This delectable air fryer donut recipe is made from pantry staples. It is a perfect way to make donuts if you donโt have a donut pan at home. And you can get creative with this fluffy creation: eaten with ice cream, sprinkles, dipped in ganache, or dusted with cinnamon sugar.
And yes, donuts can be difficult to make at home since the oil temperature on a stove top tends to fluctuate. So, Iโll use an air fryer as it simplifies the process with less oil. Also, itโll fry these donuts more evenly with a beautifully crispy outer layer and a light and fluffy interior.
Youโll be recreating this recipe repeatedly as your new family favorite. So, donโt learn it now!
Why Choose Air Fryer Donuts?
There’s no need to deep fry your donuts. You only need an air fryer, and youโll be able to recreate perfect homemade donuts every time.
This air fried sweet treat is no-fuss and quick to prepare. You donโt have to buy any specialist ingredients since this donut mix only comprises everyday pantry essentials: flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs.
You can now eat this classic American snack right in your kitchen.
What Tools Are Required for Air-fried Donuts?
An air fryer is essential for this recipe, so I recommend investing in a decent one. A high-quality air fryer will last longer and be more efficient. Besides that, this recipe also requires the following tools.
What Are the Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts?
Here are the main ingredients to create the perfect mouth-watering donuts in your kitchen. Iโve included some notes, so you can choose the most suitable components.
Making Donuts in an Air Fryer with 4 Steps
Making this air-fried donut at home is so easy! These four steps will ensure you get the perfect donuts in your air fryer every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
Set aside for a couple of minutes until it starts to bubble and foam.
In a large bowl, mix together:
Stir the whisked egg, melted butter, and yeast milk mixture into the dry ingredients.
Continue mixing until it all clumps together. You may need to use your hands.
Place dough on a lightly floured bench, then knead by hand for 5 – 7 minutes or with a stand mixer for 3 – 4 minutes (using the dough hook). Place in a clean bowl for 30 minutes, cover, and put the bowl in a warm place.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
The dough is ready to roll out when it has approximately doubled in size.
Roll out your dough, cut around 12 donuts.
Place them all on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet
Cover the donuts again and leave to rise for another 30 – 60 minutes.
Step 3: Air Fry Your Donuts
Spray the inside of the air fryer compartments lightly with cooking oil spray. Lay the donut dough rings in a single layer in the compartment. You can cook them in batches if the amount is too much.
Turn on your air fryer and cook the donuts for 4 – 5 minutes at 340F (170C). Remove from the air fryer once cooked. Spray the tops of the donuts quickly with a little cooking spray, this will help the sugar mixture stick.
Step 4: Coat Your Donuts
In a small bowl, mix 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon with 0.25 cups of caster sugar.
Then place your cooked donuts in the sugar coating and flip.
Remove from the sugar mixture and serve.
Handy Tips and Serving Suggestions
This air fryer donut recipe is already delicious on its own. But I have a few tips for you to perfect your donuts even more. And if you want, there are also several serving suggestions for a truly delectable dessert.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Donuts
Below are all of my tried-and-true tips to elevate your air-fried donuts.
What to Serve with My Air Fryer Donuts?
These delicious and healthy snacks are perfectly accompanied by any, or all, of the following:
Whatโs the Best Way to Store Leftover Donuts?
You canโt finish the donuts youโve made? Donโt worry! Iโll show you how to save your donuts for a longer time without losing their quality. Check out all the different solutions below!
Donuts in Your Air Fryer – Light, Fluffy & Fried to Perfection
This donut recipe is so simple that you will find yourself making them time and time again. You can serve your donuts dipped in chocolate ganache, topped with sprinkles, or coated with cinnamon sugar for a fun and vibrant party.
Feel free to list your ideas via the comment below. And share this recipe with your relatives so you guys can make it together. I hope these donuts can lighten even your worst day!
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
Donuts
- 0.5 cup warm milk
- 1 packet of dry active yeast
- 2 cups white flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 0.25 cup white sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking oil spray
Icing
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 cup caster sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir sugar, milk, and dry yeast. Allow yeast to activate for 2 – 5 minutes.
- Pour all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl, then stir.
- Add your wet ingredients (milky yeast, melted butter, and whisked egg) to the dry ingredients.
- Use your hands to combine them all until they form a ball. Lightly flour your kitchen countertop, knead your dough by hand for 5 – 7 minutes or use a dough hook in an electric mixer for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Press your dough into a ball. Then, in a warm place, put the dough in a clean bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough so that you can cut approximately 12 donuts.
- Leave them on the baking sheet.
- Let them rise on a baking sheet for 30 – 60 minutes.
- Use the cooking oil spray to grease your air fryerโs compartment lightly. Place the donuts in the air fryer without overlapping the dough.Once the air fryer is on, choose the frying setting, set the temperature to 340F (170C), and the time for 4 – 5 minutes. Then cook the donuts.
- While cooking the donuts, stir the caster sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- When the air fryer finishes cooking, keep your donuts in the compartments and spray them with cooking oil. Next, remove them from the compartment and coat them with the sugar mixture.
- Serve warm!
Video
Notes
- Depending on the climate of your location, time of year, etc., you may need to increase your rising time for the dough.
- Spread some flour on the working surface and your hands before kneading to prevent sticking.
- Warm your donuts before placing them into the sugar mixture.
- Keep your milk warm at 115F.
Paige Gilmore
Content Writer
Expertise
Home Cooking, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Food Styling, Food Photography, Cooking-video Maker, Data Analysis, Business Owner, Strategy & Marketing Director
Education
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
The Culinary Collective, New Zealand
Paige Gilmore is a versatile content creator from Auckland, with a focus on culinary arts and a distinctive foundation in science and analytics. Her varied skills enrich her cooking, enabling her to combine precise techniques with imaginative style in the kitchen.