Oh, my friends, do I have a treat for you today! You know those mornings when you wake up with a craving for something sweet, something that feels like a special occasion, but the thought of actually baking from scratch feels like climbing Mount Everest? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly how I discovered these absolute gems: Air Fryer donuts. And let me tell you, they are a game-changer. Forget everything you *think* you know about homemade donuts. These are impossibly light, ridiculously quick, and seriously addictive. They’re the kind of thing that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you’ve ever loved a classic cake donut, imagine that, but ready in less time than it takes to brew your first cup of coffee. That’s the magic of these air fryer donuts!
What is an air fry donut
So, what exactly are Air Fryer donuts? Think of them as your favorite simple cake donut, but cooked using the magic of an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. This means you get that irresistible golden-brown exterior and a perfectly tender, cakey interior, but with a fraction of the oil and a whole lot less fuss. They’re essentially a shortcut to donut heaven. Instead of dealing with hot oil splattering everywhere and the whole messy cleanup process, your air fryer does all the heavy lifting. The hot circulating air creates that lovely crispness you expect from a donut, but in a way that’s so much more approachable for a weeknight treat or a spontaneous weekend breakfast. It’s a modern twist on a classic indulgence, making it totally achievable for anyone with an air fryer.
Why you’ll love this
What is the best air fryflavor is just spot on. They have that perfect balance of sweet and comforting, with a texture that’s tender and melt-in-your-mouth. They aren’t overly sweet on their own, which is brilliant because it leaves room for all those glorious toppings and glazes. And speaking of, the simplicity is where this recipe truly shines. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now. We’re talking flour, sugar, leavening agents, a bit of dairy, and some eggs. It comes together in a flash, and the Air Fryer does the heavy lifting. Plus, this is incredibly cost-efficient. Making donuts from scratch used to feel like a special occasion because of the effort and cost, but this method makes it so budget-friendly. What I love most is the versatility. Once you have the basic donut base down, the sky’s the limit for glazes and toppings! You can go classic vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon sugar, lemon glaze – seriously, anything your heart desires. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet at 10 pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake, or for a fun activity with the kids. Honestly, they disappear in minutes at my house, and my family asks for them all the time. They’re just a little bit of everyday magic!
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts
Quick Overview
The process is incredibly straightforward. You’ll whisk together your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients separately. Combine them just until they’re married, then spoon the batter into a greased donut pan (or use a piping bag for fun shapes!). Pop them into your preheated Air Fryer for just a few minutes until golden and puffed. Then, all that’s left is to let them cool slightly before glazing or dusting them with your favorite toppings. It’s so simple, so quick, and the results are truly spectacular.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
This is where the magic starts. You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s not self-rising; we’re adding our own lift!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, but don’t worry, they won’t be overly sweet.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is our key to fluffy, airy donuts!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a hint for that classic donut shop aroma.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Use good quality butter; it makes a difference.
- 1 large egg: At room temperature, if possible, it incorporates better.
- 3/4 cup milk: I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! Whole milk works beautifully too.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The soul of any good baked good!
For the Filling:
This is optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry are favorites): Choose a good quality, not-too-runny jam.
- Optional: A tablespoon of water or a squeeze of lemon juice if your jam is very thick.
For the Glaze:
The finishing touch!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream: Start with 2, add more only if needed for consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
- Optional: A few drops of food coloring for fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking and that lovely golden crust. While it’s heating up, get your donut pan ready. You can use a non-stick donut pan, or even a muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan – they’ll just be more like donut holes or mini muffins. Lightly grease your pan with cooking spray or a little bit of melted butter. This step is a lifesaver to prevent sticking!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Whisking well ensures everything is evenly distributed, which means your donuts will rise beautifully and have a consistent flavor throughout. You want to see a uniform, pale sandy color with no lumps of baking powder or salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t scorching hot when you add it to the egg, or it might scramble. Just warm is perfect. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where we add the moisture and richness that will make our donuts so tender.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. It’s super important not to overmix here! A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to tough donuts. We want tender, delicate air fryer donuts, so stop as soon as you don’t see big dry patches of flour.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you’re adding a filling, now’s the time to get it ready. If your jam is very thick, you can warm it slightly with a tablespoon of water or a squeeze of lemon juice until it’s a little more pourable. You want it thick enough not to leak out everywhere but thin enough to spoon in easily. This is what makes them feel extra special, like little surprises inside!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. If you’re filling them, spoon about a teaspoon of jam into the center of the batter. Then, gently spoon a little more batter on top of the jam to cover it completely. If you’re not filling them, just fill them two-thirds full. You can also make cute swirl patterns by lightly swirling a toothpick through the jam and batter if you want a visual effect before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Carefully place the donut pan into your preheated air fryer. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The exact time will vary depending on your air fryer model and how full you filled the molds. Keep an eye on them after about 6 minutes to prevent over-browning. They should be puffed up and golden brown on the edges.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Add more milk, just a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, or drizzle it over them. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, your air fryer donuts are ready to be enjoyed! If you filled them, you can gently slice one open to admire the jammy center. They are absolutely divine served warm or at room temperature. I love them just as they are, or with a hot cup of coffee. They are perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake!
What to Serve It With
These air fryer donuts are so versatile, they fit into almost any meal or craving. For Breakfast, they are simply divine alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice. I love serving them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple elegance that doesn’t overpower the morning. For Brunch, you can elevate them by adding a variety of toppings – think a drizzle of chocolate ganache, some fresh berries on the side, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They make a beautiful addition to any brunch spread, adding a touch of fun and sweetness. As Dessert, these little delights can be truly spectacular. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of fruit compote. They’re a perfect light dessert that feels decadent without being heavy. For Cozy Snacks, they’re your best friend. Honestly, on a rainy afternoon or when you just need a little pick-me-up, one of these donuts with a cup of tea is pure comfort. My family tradition is to have them on Saturday mornings, and the smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Donuts
I’ve made these air fryer donuts countless times, and through trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think will help you achieve donut perfection every single time. First, regarding the Zucchini Prep – if you’re tempted to add zucchini to these for moisture and a healthier spin (which is a fantastic variation!), make absolutely sure you wring out as much liquid as possible. Grate the zucchini, then wrap it in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! Any excess water will make your batter too thin. For Mixing Advice, I can’t stress enough: do NOT overmix the batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients meet, fold them together gently until just combined. A few tiny lumps are better than a tough donut. For Swirl Customization, if you’re filling them with jam, don’t be afraid to get creative. You can dollop the jam in and then gently swirl it with a toothpick to create beautiful patterns within the donut. It adds a lovely visual element. For Ingredient Swaps, if you’re out of milk, you can use buttermilk or even yogurt thinned with a little water for extra tenderness. For Baking Tips, know your air fryer! Some run hotter than others. It’s always best to start checking for doneness a few minutes early. If they’re browning too quickly on top, you can loosely tent them with foil. And for Glaze Variations, don’t be afraid to experiment! A simple chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk is always a winner. Or try a maple glaze by swapping milk for maple syrup and a touch of butter. You can even add citrus zest for a bright flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but life happens, and sometimes you have leftovers! If you have any that mysteriously survived, here’s how to store them. Room Temperature: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They might lose a little crispness, but they’ll still be delicious. For unfrosted or powdered sugar dusted donuts, they’ll also keep for about 2 days. I usually cover them loosely with plastic wrap if it’s just a few. Refrigerator Storage: If your kitchen is warm or you plan to keep them for longer than 2 days, the refrigerator is your best bet. Store them in an airtight container. They’ll typically last for up to 4-5 days. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes make the texture a bit more dense. Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, these air fryer donuts freeze beautifully! Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. For reheating, you can pop them in a warm oven (around 250°F/120°C) for a few minutes to refresh them, or simply enjoy them at room temperature. Glaze Timing Advice: It’s always best to glaze your donuts just before serving or after they’ve cooled completely. If you store glazed donuts, the glaze can become sticky or melt slightly, especially in warmer temperatures. For donuts you plan to freeze, it’s best to glaze them after they’ve thawed and been reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these air fryer donuts have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re just so incredibly satisfying, and the fact that they’re this easy to make is still a little bit of a miracle to me. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a fun baking project with the kids, or just a way to satisfy that sweet craving without a lot of fuss, this recipe is a winner. It’s proof that you don’t need a professional bakery or hours of time to create something truly special and delicious. Give them a try, and I have a feeling they’ll become a favorite in your home too. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to share your amazing creations and any fun flavor variations you come up with in the comments below. Happy baking, everyone!
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 0.75 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan or use non-stick spray.
- Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- If making the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze.
