Name: Easy Air Fryer Donuts - Quick Sweet Treat
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm milk (around 100°F); 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar, divided; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; Coconut oil spray (or other neutral cooking spray); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for glaze; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons hot water

Air fryer donuts are about to revolutionize your mornings and satisfy those sweet cravings in a way you never thought possible. Forget the mess and the fuss of traditional deep-frying; with this recipe, we’re unlocking a world of golden-brown, fluffy perfection right in your kitchen. What is it about donuts that makes them so universally adored? Perhaps it’s the comforting sweetness, the delightful texture, or the sheer joy of a warm, freshly made treat. But when you combine that classic appeal with the speed and health benefits of an air fryer, you get something truly magical. These air fryer donuts aren’t just a quick snack; they are a weekend brunch centerpiece, a delightful dessert, or an anytime indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to master. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to share in these incredible air fryer donuts!

Ingredients:

1 cup lukewarm milk (around 100°F)
2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar, divided
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Coconut oil spray (or other neutral cooking spray)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for glaze
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons hot water

Making the Dough

This recipe for Air Fryer Donuts starts with a simple yeast dough that, with a little patience, yields beautifully fluffy and delicious donuts. The key is ensuring your milk is the right temperature – too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. Aim for that sweet spot around 100°F, which feels comfortably warm to the touch but not hot.

In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with 1 teaspoon of the white sugar and the active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know your yeast is alive and active when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface. If you don’t see this reaction, your yeast might be old or the milk temperature was off, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast and the correct temperature.
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook), whisk together the remaining ¼ cup white sugar, salt, and the egg. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined. This forms the base of our donut dough, providing richness and binding everything together.
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Stir gently to incorporate. Gradually add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough begin extracts to form. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed until the dough just starts to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand, or for 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer on medium speed. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. To test for readiness, it should spring back slowly when you poke it with a finger. Be careful not to add too much extra flour during kneading; a slightly sticky dough is often desirable for tender donuts.
Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A slightly draft-free corner of your kitchen or a slightly warm oven (turned off!) works perfectly for this.

Shaping and Pre-Cooking

After the first rise, the dough will be puffy and airy, ready for shaping into our delightful donuts.

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface again. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters (a larger one for the outside and a smaller one for the hole), cut out your donut shapes. If you don’t have cutters, you can use two glasses of different sizes. Place the cut donuts onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, ensuring there’s a little space between them. Re-roll scraps gently to cut more donuts.
Cover the cut donuts loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are visibly puffed up and light. This second rise is crucial for achieving that signature airy texture in your air fryer donuts. While they are rising, prepare your air fryer.

Air Frying the Donuts

Now for the magic! The air fryer cooks these donuts quickly and evenly, giving them a lovely golden-brown exterior.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for at least 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray. Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the air fryer basket at a time, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding will steam the donuts instead of frying them, resulting in a less desirable texture. You might need to cook in batches.
Air fry the donuts for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your donuts. Keep a close eye on them, as they can brown quickly. Use tongs to carefully flip them halfway through the cooking time. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly while you cook the remaining donuts.

Glazing the Donuts

A simple, sweet glaze is the perfect finishing touch for these warm, freshly made donuts.

While the donuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the 6 tablespoons of softened butter with the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the 4 tablespoons of hot water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking vigorously until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more hot water, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, dip each one into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your incredibly fresh, homemade Air Fryer Donuts!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to making incredibly delicious Air Fryer Donuts right in your own kitchen! We’ve walked through the simple steps to create these fluffy, golden-brown delights, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend brunch treat, a quick dessert fix, or a fun activity with the kids, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Think beyond the basic glaze; consider chopped nuts, sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired twist. Experimenting with different flavor extracts in the dough can also lead to exciting new variations. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how easy and rewarding homemade donuts can be. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Air Fryer Donuts!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Air Fryer Donuts ahead of time?

While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the donut dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to fry and glaze them just before serving.

What other toppings work well with Air Fryer Donuts?

The possibilities are endless! Some popular options include: a simple powdered sugar glaze, a rich chocolate ganache, a maple glaze with beef bacon bits, fresh fruit toppings, or even a cinnamon-sugar coating. You can also try adding a touch of citrus zest to your glaze.