Over the past few years аir fryers got super pоpular , pеople love them for соoking crispy stuff without tons of oil . These appliances blow hot air all around to make food brown outside and soft inside , kinda like deep frying but without the big mess . No wonder they’re in many kіtchens since they help you cook faster and with less greаsy cleanup .
Among all the tasty things you can make , donuts really steal the show . Glazed or chocolate covered , donuts always hit the spot at breakfast or snack time . But frying them in oil adds loads of calories and grease , turning a treat into a guilty pleasure . Air fryer donuts let you enjoy that sweet fix without the heavy oil .
In this article i’ll share some easy air fryer donut recipes that anyone can try at home . From classic sugar donuts to fun twists like cinnamon or maple bacon , you’ll see how simple it is to whip up something yummy and healthier . Let’s jump in and learn how to make these delicious treats step by step !
Section 1: Understanding Air Fryers
Air fryers changed how people cook by offering a healthier spin on frying . So what is an air fryer anyway ? It’s really just a small countertop oven with a fan that circulates hot air around the food . This air flow makes the outside crispy while keeping the middle moist and tender , kinda like deep frying but without dunking things in oil .
If you compare air frying to the usual method where you dunk food in hot oil , the difference is clear . Traditional frying soaks food in oil and makes it greasy and heavy . Air fryers use only a tablespoon of oil or none at all , yet you still get that crunch . That means you can snack on your favorite fried stuff without feeling too guilty .
Besides being lower in fat , air fryers also cut down cooking time . They heat up fast and finish food quicker than a regular oven . You can fry veggies , bake cookies or even make donuts ! Whether it’s a quick bite or whole dinner , an air fryer makes cooking easy .
Section 2: Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
Making yummy air fryer donuts is not hard , but a few tricks make them turn out great every time .
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Use good quality all-purpose flour for a classic donut , or try whole wheat or gluten-free mixes for a change . Make sure your baking powder is fresh so the donuts puff up right , and add vanilla extract or spices to boost the flavor .
Preparing the Dough
Get the dough consistency just right : it should be a bit sticky but not too wet . If its too gooey , sprinkle a little more flour , but don’t add too much or the donuts will be tough .
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Every air fryer is a bit different , so learn how yours works . Usually 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes does the trick , depending on the size of your donuts . Watch them closely so they don’t overcook and dry out .
Cooling and Glazing
Let the donuts cool on a rack so they don’t get soggy underneath . Glaze or top them when they’re just warm so the coating sticks better and tastes fresh . Try sugar glaze , chocolate or anything else you like !
Section 3: Classic Air Fryer Donut Recipes
3.1 Basic Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) .
- In a bowl mix dry ingredients .
- Add milk , egg and vanilla then stir until smooth .
- Spoon or pipe dough into donut molds .
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes until golden .
- Cool and glaze as you like .
Advice: Try adding chocolate chips or cinnamon to the batter for a twist .
3.2 Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoon melted butter (for coating)
Directions:
- Make dough like in the basic recipe .
- After cooking brush donuts with melted butter .
- Roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm .
Advice: Swap in nutmeg or pumpkin spice if you want a different flavor .
3.3 Chocolate Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup chocolate glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
- Mix flour , cocoa and sugar , then add milk and stir .
- Air fry for about 6 minutes then dip in the glaze .
Advice: Top with sprinkles or chopped nuts for extra fun .
3.4 Maple Bacon Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 4 slices cooked bacon , chopped
- ½ cup maple glaze (optional)
Directions:
- Mix dry ingredients then add maple syrup and egg .
- Stir in bacon pieces , air fry until golden and add glaze if you like .
Advice: They taste best fresh and warm .
Section 4: Variations on Air Fryer Donuts
4.1 Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free you can swap the flour for a gf blend with xanthan gum included . You might need to tweak the baking powder to get the right rise .
4.2 Vegan Recipes
To make vegan donuts replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water) and use almond or soy milk . Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine .
4.3 Savory Air Fryer Donuts
Want something savory ? Add herbs , cheese or spices into the dough . Try feta , chopped spinach or grated parmesan , and serve with marinara or garlic sauce .
Section 5: FAQs about Air Fryer Donuts
5.1 How do I prevent my air fryer donuts from becoming dry ?
Measure your ingredients well and keep an eye on the timer . Pull them out a minute or two early if needed so they stay moist .
5.2 Can I store air fryer donuts ?
Yes you can ! Let them cool completely then put in an airtight container . They stay ok at room temp for a couple days or in the fridge up to a week . Reheat in the air fryer or microwave for a few seconds .
5.3 What are some creative toppings for air fryer donuts ?
Here are some fun topping ideas :
- Glazes : vanilla , chocolate , maple , matcha
- Sprinkles : colorful or themed
- Nuts : pecans , almonds , walnuts
- Dried fruits : cranberries , raisins , coconut flakes
- Seasonal : peppermint in winter or pumpkin spice in fall
air fryer donut recipes
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 piping bag or plastic bag
- 1 silicone donut mold (optional)
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk for glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using a silicone donut mold, lightly grease it. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag to shape the donuts directly in the air fryer basket.
- Fill each mold or pipe the batter into donut shapes in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space for them to rise.
- Cook the donuts in the air fryer for about 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the donuts and let them cool on a cooling rack.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze if desired.
