds a refreshing contrast.
• Oatmeal or granola – A hearty side that pairs well with a donut and coffee.

3. Dessert Pairings

For a more decadent experience, try pairing air fryer donuts with:

• Chocolate fondue – Dip your donuts into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutella spread – A rich and creamy complement, especially for plain or vanilla-glazed donuts.
• Whipped cream and berries – A light and fruity contrast that enhances the flavors.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftover donuts or want to make a batch ahead of time, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your air fryer donuts for the best results.

1. How to Store Air Fryer Donuts

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the donuts within 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents them from drying out.
• Refrigeration: If you need to keep them for 3-4 days, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. However, refrigeration can sometimes make the texture slightly denser.

2. How to Freeze Air Fryer Donuts

Air fryer donuts freeze well, making them a great make-ahead treat. Follow these steps:

1. Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Transfer the frozen donuts to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and store them for up to 3 months.

3. How to Reheat Air Fryer Donuts

When you’re ready to enjoy your donuts again, here’s how to reheat them for the best texture:

• Air Fryer: Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Oven: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they may become chewy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure perfect donuts every time.

1. Overmixing the Batter

• Overmixing causes the donuts to become dense and tough. Mix the ingredients just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer

• A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking. Always allow the air fryer to heat up for a couple of minutes before adding the donuts.

3. Overcrowding the Basket

• Cooking too many donuts at once prevents proper airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Make sure to leave some space between each donut.

4. Not Greasing the Air Fryer Basket or Molds

• Even though air fryers use less oil, some batters can stick. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or donut molds to prevent sticking.

5. Skipping the Cooling Time

• Let the donuts cool slightly before adding glaze; otherwise, it may become too runny and not set properly.

Pro Tips

Want to take your air fryer donuts to the next level? Try these expert tips:

1. Use a Piping Bag for Evenly Shaped Donuts

• If you don’t have a donut mold, piping the batter in circles on parchment paper makes shaping easier.

2. Experiment with Different Glazes and Toppings

• Try peanut butter glaze, caramel drizzle, or crushed freeze-dried berries for unique flavors.

3. Brush with Melted Butter for Extra Flavor

• A light coating of butter before adding toppings helps the sugar or glaze stick better.

4. Make Donut Holes for Bite-Sized Treats

• Scoop small portions of batter and air fry for 4-5 minutes to create donut holes.

5. Try a Healthier Version

• Use whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or non-dairy milk for a healthier alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Pipe or spoon the batter onto parchment paper in small circles, and they will still form a ring shape.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

3. How do I prevent my donuts from drying out?

Don’t overbake them! Check them at the 5-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Making homemade air fryer donuts is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy a delicious treat without the mess and extra oil of deep frying. With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you can create soft, fluffy donuts that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon sugar coating, a rich chocolate glaze, or a fun sprinkle topping, this recipe is completely customizable to suit your cravings.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later, share it with friends, and leave a comment below with your thoughts. Happy baking!

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