Air Fryer Donuts: Guilt-Free Indulgence with Crispy Delight

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a soft, warm donut — the golden exterior slightly crisp, the inside fluffy and tender, and the sweet glaze or sprinkle of sugar making it all feel just right. But traditional donuts, as delicious as they are, come with a deep-fried downside. They’re usually soaked in oil, which adds unwanted fat and calories. Enter the air fryer — a revolutionary kitchen appliance that makes it possible to enjoy your favorite fried foods with a fraction of the oil.

One of the most delightful surprises of air frying? Donuts. Air fryer donuts are a lighter, quicker, and cleaner alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. They offer the same delicious taste and texture but without the greasy aftermath or kitchen mess. Whether you’re craving classic sugar-coated donuts, ones with a chocolate glaze, or even stuffed varieties, the air fryer can do it all.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll guide you through the history of donuts, the rise of air frying, the benefits of making donuts in an air fryer, and most importantly, provide you with a step-by-step, foolproof recipe for homemade air fryer donuts. We’ll also include tips, variations, and troubleshooting to ensure that whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, your air fryer donuts come out perfect every time.

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Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Donuts (from Scratch and Biscuit Dough Options)

This section will include two methods:

• Method 1: Air Fryer Donuts from Scratch (Yeast-based)

• Method 2: Quick Air Fryer Donuts from Biscuit Dough

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🍩 Method 1: Classic Yeast-Raised Donuts from Scratch

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 10–12 donuts)

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 3/4 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 egg

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of oil for the air fryer

Optional Glaze or Coating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Or for Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, it may be inactive — try a new packet.

2. Mix the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, butter, salt, egg, vanilla, and 1 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix or knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook).

3. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one 3-inch, one 1-inch) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll scraps to make more donuts.

Place the cut donuts and holes on a parchment-lined tray. Let them rest for 15–20 minutes to rise slightly.

5. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes.

6. Air Fry the Donuts

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or brush with oil.

Place donuts in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

Tip: Donut holes take only 3–4 minutes.

7. Add Glaze or Coating

While still warm:

• Dip in glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla) and set on a wire rack.

• Or brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Let set for a few minutes and enjoy fresh!

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⏱️ Method 2: Super Quick Donuts Using Biscuit Dough

Perfect for beginners or busy mornings!

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 can (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• Optional: premade glaze or chocolate sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Separate biscuit dough. Use a small cutter or bottle cap to cut out the centers.

2. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

3. Place donuts in basket with space around them.

4. Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

5. Brush with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar or glaze.

That’s it — donuts in under 10 minutes!

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Air Fryer Donuts: Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting

💡 Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer — cook in batches.

• Spray lightly with oil for a golden finish.

• Let your glaze set on a wire rack with parchment underneath for easy cleanup.

• Always preheat your air fryer unless the manufacturer advises otherwise.

🔄 Variations

• Stuffed donuts: Inject jam, Nutella, or custard using a piping bag.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute (dough may need adjusting).

• Savory version: Skip the glaze and fill with cream cheese and herbs.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

• Flat donuts? Your yeast may be expired, or the dough didn’t rise properly.

• Too dry? Donuts were overcooked or air fryer wasn’t preheated correctly.

• Soggy bottoms? Use parchment liners or flip donuts to ensure even cooking.

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Nutrition Information (Per Yeast Donut with Glaze)

Using biscuit dough may slightly increase fat and sugar depending on brand.

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Why Use an Air Fryer for Donuts?

• Healthier Option: Air fryer donuts use little to no oil.

• Faster: No need to heat up a large pot of oil or deal with messy cleanup.

• Safer: No risk of oil splatter or burns.

• Kid-friendly: Great project for baking with children.

• Versatile: You can make sweet, savory, filled, or vegan donuts.

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Conclusion: Donuts Reimagined for the Modern Kitchen

Air fryer donuts are more than a passing food trend — they’re a smart, delicious reinvention of a classic comfort food. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, save time in the kitchen, or just explore new culinary adventures, this recipe checks all the boxes.

By skipping the deep fryer and embracing the air fryer, you get all the indulgence with significantly less fat and mess. Plus, the flexibility to create your own flavors and fillings means the possibilities are nearly endless. From yeast-raised to biscuit-based, glazed to sugar-dusted, air fryer donuts allow you to enjoy your favorite treat in a fraction of the time — with none of the guilt.

So the next time your sweet tooth strikes or you’re craving a homemade brunch delight, reach for your air fryer and whip up a batch of these golden beauties. You might just discover your new favorite way to donut.

Bon appétit!