Air Fryer Donuts – Easy, Light & Delicious
If you’ve ever craved donuts but didn’t want the extra oil and calories from deep-frying, then air fryer donuts are your perfect solution. Air fryers have taken the cooking world by storm, and these fluffy, golden donuts prove why! They’re lighter, healthier, and just as satisfying as traditional fried donuts.
Whether you make them from scratch or use a shortcut with biscuit dough, these donuts come out soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside—all without the greasy mess. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, you’ll love how quick and easy this recipe is.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Donuts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup milk (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
Optional Toppings:
- Melted butter for brushing
- Cinnamon sugar mix (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
- Powdered sugar or glaze
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Dough – In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Shape Donuts – Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough to about ½-inch thick. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donut shapes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Cook Donuts – Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place donuts in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Add Toppings – While warm, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with glaze.
- Serve & Enjoy – Eat warm and fluffy donuts straight from the air fryer.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Serving Size: 8 donuts
Tips & Variations
- Shortcut Hack: Use canned biscuit dough for ultra-quick air fryer donuts.
- Chocolate Glaze: Dip cooled donuts in melted chocolate for a bakery-style treat.
- Filled Donuts: Pipe in jam, custard, or Nutella after air frying.
- Mini Donuts: Cut smaller shapes for bite-sized treats—perfect for kids.
- Healthier Option: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour.
Nutrition Info (Per Donut – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit or stevia instead of sugar.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour + coconut flour mix, and use erythritol as sweetener.
- Gluten-Free: Swap with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Oil-Free: Skip the butter and replace with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer donuts taste best fresh and warm. Serve them with:
- A hot cup of coffee or latte in the morning
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce for dessert
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a classic bakery touch
Crispy outside, soft inside, and healthier than fried—these donuts prove that indulgence can be guilt-free!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make air fryer donuts with biscuit dough?
Yes! Canned biscuit dough is the easiest shortcut. Just cut a hole in the center, air fry, and coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze.
Q2: Do I need to flip donuts in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning and a fluffy inside.
Q3: Can I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze air fryer donuts?
Yes. Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q5: Are air fryer donuts healthier than fried donuts?
Absolutely! Air fryer donuts use little to no oil, making them significantly lower in calories and fat while still delicious.
