Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy donut? With these Air Fryer Donuts, you can enjoy a delicious treat without the need for deep frying. These light and airy donuts are made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and vanilla extract, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack, these homemade donuts will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.
What Are Air Fryer Donuts?
Air Fryer Donuts are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Using an air fryer instead of deep frying results in donuts that are just as light and fluffy but with less oil. These donuts are made with yeast, giving them a soft and airy texture, and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest for a delicious twist. After air frying, they’re brushed with butter and rolled in sugar for a sweet, indulgent finish.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Donuts are a game-changer for anyone who loves donuts but wants a healthier, less greasy alternative. The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The addition of lemon zest and vanilla gives the donuts a refreshing flavor, and the sugar coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, and you don’t need a fryer or excess oil to achieve that golden finish!
Cooking Tips
Let the dough rise fully: Make sure to let the dough rise for the full 2 hours to get the best texture. The yeast needs time to activate, giving the donuts their light, fluffy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Place the donuts in a single layer with space between each one to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Roll in sugar while warm: For the best results, brush the donuts with butter and roll them in sugar while they are still warm, so the coating sticks better.
Customize the toppings: You can roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with chocolate for a fun variation.
How To Make Air Fryer Donuts
Light, Golden & Ready in Minutes
These air fryer donuts are soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and made with simple ingredients. No deep frying, no messy oil — just sweet homemade goodness.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup sugar (or cinnamon sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If sticky, add a little flour (1 tablespoon at a time).
Step 2: Let It Rise
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
- Roll dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut with a donut cutter (or a glass + bottle cap for the hole).
- Place donuts on parchment squares.
- Cover and let rest 20–30 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Air fry donuts for 4–6 minutes until golden.
(Do not overcrowd.)
They should be lightly golden — not dark brown.
Step 5: Coat
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter.
- Dip in sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Optional Glaze
Mix:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Dip warm donuts and let set for 10 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
✔ Don’t overproof the dough
✔ Keep donuts spaced apart
✔ Cook in batches
✔ Eat fresh (best within 24 hours)
Quick Shortcut Version (10 Minutes!)
Use refrigerated biscuit dough:
- Cut holes in center
- Air fry 350°F for 4–5 minutes
- Brush with butter + coat in sugar
Fast and delicious 🍩
Final Thoughts
Air fryer donuts give you:
- Less oil
- Less mess
- Same sweet comfort
Soft, fluffy, and dangerously easy to make.
