Air Fryer Donuts: Your Easy Guide to Fluffy, Guilt-Free Treats

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If you’re searching for a delightfully easy, mess-free way to enjoy homemade donuts, look no further than air fryer donuts! Imagine waking up to the smell of sweet, pillowy-soft donuts without turning on your oven or dealing with hot oil.

That’s the beauty of making donuts in your air fryer—they offer that signature crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, minus the splatter and excess calories. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or introducing your family to healthier donuts, this recipe guarantees irresistibly fluffy results every time. With just a handful of pantry staples and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a plate of warm, sugar-dusted donuts ready in under 20 minutes. Get ready to transform your weekend brunch, after-dinner cravings, or midday snack breaks with the magic of air fryer donuts!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Donuts

• No deep frying, no oily mess—just a light, crisp exterior every time
• Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for quick cravings
• Healthier than traditional donuts with less oil and fewer calories
• Easy to make gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps
• Customizable with your favorite flavorings, frostings, or toppings
• Kid-friendly and fun for the whole family to make together

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

The beauty of air fryer donuts lies in their simplicity. With a few staple ingredients, you’ll create irresistibly fluffy, light, and tender donuts.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, giving the donut a perfect amount of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon baking powder, for essential lift and fluffiness
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, which works with the acid in buttermilk for a light texture
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, balancing and enhancing flavors
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (use almond milk for a dairy-free or vegan version—add a teaspoon of vinegar if using plant milk to mimic the acidity)
• 1 egg (replace with a flax egg—a mix of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water—for a vegan version)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, elevating the aroma and depth of the donuts

Optional for topping:

• Powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or a simple glaze for finishing

Each ingredient serves a crucial role, whether for structure, flavor, or texture, allowing plenty of flexibility for dietary needs or flavor adventures.

Necessary Tools

Having the right tools streamlines the air fryer donut-making process, ensuring smooth preparation, an even bake, and the fluffiest results possible.

• Air fryer: The star appliance—basket-style and oven-style both work great
• Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients separately
• Whisk & spatula: For blending ingredients without over-mixing
• Donut cutter or large and small biscuit cutters: To shape perfect rings (a round cookie cutter with a bottle cap can do the trick)
• Rolling pin: For flattening out the dough evenly
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps transfer donuts into the air fryer easily
• Pastry brush: For light brushing with oil or melted vegan butter (if desired)
• Cooling rack: Ensures even cooling and maintains donut texture
• Optional: Sifter for dusting powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar

An organized setup means you won’t miss a beat, making the process fun and fast—from prepping the dough to enjoying that first warm, fluffy bite.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Air fryer donuts are endlessly adaptable, making them perfect for all tastes and dietary needs. Here’s how to get creative or accommodate allergies, sensitivities, or ingredient shortages.

If you want to keep things gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Some blends might need a couple of tablespoons of extra liquid for the right dough consistency, so keep an eye on texture—your dough should be soft but not too sticky.

Vegan? No problem! Swap buttermilk for almond, soy, or oat milk. Create a quick dairy-free buttermilk by adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to your plant-based milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. For the egg, make a flax egg: mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it thicken, and you’re all set for a plant-based treat.

For flavor twists, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a classic cake donut taste. Swap vanilla for almond extract, orange zest, or even a hint of maple syrup for seasonal flair. Add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough for extra bursts of flavor.

Not everyone has buttermilk on hand, so mix 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It mimics the acidity and effect of buttermilk perfectly.

To make the donuts lighter, try sifting the flour before mixing, or replace half with cake flour. If you want extra protein, opt for a vanilla protein powder for a third of the flour, adjusting liquid as needed.

The toppings let you really personalize your air fryer donuts. Dust with powdered sugar, toss in cinnamon sugar, dunk in a simple vanilla glaze (mix just 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla), or drizzle with melted chocolate. Feeling adventurous? Toss on toasted coconut, sprinkles, or a homemade berry compote.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

Homemade air fryer donuts are all about the right mix of simple steps and classic comfort. This recipe follows a foolproof method, with easy cleanup and fluffy, bakery-style results in less than 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula until just combined—avoid over-mixing, as this can toughen the donuts.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Lightly flour your countertop. Turn the dough out and gently knead it a couple of times until it comes together. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two biscuit cutters/cookie cutters of different sizes) to cut out donut rounds. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Basket

Cut small squares of parchment paper for each donut. Spritz lightly with oil (optional for extra golden color) and place a donut on each parchment square. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to transfer donuts in and out of the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes (if your air fryer recommends preheating). Place donuts (with parchment) in a single layer in the basket, leaving an inch between each. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and puffed. Do not overcrowd—work in batches for best results.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Remove donuts to a cooling rack. While still warm, brush lightly with melted butter or vegan butter, then roll in powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar, or simply dust with powdered sugar. For a glazed finish, dip or drizzle donuts with your favorite glaze and let set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve air fryer donuts warm for peak flavor and texture. Pair them with a mug of strong coffee, soothing tea, or a glass of cold milk. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or dessert. For a fun brunch platter, offer a variety of toppings—cinnamon-sugar, lemon glaze, chocolate drizzle, and an array of sprinkles—to let family and guests customize their own.

For a festive touch, pipe a bit of jam, citrus curd, or chocolate hazelnut spread into the center of some donuts. Air fryer donuts also make a whimsical accompaniment to fruit bowls or yogurt parfaits for a balanced treat. Entertaining? Stack your donuts on a tiered cake stand for a stunning—but simple—display.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix the dough—just combine until no streaks remain for soft, cake-like donuts.
• If your dough feels sticky, flour your work surface and hands lightly to prevent sticking.
• To ensure even baking, cut parchment paper slightly smaller than the air fryer basket so air circulates around donuts.
• Air fryer models may vary in power, so check for a golden brown color and bounce-back texture when testing doneness.
• Work in batches; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
• Warm donuts are easiest to coat—sugar glazes and coatings stick best right out of the air fryer.
• For a glossy, bakery-style finish, make a simple glaze and dip cooled donuts; set on a rack to dry.
• Re-roll dough scraps gently just once if needed—overworking makes the donuts dense.

Storage Instructions

Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store leftovers for later! Allow any remaining donuts to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days—just give them a quick warm-up in the air fryer or microwave for that fresh-baked texture.

To freeze, wrap each cooled donut individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in your air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes for a quick, tasty treat anytime.

General Information

Air fryer donuts provide a guilt-free spin on a classic favorite. Thanks to the magic of circulating hot air, you get the texture and taste of fried donuts without the excess oil and calories. This recipe is flexible, making it simple to accommodate food allergies or preferences without sacrificing the fluffy, tender crumb donut-lovers crave.

Unlike raised donuts made with yeast (which take a few hours), these are cake-style and quick to make from start to finish. They’re perfect for spontaneous cravings, easy enough for beginner bakers, and kid-friendly in both prep and taste. Enjoy customizing them with glazes, sprinkles, and more for any occasion—from birthdays to lazy weekends.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for air fryer donuts?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You may need to add a touch more liquid, as some gluten-free mixes absorb more moisture.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Most air fryers benefit from a brief preheat (about 3 minutes) for the best rise and crispness, but always check your appliance’s manual for individual recommendations.

Can I make air fryer donuts without eggs?

Yes! A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set to thicken) works as a perfect plant-based substitute in this recipe.

Why are my air fryer donuts dense or dry?

Overmixing the dough or overbaking can make donuts tough. Combine ingredients until just incorporated and monitor closely as they cook.

Can I freeze air fryer donuts?

Yes, these donuts freeze beautifully. Cool completely, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat for a perfectly fresh texture.

What toppings work best on air fryer donuts?

Classics like powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or a simple glaze are always winners! Or try chocolate drizzle, fresh fruit compotes, or festive sprinkles.

Conclusion

Making air fryer donuts at home has never been easier—or more fun! With simple ingredients, endless adaptations, and the magic of air frying, you’ll enjoy crispy, fluffy bites of joy with minimal effort and cleanup. Get creative, share with friends or family, and savor each guilt-free indulgence—no deep fryer required.

Nutritional Information

Air fryer donuts are a lighter spin on a classic indulgence. One homemade donut (without glaze or heavy toppings) contains approximately 110-140 calories, 3-4 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 2-3 grams of protein. They’re lower in saturated fat and calories compared to fried donuts, making them a smarter choice for regular treat lovers. Substituting almond milk, using a flax egg, or swapping to a gluten-free flour blend can further customize your nutrition profile. As with all treats, enjoy these air fryer donuts in moderation as a part of a balanced lifestyle!

For the best flavor and fluffy texture, savor these donuts warm and fresh—your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you!

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