Air Fryer Donuts: 6 Reasons You Can’t Resist This Delight

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 17, 2025

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Oh my goodness, have you ever tried making air fryer donuts? They’re a game-changer! Seriously, these little bites of heaven are not only super easy to whip up, but they’re also healthier than your average fried donut. I remember the first time I made them; I was skeptical at first, thinking, “Can an air fryer really deliver that perfect donut texture?” But let me tell you, when I pulled those fluffy, golden treats out of the air fryer, I was hooked! The best part? You can have them ready in under 20 minutes, and they’re customizable to fit whatever flavor mood you’re in. Plus, since they’re air-fried, you can enjoy that delicious donut goodness without the guilt. Trust me, once you try these air fryer donuts, you’ll never want to go back to traditional frying!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather the essentials for these delightful air fryer donuts! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our donuts, giving them that perfect texture.
1/2 cup sugar – Sweetness is key, and this will make our donuts deliciously satisfying.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps our donuts rise and get that lovely fluffy quality.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that makes every bite special.
1/2 cup milk – This adds moisture and richness to the batter.
1 large egg – The binding agent that holds everything together.
Cooking spray – Essential for greasing your donut pan, ensuring easy release!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Donuts

Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making these air fryer donuts! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.

Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures even cooking and that perfect golden color. Don’t skip this part!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. I like to use a whisk for this – it helps break up any clumps and gets air in there!
Add the wet ingredients: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until it’s just combined; don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we want them fluffy!
Scoop into the donut pan: Grab your greased donut pan and scoop the batter into each mold. Fill them about 2/3 full to give them room to rise. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use silicone molds or even muffin tins – just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Air fry those beauties: Carefully place the donut pan in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; every air fryer is different. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color!
Cool and enjoy: Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently removing them. This helps them set up a bit more. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle your favorite glaze on top – yum!

And there you have it! Your homemade air fryer donuts are ready to be devoured. Just remember, the key is in the timing and not overmixing the batter. Happy frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer donuts are an absolute delight, and here’s why you’ll adore making them:

Quick and Easy: You can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes! Perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry.
Healthier Option: These donuts are air-fried, which means less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional frying. Enjoy your treats without the guilt!
Customizable: The base recipe is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different flavors and toppings, like chocolate glaze or sprinkles, to suit your mood!
Fun for Everyone: Making donuts is a great activity to share with family or friends. Get the kids involved, and let them decorate their own!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer donuts turn out absolutely perfect, keep these tips in mind:

Check your air fryer settings: Every air fryer is a bit different, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking!
Grease your pan well: Properly greasing your donut pan is crucial. Use cooking spray generously to ensure your donuts release easily. Nobody wants a broken donut!
Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! From classic powdered sugar to indulgent chocolate glaze, the options are endless!

Variations on Air Fryer Donuts

Now, let’s have some fun and get creative with these air fryer donuts! There are so many ways to switch up the flavors and toppings to keep things exciting:

Flavor Add-Ins: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice kick. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture!
Glazed Options: After air frying, dip your donuts in a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or get adventurous with a chocolate glaze!
Fruity Twists: Swap out some of the milk for fruit puree, like applesauce or mashed bananas, to infuse natural sweetness and flavor.
Seasonal Toppings: In the fall, consider rolling your donuts in cinnamon sugar or topping them with a maple glaze to celebrate the season!

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and make these donuts your own!

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into these delicious air fryer donuts, it’s important to note that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But just to give you a ballpark figure, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one donut:

Calories: 150
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 3g

These numbers make it easier to indulge a little without feeling too guilty. Enjoy your homemade treats!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer donuts? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries you might have:

Can I make air fryer donuts gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking to keep those fluffy textures!
How do I store leftover donuts? Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week!
Can I make these without a donut pan? Yes, you can! Use silicone molds or even muffin tins! Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as muffins might need a bit longer.
What’s the best way to reheat donuts? If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh taste. It’s like they’re just made!

Feel free to get creative and ask more questions if you have any—I love helping out in the kitchen!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your air fryer donuts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up!

When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat your donuts in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will bring back their fluffy texture and warm deliciousness, making them taste like they just came out of the fryer!