Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Craving donuts but want something lighter and less messy than traditional frying? These Air Fryer Donuts are your perfect fix! Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough, these donuts are crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and finished with a glossy, crackly glaze. The air fryer gives you that iconic donut shop texture—without heating up a pot of oil. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these homemade donuts are irresistibly good and surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Donuts

• No deep frying = less mess, less oil, and easier cleanup
• Soft and airy inside with a crisp golden crust
• Classic donut flavor thanks to yeasted dough
• Customizable with glazes, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar
• Great for beginners—detailed steps and simple ingredients

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (105 to 110°F) (240mL)
• 1 (0.25-ounce/7g) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided (62g)
• 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (85g)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting (360g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Coconut or olive oil cooking spray

Glaze:

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (120g)
• ½ cup whole milk (120mL)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
• Whisk together and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until bubbly and foamy.

Make the Dough

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together:
  • Melted butter,
  • Egg,
  • Remaining ¼ cup of sugar
• Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
• Add the flour and salt to the bowl.
• Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
• Increase to medium-low and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

First Rise

• Transfer dough to a lightly oiled large bowl.
• Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Roll and Cut Donuts

• Punch down the risen dough.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a ½-inch thick rectangle.
• Use a donut cutter (or a 3-inch round cutter + 1-inch center cutter) to cut out 12 donuts and 12 donut holes, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Second Rise

• Place cut donuts and holes on a floured parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot for 15–20 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled.

Air Fry the Donuts

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Spray the basket with coconut or olive oil spray.
• Working in batches, place donuts in the basket about 1-inch apart.
• Lightly spray the tops with oil.
• Air fry for:
  • 6 minutes for donut holes
  • 8 minutes for full donuts, until golden brown

📝 Tip: Cook the donuts and holes in separate batches as they require different times.

Make the Glaze

• While donuts are cooking, whisk together:
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Stir until smooth and pourable.

Glaze the Donuts

• Dip warm donuts and holes into the glaze, coating one side or the whole donut as desired.
• Set on a wire rack and let the glaze set for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Don’t over-flour: The dough should be tacky, not dry.
• Measure flour accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon/level method.
• No stand mixer? Knead by hand for about 5–6 minutes.
• Glaze warm: Dip donuts while still warm for that classic crackly coating.
• No donut cutter? Use two round cookie cutters or a biscuit cutter + pastry tip base.
• Flavor twist: Add cinnamon, cocoa, or maple extract to the glaze for variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot coffee or a latte for breakfast bliss
• Top with sprinkles, coconut flakes, or crushed nuts before glaze sets
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert
• Serve warm from the air fryer with fruit on the side

Storage/Reheating

• Best eaten same day, while fresh and soft
• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days
• Reheat in air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 300°F or 10 seconds in the microwave

FAQs

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Wrap cooled, unglazed donuts in plastic, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.

Why didn’t my donuts rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot or cold (105–110°F is ideal).

Why is my glaze sliding off?
Donuts may be too hot—wait a minute or two before dipping. Still warm is perfect.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives; results may vary slightly.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Donuts deliver everything you love about bakery donuts—fluffy texture, sweet glaze, and golden finish—with none of the deep-frying hassle. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a special occasion, they’re sure to wow family and friends with their flavor and charm. Once you try them, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again!

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