Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore Them

Name: Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts: 7 Reasons You'll Adore Them
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts! Seriously, they’re one of my absolute favorite treats to whip up, and they’re so easy that even a novice baker can nail them! Just imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut topped with a sweet, sticky maple glaze that makes your taste buds dance with delight. The air fryer creates that perfect texture—crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside. It’s like having the best of both worlds without the guilt of deep frying.

Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts - detail 1

What makes this recipe even more special for me is the memories attached to it. I remember the first time I made these donuts for a Sunday brunch with friends. Everyone was raving about them, and I felt so proud! It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, and I just love sharing them. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want to treat yourself on a lazy Saturday morning. Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine!

Ingredients List

To make these delightful Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect donut experience!

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your donuts, giving them structure and a light texture.
1/4 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the batter, balancing out the flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the donuts rise and become fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor and makes the sweetness pop.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that adds a cozy depth to your donuts.
1/4 cup milk: This keeps the batter moist and gives the donuts that delightful tender crumb.
1/4 cup melted butter: The rich flavor of butter is essential for a decadent taste and lovely texture.
1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds richness to your donuts.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

For the sweet maple glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the glaze, providing that signature sweetness and smooth texture.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: This gives your glaze that lovely maple flavor that makes these donuts irresistible!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to donut perfection in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving that lovely golden-brown color and fluffy texture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk them together until well blended. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout your batter.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, and the aroma of vanilla will make you smile!
Mix it all together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your donuts light and fluffy.
Prepare your donut mold: If you’re using a silicone donut mold, great! If not, lightly grease your metal mold with a little cooking spray or butter to ensure your donuts release easily.
Fill the mold: Carefully spoon the donut batter into your prepared mold. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full to allow for rising. I like to use a piping bag for this part—it makes it so much easier and less messy!
Air fry the donuts: Place the filled mold in your preheated air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Cool before glazing: Once done, carefully remove the mold from the air fryer and let the donuts cool in the mold for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the texture!
Make the maple glaze: While the donuts cool, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed—add a splash of milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Glaze the donuts: Once your donuts are cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle on some chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon if you like!

And there you have it! Your Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts are ready to be devoured. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but trust me, they’ll disappear quickly, so you might not have to worry about leftovers!

Tips for Success with Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

To ensure your Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some trusty tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference!

First off, don’t skip the preheating step! Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and that nice, golden-brown exterior. If you put the donuts in too early, they won’t rise properly.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything is perfectly smooth, but a few lumps are fine! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that.

Also, keep an eye on the cooking time! Air fryers can vary in temperature, so check your donuts a minute or two before the suggested time. If they spring back when lightly pressed, they’re ready!

Finally, let them cool a bit before glazing. If they’re too warm, the glaze will just slide right off! Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making the best donuts ever. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Each donut contains approximately 150 calories, with 10g of sugar and 6g of fat. Of course, these numbers can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you choose to use, so consider this a general guideline rather than an exact science. Always feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts! Here are just a few that will have you reaching for this recipe time and time again:

Delicious Flavor: The sweet maple glaze paired with the warm cinnamon flavor creates a taste that feels like a hug in dessert form!
Quick and Easy: With just a 17-minute total prep and cook time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful donuts in no time.
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil than traditional frying, making these donuts a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy without worry.
Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or even a dash of cocoa powder to make them your own!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to impress!

Once you try them, you’ll understand why they quickly become a go-to recipe in my kitchen!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these scrumptious Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can give your donuts a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep in mind that they may be slightly denser, so you might want to adjust the liquid a tad.

Q2: How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them 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 about a week, or freeze them for up to a month!

Q3: Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead of time! Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, give it a gentle stir before filling the mold.

Q4: What should I do if my donuts stick to the mold?
If you find your donuts are sticking, make sure to grease the mold well with cooking spray or butter. Silicone molds are fantastic for easy release, so consider using those if you haven’t yet!

Q5: Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for an exciting twist. Just be mindful of the quantity to keep the donut’s texture perfect!

I hope these answers help you on your journey to donut perfection! Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week or frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super easy! For the best results, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes. This will help restore that delightful softness while keeping the glaze intact. If you prefer, you can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might become tough. Enjoy your donuts warm and fresh!