Name: Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup melted butter; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 38 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying delicious homemade donuts without the mess and heaviness of traditional frying, this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These donuts are delightfully soft and fluffy inside, boasting a beautifully golden, lightly crisp outside that’s perfectly achieved in the air fryer. Quick to whip up and lighter than their deep-fried cousins, they bring that classic sweetness with a fresher twist, making them ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making dough rings in an air fryer. In the top left, a woman's hand with blue glitter nail polish brushes oil inside a black air fryer basket, with stacked white dough pieces on a white marbled surface in the background. The top right shows a woman's hand pressing a small round cutter into a thick off-white dough circle on a parchment-lined tray with several dough circles nearby. The bottom left displays multiple dough rings with small round dough pieces inside them spread out on the tray lined with parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The bottom right shows five dough rings placed evenly inside the black air fryer basket, ready to cook, all on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients list is straightforward but each element plays an important role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor that will have you coming back for more.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives your donuts structure and tenderness.
2 tbsp sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully, making them fluffy and light.
½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
¾ cup milk: Moistens the dough and keeps it soft.
2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the donuts.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and flavor to the dough.
¼ cup melted butter (for coating): Essential for helping the cinnamon sugar stick.
½ cup sugar (for coating): Sweetens the outside, creating that classic donut finish.
1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): Adds warmth and spice, creating a perfect flavor combo.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures an even rise and flavor in every bite of your donuts. This foundation is essential to the classic donut texture we all love.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir everything gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be tender but manageable, just right for rolling out without sticking too much to your surface or fingers.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Donut Shapes

Lightly flour your working surface and roll the dough to about ½ inch thick. Using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes, cut out your donut shapes. This is a fun step because you get to see the dough start to transform into the classic rings that will soon turn into golden delights.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it warm up. Preheating ensures the donuts cook evenly and develop that ideal crispy outside while keeping the interior soft. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts

Place the cut donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow for even cooking. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes until they are puffed slightly and golden brown. The air fryer’s magic is quick and efficient, giving you a fantastic donut texture with less oil.

Step 6: Coat Donuts in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately after cooking, brush each donut generously with melted butter. Then toss or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm donuts soak up this coating perfectly, creating that irresistible sweet crunch we all crave.

How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

A close-up of a single doughnut with three visible layers: the base is golden brown dough shaped in a ring, the middle layer is a smooth white icing covering the top, and the top layer is a thick mix of colorful sprinkles including yellow, purple, pink hearts, small white balls, and white thin sticks scattered all over the icing. The doughnut is placed on a piece of parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with parts of other doughnuts slightly visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While cinnamon sugar is a classic favorite, you can get creative with your garnishes to make these donuts even more special. Try melted chocolate drizzle, colorful sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a different touch. Fresh fruit on the side can also add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, add some fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or crispy bacon to balance sweetness with savory flavors. A creamy dip like vanilla glaze or caramel sauce can also elevate your serving experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation adds a fun twist to your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe. Stack them on a tiered stand for a charming display, or place each donut in a cute paper liner for a party-ready snack. For an interactive dessert idea, set up a donut decorating station where guests can add their own toppings and glazes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any donuts left (and that can be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay best within a day or two before they start to lose their soft texture, so try to enjoy them fresh for the best experience.

Freezing

To keep these donuts fresh longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently to bring back the softness.

Reheating

Reheat the donuts in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 160°C (320°F) to restore their warmth and slight crispness on the outside. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make them chewy rather than soft and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use biscuit dough instead of making the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Using canned biscuit dough is a handy shortcut that still produces wonderfully soft and fluffy air fryer donuts. Just cut the dough as you would, and follow the air frying instructions for a quick fix.

Is this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe healthier than traditional fried donuts?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil, resulting in fewer calories and less grease. You still get that delicious donut flavor and texture but with a lighter finish that feels better for your body.

Can I add glaze instead of cinnamon sugar coating?

Definitely. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or your favorite icing adds a sweet and smooth coating that’s just as delightful as the cinnamon sugar. Feel free to customize with flavors like lemon or maple to suit your taste.

What if my donuts aren’t cooking evenly in the air fryer?

Make sure the donuts are spaced out in a single layer without overlapping. Also, flipping them halfway through cooking can help them brown evenly on both sides for the perfect golden finish.

How long can I keep the donut dough before cooking?

It’s best to make the donuts right after preparing the dough for the softest texture. However, if needed, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, then gently bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cutting.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is pure joy wrapped in a golden ring, perfect for those moments when you want a homemade treat that feels special but doesn’t keep you tied to the stove or make a big mess. Once you try these light, fluffy delights, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for store-bought again. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to a warm, fresh donut experience delivered in record time!