Delicious Air Fryer Donut Recipe | Easy, Crispy, and Healthier

An Air Fryer Donut Recipe is a simple and delicious way to make homemade donuts with less oil than traditional frying methods. Using an air fryer, you can create light and fluffy donuts that are golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. The recipe usually starts with a basic dough made from flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, which is then shaped into rings. After a quick preheat of the air fryer, the donuts are placed inside and cooked for around 5 to 6 minutes until perfectly puffed. Once out of the fryer, you can dip them in melted butter and coat them with sugar or glaze, customizing to your taste. This method reduces the amount of oil needed and offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried donuts, making it a great option for anyone craving a sweet treat without the guilt.

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Delicious Air Fryer Donut Recipe | Easy, Crispy, and Healthier Donuts in 20 Minutes

Air fryers have quickly become a must-have kitchen appliance, loved for their ability to produce crispy, golden dishes with far less oil than traditional frying methods. Among the many treats you can make in an air fryer, donuts are a standout. Air fryer donuts are a healthier, quicker version of the classic fried donut. They have a similar crispy texture and soft, fluffy inside, but require significantly less oil, making them a lighter alternative to deep-fried donuts. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or impress guests with a homemade snack, this air fryer donut recipe will guide you through making delicious donuts from scratch, with ease.

Air fryer donuts are not only delicious but also customizable. You can make them in different flavors and top them with your favorite glazes, frosting, or sprinkles. This recipe is straightforward, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh donuts in less than 30 minutes. Whether you prefer your donuts plain, with sugar and cinnamon, or dipped in chocolate glaze, this air fryer donut recipe is a versatile and healthier alternative to the traditional method.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 donuts
Calories: 130 calories per donut (varies based on toppings)

Ingredients
For the donuts:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Most air fryers take about 3-5 minutes to reach the right temperature. While the air fryer is heating, you can prepare the donut batter.
2. Prepare the Donut Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk them together until evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix the Batter:
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense donuts. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
4. Shape the Donuts:
   Lightly grease a donut pan with vegetable oil to prevent the donuts from sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can form the donuts by hand into small doughnuts with a hole in the center or use two round cookie cutters to create the shape. Spoon the batter into the donut cavities of the pan, filling each about 2/3 full. Be sure to smooth the top of the batter for even cooking.
5. Air Fry the Donuts:
   Place the donut pan into the air fryer basket and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to check them halfway through cooking to ensure they are not overcooking or burning.
6. Cool the Donuts:
   Once the donuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
   While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can sprinkle in some cinnamon. Once the donuts are cool enough, dip the tops into the glaze and add any optional toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts.
8. Serve:
   Once glazed, allow the donuts to sit for a few minutes to set the glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthier air fryer donuts.

Nutrition Information (per donut without glaze):

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Nutrition Information (with glaze and sprinkles):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g

Resting Time:
Allow the donuts to cool for about 5-10 minutes before glazing them. This is an important step to ensure the glaze doesn’t melt off the donuts, and it also helps improve the texture of the donut itself. It is also crucial if you’ve used a donut pan, as it will help the donuts maintain their shape.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Donut pan (optional, but recommended)
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling the donut pan)
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for glazing

Cuisines: American, Comfort Food, Breakfast
Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack

Tips for Success

• Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can form donuts by hand or use a cookie cutter. Another method is to form the dough into small balls and create a hole in the center using your fingers or the end of a spoon.
• Toppings: You can customize the flavor by adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even dusting the donuts with cinnamon sugar after cooking.
• Make-Ahead: These donuts can be made ahead and stored for 1-2 days. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Donuts?
Using an air fryer to make donuts is a great way to save time and reduce the amount of oil used in frying. Traditional deep-fried donuts can be heavy and greasy, but air fryer donuts are lighter and just as crispy. Plus, air fryers cook donuts quickly and evenly, without the need for flipping them halfway through the cooking process. This recipe is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a healthier, yet still indulgent, alternative to traditional donuts.

Conclusion
Air fryer donuts are a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy a classic treat. This recipe yields soft, fluffy, and delicious donuts with a crispy exterior, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Whether you prefer them plain or glazed, these air fryer donuts will surely satisfy your cravings. Try them out and experiment with different toppings to make your perfect donut!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.