Air Fryer Donuts: The Perfect Way to Enjoy Homemade Treats

A Sweet and Healthier Alternative

Few things can compare to the joy of biting into a warm, fluffy donut. Now, imagine creating that magic right in your kitchen—without the guilt of deep frying. Air Fryer Donuts are the perfect combination of indulgence and practicality. They’re golden, soft, and dipped in a luscious glaze, but they’re cooked with far less oil than traditional donuts. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet morning or impressing friends and family with your baking skills, air fryer donuts are a game-changer.

Let’s explore how you can make these irresistible treats at home, step by step.

Why Make Donuts in an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer to make donuts offers plenty of benefits:

• Healthier Alternative: Traditional fried donuts absorb a lot of oil, but air fryer donuts achieve the same golden crispiness with just a light spray of coconut oil.
• Less Mess: No dealing with a pot of hot oil or cleaning up greasy splatters.
• Quick and Easy: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time, letting you enjoy fresh donuts faster.
• Homemade Fun: Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own warm donuts from scratch.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the donuts and glaze:

For the Donuts

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Lukewarm milk	1 cup (100°F)	Activates the yeast
Active dry yeast	2½ tsp.	Helps the dough rise
White sugar	¼ cup + 1 tsp.	Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast
Salt	½ tsp.	Enhances the flavor
Egg	1	Adds richness and structure
Unsalted melted butter	¼ cup	Provides moisture and flavor
Plain flour	3 cups	The base for your dough
Coconut oil spray	As needed	For air frying

For the Glaze

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Butter (melted)	6 Tbsp.	Adds richness to the glaze
Powdered sugar	2 cups	For the perfect sweet coating
Vanilla extract	2 tsp.	Adds depth of flavor
Hot water	4 Tbsp.	Thins out the glaze

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

Follow these steps to create perfectly fluffy and golden donuts that taste like they’re straight from a bakery.

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and active dry yeast.
• Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy, which means the yeast is activated.

2. Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the Dough

• Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.

4. Let the Dough Rise

• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
• Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1–1.5 hours.

5. Shape the Donuts

• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
• Use a 3-inch round cutter for the donuts and a 1-inch cutter for the centers. (You can save the centers to make donut holes!)

6. Let the Donuts Rise Again

• Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

7. Air Fry the Donuts

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray.
• Place a few donuts in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops with oil as well.
• Air fry for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

8. Make the Glaze

• In a medium bowl, melt the butter.
• Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add the hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

9. Dip and Serve

• Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
• Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set. If desired, garnish with sprinkles or extra powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

• Use Lukewarm Milk: Too hot, and the milk can kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air circulation is key to even cooking, so fry in batches if necessary.
• Check the Donuts Frequently: Air fryers can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on the donuts to avoid overcooking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or cinnamon sugar for a personalized touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per donut (glazed):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	16g
Protein	4g

Fun Variations to Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few creative takes on your air fryer donuts:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base, and glaze with melted chocolate.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of glazing them.
• Filled Donuts: Pipe the centers with your favorite fillings, like jelly, Nutella, or custard.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple extract for a unique twist.

FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated beforehand. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

2. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Shape the donuts and let them rise again before air frying.

3. How do I store leftover donuts?

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts and reheat in the air fryer when ready to eat.

4. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating your air fryer ensures the donuts cook evenly and develop a golden color.

5. Can I bake these donuts instead?

Absolutely! Bake them in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion: Make Air Fryer Donuts Part of Your Baking Repertoire

There’s something magical about creating warm, fluffy donuts at home—and with an air fryer, it’s easier and healthier than ever. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, Air Fryer Donuts are sure to impress. Plus, with so many variations to explore, you’ll never get bored of this delightful recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Pull out your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and let the donut-making adventure begin!

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