Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe – Quick & Tasty Homemade Treats

Are you craving delicious, fluffy donuts but want a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions? Look no further! This Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is the perfect solution—quick, simple, and irresistibly tasty. With minimal ingredients and no messy oil, you can enjoy homemade donuts in minutes!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this guide will walk you through every step, from preparing the dough to adding mouthwatering glazes and toppings. Plus, we’ll share gluten-free and vegan variations so everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.

Why Make Donuts in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by providing a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. Here’s why air fryer donuts are a game-changer:

✅ Healthier than deep-fried donuts – Uses little to no oil, reducing fat content.
✅ Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes!
✅ No messy cleanup – No greasy stovetops or splatters.
✅ Versatile – Customize flavors, glazes, and toppings.
✅ Perfect texture – Crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside.

Now, let’s dive into the best Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe you’ll ever try!

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Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Donuts

For the Donut Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup buttermilk (or almond milk for vegan option)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)

Optional Toppings & Glazes:

• Cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)
• Powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2-3 tbsp milk)
• Chocolate glaze (½ cup melted chocolate + 1 tbsp coconut oil)
• Sprinkles, nuts, or shredded coconut

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

💡 Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If too dry, add a splash of milk.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large, one small) to shape the donuts.
3. If making donut holes, simply roll small dough balls.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
3. Place donuts in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).
4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Step 4: Add Toppings & Glazes

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Brush with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Glazed Donuts: Dip warm donuts in powdered sugar glaze.
• Chocolate Donuts: Drizzle with melted chocolate and add sprinkles.

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Variations of Air Fryer Donuts

1. Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

• After air frying, brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon-sugar mix.

2. Gluten-Free Air Fryer Donuts

• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.

3. Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

• Replace buttermilk with almond milk + ½ tsp vinegar.
• Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
• Swap butter with coconut oil.

4. Air Fryer Donut Holes

• Roll dough into small balls and air fry for 4-5 minutes.

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Why Air Fryer Donuts Are Healthier Than Traditional Donuts

When it comes to indulging in donuts, most people think of deep-fried, sugar-loaded treats that are delicious but not exactly healthy. However, with the rise of air fryers, it’s now possible to enjoy fluffy, golden donuts with far fewer calories and less fat. Here’s why air fryer donuts are a smarter choice:

1. Reduced Oil Usage

Traditional donuts are submerged in hot oil, absorbing extra fat and calories. Air fryers, on the other hand, use little to no oil while still achieving a crispy exterior. A typical deep-fried donut can contain 200-300 calories, whereas an air-fried version may have only 100-150 calories per donut.

2. Lower Risk of Acrylamide Formation

Deep-frying starchy foods at high temperatures can produce acrylamide, a potentially harmful chemical linked to cancer. Air frying significantly reduces this risk because it cooks food with hot air circulation instead of oil immersion.

3. Better Digestion & Less Greasiness

Fried foods can be heavy on the stomach, leading to bloating or discomfort. Air-fried donuts are lighter and easier to digest since they don’t soak up excess oil. Plus, they won’t leave your fingers greasy!

4. Customizable for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-free? Use almond or oat flour.
• Vegan? Swap eggs for flax eggs and butter for coconut oil.
• Low-sugar? Opt for sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol.

5. Quick & Convenient

No need to heat a large pot of oil—just preheat the air fryer, cook for 5-7 minutes, and enjoy fresh donuts without the mess!

Final Thought: If you love donuts but want a healthier, guilt-free version, air frying is the way to go!

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 Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

Making donuts in an air fryer is simple, fast, and foolproof—even for beginners. Follow these steps for fluffy, golden donuts every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a bowl, mix:
  • 1 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
• In another bowl, whisk:
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or almond milk)
  • 1 egg (or flax egg)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
• Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

• Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large, one small).
• For donut holes, roll small dough balls.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 mins.
• Lightly spray basket with oil.
• Place donuts in a single layer (no overlapping).
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Add Toppings

• Cinnamon Sugar: Brush with butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Glazed: Dip in powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk).
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate with coconut oil and drizzle.

Pro Tip: Let donuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.

Final Thought: With this easy method, you’ll have restaurant-quality donuts in under 15 minutes!

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 Creative Toppings & Glazes for Air Fryer Donuts

The best part about homemade donuts? Customizing flavors! Here are 10+ delicious topping ideas to elevate your air fryer donuts:

🍩 Classic Glazes

1. Vanilla Glaze – Powdered sugar + milk + vanilla extract.
2. Chocolate Ganache – Melted chocolate + heavy cream.
3. Maple Glaze – Powdered sugar + maple syrup.

🎉 Fun & Unique Toppings

4. Fruity Pebbles – Dip in glaze, then coat with cereal.
5. S’mores – Chocolate glaze + crushed graham crackers + mini marshmallows.
6. Matcha Glaze – Powdered sugar + matcha powder + milk.

🥥 Healthy Alternatives

7. Coconut-Lime – Coconut glaze + lime zest.
8. Peanut Butter Drizzle – Melted peanut butter + honey.
9. Yogurt Dip – Greek yogurt + honey + berries.

🍯 Quick & Easy Options

10. Cinnamon Sugar – Butter + cinnamon + sugar.
11. Nutella Swirl – Warm Nutella drizzled on top.
12. Cookie Crumb – Crushed Oreos or Biscoff.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, toast nuts or coconut flakes before

Best Glazes & Toppings for Air Fryer Donuts

🍩 Classic Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla

🍫 Chocolate Glaze

• ½ cup melted chocolate + 1 tbsp coconut oil

🍁 Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp milk

🍓 Strawberry Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp strawberry puree

🎉 Fun Toppings

• Sprinkles
• Crushed nuts
• Shredded coconut
• Crushed cookies

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FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts

❓ Can I use canned biscuit dough for air fryer donuts?

✅ Yes! Flatten canned biscuits, cut out centers, and air fry for 4-5 minutes.

❓ How do I store leftover donuts?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

❓ Can I freeze air fryer donuts?

✅ Yes! Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer before glazing.

❓ Why are my donuts dry?

Overcooking can dry them out. Check at 5 minutes and adjust time as needed.

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Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Easy Air Fryer Donuts!

This Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, homemade donuts without the hassle of deep frying. With endless flavor possibilities and quick prep time, you’ll want to make these again and again!