Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Bysophie

Easy Air Fryer Donuts are soft, fluffy donuts that are cooked in an air fryer instead of deep-fried in oil. Traditional donuts are usually fried in a pot of hot oil, which can be messy and take a lot of time. Air fryer donuts are different because they use hot circulating air to cook the dough, making them lighter and easier to prepare. They still taste sweet, soft, and delicious just like bakery donuts but with much less oil.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts

This recipe is perfect for beginners, kids learning to cook, or anyone who wants a quick homemade treat. Air fryer donuts are easy to make using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. They cook in just a few minutes, usually under 10 minutes, making them a fast and convenient option when you want something sweet. You can finish them with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze for extra flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a fun weekend baking activity, or a sweet snack after dinner, these easy air fryer donuts are a delicious and satisfying choice.

You Should Try the Easy Air Fryer Donuts

If you love donuts but do not want the hassle of deep frying, this recipe is for you. Air fryer donuts are quick, fun, and almost foolproof to make. Even if you have never made donuts before, this recipe keeps things simple and easy to follow.

Another reason to try these donuts is how customizable they are. You can coat them in powdered sugar, dip them in chocolate glaze, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, or add colorful sprinkles. Kids especially enjoy decorating their donuts, which makes this recipe a fun family activity. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil, less cleanup, and faster cooking time.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Here is everything you need to make Easy Air Fryer Donuts:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cooking spray or a little oil

For the topping (optional):

  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar or glaze

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Step 1

Start by preparing the donut dough. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk or spoon so that everything is evenly blended. This step helps the donuts rise properly and ensures the sweetness spreads evenly throughout the dough.

Step 2

Next, add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour on top and mix again until the texture feels soft and smooth.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Step 3

Lightly flour your countertop or cutting board, then place the dough onto the surface. Gently roll the dough out to about half an inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin. Once the dough is flat, use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut donut shapes. If you do not have a donut cutter, you can use a large glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the center hole.

Step 4

Preheat your air fryer to about 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the donut shapes into the basket, making sure they are not touching each other so they cook evenly.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Step 5

Air fry the donuts for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fluffy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. When they are done, carefully remove them and place them on a cooling rack or plate.

Step 6

While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Then roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or dip them in your favorite glaze. Let them cool for a few minutes before eating so the coating sticks nicely.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts

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Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Rolling pin optional
  • Donut cutter or round cookie cutter
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack or plate

Tips and Variation Ideas

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Donuts need space so the hot air can circulate around them.

Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

What to Eat With Easy Air Fryer Donuts

I like making air fryer donuts when I want a sweet treat that’s simple and a little lighter than the traditional fried version. The donuts cook quickly in the air fryer and come out soft inside with a lightly golden outside. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a small dessert after a meal. My daughter enjoys helping add toppings like powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze. At home we usually enjoy them while they’re still warm. For drinks, we like having orange juice, a fruit smoothie, iced tea, or a warm cup of coffee, which makes the moment feel cozy and enjoyable.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use biscuit dough instead ?

Yes. Store-bought biscuit dough works well for quick air fryer donuts.

Can I make chocolate air fryer donuts ?

Yes. Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the flour mixture.

Can I add fruit flavor ?

Yes. Lemon zest or orange zest works nicely in the dough.

Can I freeze cooked donuts ?

Yes. Freeze them in airtight bags for up to 2 months.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts
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Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Recipe by sophieCourse: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

8

minutes
Calories

160

kcal
Total time

18

minutes

These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are soft, fluffy, and delicious homemade treats made with simple ingredients and cooked quickly in the air fryer. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack and can be coated with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Cooking spray or a little oil

  • ¼ cup melted butter

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Powdered sugar or glaze

Directions

  • Start by preparing the donut dough. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk or spoon so that everything is evenly blended. This step helps the donuts rise properly and ensures the sweetness spreads evenly throughout the dough.
  • Next, add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour on top and mix again until the texture feels soft and smooth.
  • Lightly flour your countertop or cutting board, then place the dough onto the surface. Gently roll the dough out to about half an inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin. Once the dough is flat, use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to cut donut shapes. If you do not have a donut cutter, you can use a large glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the center hole.
  • Preheat your air fryer to about 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the donut shapes into the basket, making sure they are not touching each other so they cook evenly.
  • Air fry the donuts for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fluffy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. When they are done, carefully remove them and place them on a cooling rack or plate.
  • While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Then roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or dip them in your favorite glaze. Let them cool for a few minutes before eating so the coating sticks nicely.

Notes

  • Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes so the donuts cook evenly.
  • Roll the dough evenly so all donuts cook at the same speed.
  • Brush donuts with melted butter right after cooking for better topping adhesion.
  • Add vanilla extract to improve the flavor of the dough.

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