Air fryer donuts offer a smarter way to enjoy this classic treat, slashing oil use while delivering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. These recipes draw from proven methods using either from-scratch dough or store-bought biscuits, making them accessible for beginners and pros alike.
Why Choose Air Fryer Donuts?
Traditional deep-frying soaks donuts in oil, adding calories and mess. Air fryers circulate hot air for a similar effect with minimal oil spray, resulting in treats that are lighter yet satisfying. Popular for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, they cook in minutes without heating up your kitchen.
Benefits include:
- Faster prep: No yeast rising for some versions, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier profile: Reduced fat compared to fried counterparts.
- Versatile: Customize with glazes, sugars, or fillings.
- Beginner-friendly: Forgiving doughs and simple techniques.
Quick Biscuit-Based Air Fryer Donuts
For the fastest option, transform canned biscuits into donuts. This method skips dough-making entirely.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Donuts)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large canned biscuits | 1 can (8 count) |
| Melted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Grease a donut pan or basket with cooking spray.
- Open biscuits and use a small cutter (like a bottle cap) to punch out centers, creating holes.
- Place biscuits in the pan, pressing gently to fit molds if using.
- Air fry 4 minutes, flip, then 4 more minutes until golden.
- Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mix.
Serve immediately for best texture. Donut holes cook faster—about 3 minutes total.
From-Scratch Cake-Style Air Fryer Donuts
These dense, muffin-like donuts mix quickly without yeast. Ideal for those avoiding rising times.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Donuts + Holes)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Softened butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Alternate adding milk and dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt). Stir in vanilla.
- Roll dough to 5/8-inch thickness on floured surface. Cut with donut cutter.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Cook 2 donuts per batch for 8-10 minutes; holes for 5 minutes.
- Dip both sides in melted butter, then cinnamon-sugar (1/3 cup sugar + 1/3 cup cinnamon).
No air fryer? Bake in greased muffin tins at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Yeasted Air Fryer Donuts for Authentic Fluff
For Krispy Kreme-style lightness, use yeast dough. Plan for rising time, but the result is pillowy perfection.
Ingredients (Makes 10-12 Donuts)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups + 3 tbsp (280g) |
| Sugar | 3 tbsp (40g) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup (120g), warmed |
| Melted butter | 3 tbsp (45g) |
| Dry yeast | 2 tsp (7g) |
Dough Preparation and Cooking
- Mix dry ingredients. Add warmed milk, egg, butter, yeast. Knead 10 minutes by hand or 3 in mixer.
- Let rise in greased bowl, covered, for 2 hours until doubled.
- Roll to 1-inch thick (not thinner). Cut donuts, place on parchment, brush with butter, rise 45 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray basket, cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd; air needs to circulate.
Glazing and Topping Mastery
Elevate plain donuts with these finishes. Apply while hot for best adhesion.
Classic Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Whisk until smooth, thin with milk as needed. Dip tops.
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Heat cream, pour over chips, stir smooth. Dunk donuts.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix 1 cup sugar + 1-2 tbsp cinnamon. Butter-dip first.
Other ideas: Sprinkles, maple glaze, or filled with jam post-cooking.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dense donuts | Overworked dough or under-risen | Knead minimally; allow full rise time |
| Pale color | Insufficient preheat or spray | Always preheat; use oil spray liberally |
| Sticking | No grease | Spray basket and donuts generously |
| Dry texture | Overcooking | Check at minimum time; models vary |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store unglazed donuts in airtight container up to 2 days at room temp, or freeze 1 month. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes. Glaze fresh to avoid sogginess.
Prolong freshness: Cool completely before storing, avoid fridge humidity.
Nutritional Insights and Variations
Air fryer versions cut fat by 70-80% vs. deep-fried. A glazed donut clocks ~200-250 calories, depending on size.
- Gluten-free: Swap flour 1:1.
- Vegan: Use plant butter/milk.
- Protein boost: Add protein powder to batter.
- Baked alternative: 350°F oven, 15-20 minutes in donut pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a donut pan?
No, but it shapes biscuits nicely. Parchment in basket works for yeasted dough.
Can I make filled donuts?
Yes, pipe jelly or cream after cooking using a pastry bag.
What if my air fryer lacks preheat?
Run empty at set temp 3 minutes first.
Are they as good as fried?
Crisp outside, soft inside—many prefer the lighter taste.
How to scale recipe?
Double ingredients; cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Advanced Twists for Donut Lovers
Experiment with flavors:
- Lemon glaze: Powdered sugar + lemon juice/zest.
- Bacon maple: Cooked bacon bits in maple glaze.
- Matcha dusting: Powdered sugar + matcha.
For holidays, tint glazes or add festive sprinkles. Pair with coffee for brunch perfection.
Mastering air fryer donuts opens endless creativity. Start simple, refine techniques, and enjoy bakery-quality results at home.
References
- Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipe — MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME. 2023. https://my100yearoldhome.com/easy-air-fryer-donut-recipe/
- Air Fryer Glazed Donuts Recipe — Emma Fontanella. 2023. https://www.emmafontanella.com/airfryerdonuts
- Air Fryer Donuts {From-Scratch Recipe!} — Plated Cravings. 2023. https://platedcravings.com/air-fryer-donuts/
- Air Fryer Doughnuts — The Pioneer Woman. 2024-10-01. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a61769941/air-fryer-doughnuts-recipe/
- Easy Air Fryer Donuts — Broma Bakery. 2023. https://bromabakery.com/easy-air-fryer-donuts/