Air Fryer Donuts
These Air Fryer Donuts are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, offering a soft, fluffy texture with a crispy exterior. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, they can be customized with cinnamon sugar, glaze, or other toppings.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, for that classic donut flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk use any plant-based milk if preferred
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter or neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the air fryer basket
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg (if using), and salt. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape the Donuts
- Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters (a large one for the donut shape and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll any scraps to cut more donuts until the dough is used up.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Donuts
- Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Carefully flip the donuts halfway through cooking for even browning.
Add the Toppings
- If using cinnamon sugar, brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. For a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the tops of the warm donuts in the glaze and set on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your air fryer donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Donut Cutter
- Air Fryer
- Wire Rack
- Cooking Spray
Notes
Do not overmix the dough to keep donuts tender and fluffy. If you don’t have a donut cutter, use two round cutters or even a glass and a bottle cap. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a light hand when brushing melted butter before cinnamon sugar coating. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model; start checking at 5 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness. Freeze donuts for up to 1 month and reheat in the air fryer or oven to refresh.
Variations include chocolate glazed donuts, stuffed donuts with jam or Nutella, vegan options substituting egg and dairy, spiced donuts with added warm spices, and various glaze flavors like maple, lemon, or coffee. Sprinkles or nuts can be added on top for extra texture and fun.