🍩 Heavenly Air Fryer Vanilla Donuts: A Delicious Recipe You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Introduction: Sweet Simplicity with a Twist of Vanilla

There’s something timeless and universally comforting about donuts. Whether they remind you of childhood treats, cozy bakeries, or spontaneous indulgences, donuts have a magical way of lifting spirits. But for many, the process of making donuts at home—especially traditional fried ones—seems daunting and unhealthy. Enter the air fryer: the modern kitchen appliance that allows us to indulge in our favorite classics with a healthier twist. And today, we’re diving into a truly mouthwatering version—Air Fryer Vanilla Donuts.

This recipe focuses on light, fluffy vanilla-infused donuts that deliver that perfect balance of soft interior and golden exterior—all without deep frying. The air fryer ensures they’re cooked evenly with significantly less oil, making them healthier and faster to prepare. And with a luscious vanilla glaze to top it off, each bite is a moment of pure bliss.

Whether you’re new to air frying or already a pro, this recipe will become a staple in your breakfast or dessert lineup. It’s perfect for weekend treats, brunch with friends, birthday mornings, or any day when a little sweetness goes a long way.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and make a batch of air fryer vanilla donuts that are so good, you might just skip the bakery forever.

Recipe: Air Fryer Vanilla Donuts

👩‍🍳 What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• No deep frying – healthier and less messy!

• Vanilla-rich flavor with a soft, tender texture.

• Quick rise yeast dough – no overnight wait!

• Perfect for glazing or decorating with sprinkles, nuts, or even chocolate drizzle.

• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.

📝 Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Neutral oil spray (like avocado or canola oil spray)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: food coloring or sprinkles

🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need

• Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Doughnut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch)

• Rolling pin

• Parchment paper

• Wire rack

• Pastry brush (optional)

⏱️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Although we’re using instant yeast, activating it ensures a consistent rise and improved flavor.

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar (from the ¼ cup), and instant yeast.

2. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.

3. If there’s no foam, your yeast might be inactive—start fresh.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the foamy yeast mixture.

4. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.

5. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if too sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

2. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

1. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.

2. Use your donut cutter (or two round cutters) to shape donuts.

3. Place shaped donuts (and holes, if you want to cook those too!) on small parchment squares.

4. Cover lightly and let rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffed.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

🍩 Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

1. Carefully place 3–4 donuts (on parchment paper squares) in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

2. Lightly spray the tops with oil.

3. Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway if needed. Donuts should be golden brown.

4. Transfer to a wire rack and repeat with the remaining donuts.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches for even cooking.

🧁 Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

2. Adjust milk to reach your desired consistency—thicker for dipping, thinner for drizzling.

🎉 Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

1. Once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm, dip the tops into the vanilla glaze.

2. Place on a wire rack and allow glaze to set (about 10–15 minutes).

3. Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, shredded coconut, or colored icing if desired.

🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Pop them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to refresh.

• Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer. When ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze freshly.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or vanilla chai latte.

• Serve for a brunch platter alongside fruit, yogurt, and savory bites.

• Make it a fun activity with kids—let them decorate their own donuts!

🍯 Optional Variations

Want to get creative? Try these fun twists:

1. Filled Vanilla Donuts

• After cooking, inject donuts with vanilla custard or pastry cream using a piping bag.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Skip the glaze and toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic twist.

3. Vanilla Bean Glaze

• Add vanilla bean paste to your glaze for an extra-rich vanilla experience.

4. Vegan Version

• Use plant milk, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and vegan butter.

5. Gluten-Free

• Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

⚖️ Nutritional Information (per donut)

Note: Approximate values based on 12 donuts

• Calories: 195

• Carbs: 31g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 6g

• Sugar: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Vanilla Donuts

1. Don’t skip the second rise. It makes a big difference in texture!

2. Use parchment paper when placing raw donuts into the air fryer to keep their shape.

3. Lightly spray oil on top before cooking to help browning.

4. Don’t overbake. Keep an eye around the 5-minute mark.

5. Glaze while warm for best absorption and appearance.

🧁 Conclusion: A Donut Worth Making Again

Vanilla donuts in the air fryer are more than just a healthier alternative—they’re a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and ease. From the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, to the moment you bite into that perfectly golden, vanilla-glazed donut, this recipe delivers joy from start to finish.

And unlike store-bought versions or deep-fried varieties, these donuts let you enjoy the indulgence without the guilt. Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking with kids, or just treating yourself on a lazy morning, air fryer vanilla donuts are a foolproof favorite that feels both nostalgic and modern.

So, preheat that air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with donuts all over again—this time, made right at home.