Air Fryer Donut Recipes: 5 Secrets to Sweet Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Donut Recipes: 5 Secrets to Sweet Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 17, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, where do I even start with these air fryer donuts? They’re not just easy to make; they’re downright delightful! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up a batch on a whim, and every single time, they disappear faster than I can say “donut.” Seriously, you don’t need to be a baking pro to nail these; they come together in no time, and the best part is the air fryer does all the heavy lifting for you.

Imagine biting into a warm donut, light and fluffy, dusted with powdered sugar. Yum! The aroma wafts through the kitchen, and you can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, you can jazz them up with all sorts of toppings, from chocolate glaze to sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a spontaneous treat for the kids after school. Trust me, once you try these air fryer donuts, they’ll become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donut Recipes

Let’s gather our ingredients for these scrumptious air fryer donuts! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our donuts. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount to give our donuts that sweet, delightful flavor without being overwhelming.
2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps our donuts rise and become fluffy. Fresh baking powder is key to a light texture!
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This adds a cozy warmth to the donuts, giving them that classic flavor that’s hard to resist.
1/2 cup milk: You can use whole or any milk you have on hand. This adds moisture and richness to our batter.
2 large eggs: Eggs are essential for binding and adding structure to our donuts. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!
1/4 cup melted butter: This brings richness and a lovely buttery flavor. Don’t forget to let it cool slightly before adding it to the mix.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma and flavor that’s just heavenly.
Powdered sugar for dusting: This is the finishing touch! A light dusting adds sweetness and makes the donuts look irresistible.

With these ingredients ready, we’re well on our way to making the best air fryer donuts you’ve ever tasted!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Donut Recipes

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful air fryer donuts! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to donut heaven!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is crucial because starting with a hot air fryer ensures your donuts cook evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together well. The nutmeg adds that lovely warmth that makes these donuts so special!

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot – we don’t want to scramble those eggs!

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; you want a smooth batter, but don’t overmix, or your donuts might turn out tough. It should be thick but pourable!

Next, fill your donut mold with the batter. If you’re using a silicone mold, it’s easy-peasy; just spoon it in. If it’s a metal mold, give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the mold in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want them golden brown and fluffy!

Once they’re done, let the donuts cool for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar, and voila! Your air fryer donuts are ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking time, you can have fresh donuts ready in under 30 minutes!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or a surprise treat for the kids, these donuts fit the bill!
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil than traditional frying, making these donuts a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable Toppings: You can get creative with toppings! From classic powdered sugar to decadent chocolate glaze or colorful sprinkles, the options are endless.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the kitchen! They’ll love helping to decorate and, of course, devouring these delightful treats.

Tips for Success with Air Fryer Donut Recipes

To make sure your air fryer donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, be sure to preheat your air fryer; starting with a hot air fryer is key to achieving that fluffy texture we all love. Also, don’t overmix your batter – just stir until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely don’t want that!

If you’re using a metal donut mold, give it a good spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Trust me, no one wants to lose a donut to the pan! And keep an eye on the cooking time, as air fryers can vary. They’re done when they’re golden brown and spring back when touched. Lastly, let them cool a bit before dusting with powdered sugar; this will help it stick better and make them even more delicious!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional information for these delightful air fryer donuts. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each donut contains approximately:

Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 3g

These donuts are a delightful treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt, especially when you consider they’re made in an air fryer! Perfect for those cozy moments when you want something sweet.

FAQs about Air Fryer Donut Recipes

What can I use instead of flour?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work great in this recipe! You could also try almond flour or coconut flour, but keep in mind that you might need to adjust the liquid amounts since these flours behave differently than traditional wheat flour. Just remember, each substitute can alter the texture a bit, but experimentation can lead to delicious outcomes!

Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these donuts in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the filled donut mold on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown. You can also try frying them in hot oil if you want that classic donut experience, but be careful; it can be a bit messy! Just make sure the oil is heated to around 375°F, and fry them for a few minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

How do I store leftover donuts?

To keep those delicious air fryer donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For the best taste, I recommend warming them slightly in the microwave or air fryer before enjoying them again. Trust me, a little heat brings back that fresh-baked goodness!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Donut Recipes

These air fryer donuts are so versatile that you can serve them in a multitude of ways! Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat that’s perfect in the morning or as an afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try drizzling some warm chocolate glaze over the top or dipping them in a creamy vanilla icing. You can also experiment with toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flair! Trust me, once you start getting creative, these donuts will become your go-to dessert for any occasion!