Name: Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-492661H6M22S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Warm Water; 3 Cups All Purpose Flour; 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast; 4 Large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened and cut into small cubes); Vegetable Oil or Nonstick Spray (for greasing); 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder; 3 tablespoons Milk; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon; 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2-4 tablespoons Hot Water

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 58 reviews

If you have a soft spot for fresh, fluffy donuts but want a quicker, less greasy way to enjoy them, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe! It’s a fantastic twist on classic homemade donuts, using the magic of the air fryer to deliver golden brown, tender donuts with a fraction of the oil. From the perfectly risen dough to the luscious chocolate and vanilla glazes or that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, this recipe is a joyful celebration of flavor and texture that will brighten up any morning or snack time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl with a handle holds four cracked eggs with bright orange yolks, a pile of white flour, and granulated white sugar, positioned on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a clear glass bowl contains several empty brown eggshell halves, and another empty clear glass bowl sits above the mixing bowl. Small clear containers with white powdery ingredients surround the setup, creating a clean and organized scene for baking preparation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a breeze thanks to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the final product. From the flour that creates the perfect chewy base to the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully, every item is essential for those dreamy donuts.

Warm water: Activates the yeast, which is key for a good rise and fluffy texture.
All purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, giving structure and chewiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast to help with fermentation.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the donuts rise and become airy.
Large eggs: Provide richness and contribute to the tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture, flavor and a tender crumb when incorporated into the dough.
Vegetable oil or nonstick spray: Used to grease surfaces, ensuring the donuts don’t stick during preparation and cooking.
Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk: For the silky smooth chocolate glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Granulated sugar and cinnamon: Classic combination for the cinnamon sugar coating that sticks beautifully thanks to melted butter.
Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water: The ingredients for a rich, pourable vanilla glaze that adds a sweet, aromatic finish.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water with the active dry yeast and let it rest for about 5 minutes in a warm spot. This simple step wakes up your yeast and ensures your donuts will have that perfect rise and fluffy crumb.

Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast mixture, eggs, and salt. Whether you use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand, this step begins forming your beautiful dough. If your dough feels a little too wet, gently sprinkle in more flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

With the mixer running on medium speed, add softened butter gradually. This slow addition allows the dough to absorb the fat fully, leading to the tender and rich texture of your final donuts. Continue kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic, or knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to double in size. Depending on your kitchen temperature, this can take about an hour or longer. The rise is the foundation for airy, light donuts that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Chill the Dough Overnight

After punching down the risen dough, refrigerate it for 24 hours. This slow fermentation deepens the flavor and helps develop exquisite texture — a little wait that’s totally worth it for the best Air Fryer Donuts Recipe results.

Step 6: Cut the Donuts

Roll your dough to about half an inch thick on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or a 3.5-inch round cutter to shape your donuts and a smaller cutter for the holes. These perfectly shaped rings are ready to rise again and puff up deliciously.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place your cut donuts and holes on parchment-lined trays, cover loosely, and let them rise for another hour. This step ensures they become light and airy inside before air frying.

Step 8: Prepare Your Toppings

While the donuts rise, whip up your toppings. Mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk for the chocolate glaze; combine sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating along with melted butter for brushing; and melt butter with powdered sugar and vanilla for the vanilla glaze. Each topping brings a unique flavor dimension to your donuts.

Step 9: Air Fry the Donuts

Grease your air fryer basket lightly and place a few donuts inside, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry at 350ºF for about 2-3 minutes, flip, then cook for another 2 minutes or until golden. The air fryer’s hot circulating air cooks the donuts perfectly without excess oil, giving you that golden exterior and fluffy inside.

Step 10: Add the Toppings While Warm

Dip warm donuts into the chocolate or vanilla glazes, or brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar. Don’t forget the donut holes! Coating them while warm helps the toppings stick beautifully and enhances the taste experience for every bite.

How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Three glazed donuts are stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. The bottom donut is golden brown with a shiny white glaze, the middle donut is lighter yellow with a smoother, slightly shiny glaze, and the top donut is pale with a smooth glaze dripping slightly on the edges. In the background, there is a blurred view of more donuts on a rack and a blue cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation is everything here — sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant dusting, add mini chocolate chips over glaze, or toss them lightly with crushed nuts for added texture. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can elevate your serving game to cafe-level deliciousness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat. A cold glass of milk is a classic favorite, or try serving with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. These friendly flavor companions make your donut experience even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a tiered stand for a festive brunch or create individual dessert plates with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of edible flowers. You can even slice them in half and fill with jam, cream, or Nutella for a fun, stuffed surprise that will impress guests or family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any donuts left (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps the donuts stay soft rather than drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftover donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently to bring them back to life.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your donuts and recapture that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture is by popping them back into the air fryer at 300ºF for 2-3 minutes. This revives their golden crispness without drying them out, making every bite taste like you just made them.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough to make this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade dough brings amazing flavor, you can use store-bought biscuit or bread dough as a shortcut. Just watch the rising and cooking times, which might differ slightly in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these donuts?

You can! Simply bake the donuts at 350ºF for about 12-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through. While the texture will be slightly different, they’ll still be tasty and fluffy.

How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with vegetable oil or use a nonstick spray before placing the donuts in. This simple step helps them release easily without tearing or losing shape.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and swap milk in the glazes with almond or oat milk. Expect slight texture changes but delicious results nonetheless!

What’s the secret to a light and airy donut dough?

Patience with both rises and properly proofing the yeast are key. Using fresh yeast and ensuring your dough isn’t too dry or wet will also help create that perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe enough for those who crave homemade sweet treats without the hassle of deep frying. The process is so rewarding, and the results? Absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you prefer them glazed, coated in cinnamon sugar, or dipped in chocolate, these donuts are a lovely way to bring joy to your kitchen and your loved ones. So go ahead, gather the ingredients and give this recipe a try — your senses will thank you!