Welcome to your new favorite homemade treat! Discover how simple it is to make delicious donuts right in your own kitchen. You get that irresistible deep-fried flavor and texture, but with a healthier twist, thanks to the air fryer. This recipe for Easy Air Fryer Donuts is incredibly quick and simple, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Get ready to enjoy perfectly soft, cinnamon-sugar coated donuts in no time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Making Easy Air Fryer Donuts at home is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: Enjoy freshly made donuts without the long waits. This recipe eliminates the need for yeast, speeding up the entire process significantly.
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying uses far less oil than traditional deep-frying. Research from Medical News Today highlights that air-fried foods have a lower fat content than deep-fried foods, which may contribute to better health and weight management. You get the same crispy exterior and tender interior with less guilt.
- Delicious Cake-Like Texture: These donuts boast a wonderfully soft, moist, and cake-like texture. Every bite is pure comfort and satisfaction.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt this recipe to fit various preferences. We provide simple substitutions for gluten-free and vegan versions.
- No Yeast Required: Say goodbye to proofing times and complicated steps. This recipe simplifies donut making, making it accessible to everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious Easy Air Fryer Donuts:
For Donuts:
- 1 cup softened butter (or plant butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Glaze:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup ground cinnamon
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust these Easy Air Fryer Donuts to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum.
- Butter: Swap softened butter for a plant-based butter alternative to make these donuts vegan-friendly.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk alternative works perfectly. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great choices.
- Spices: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and traditional donut flavor.
- Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy note.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make these Easy Air Fryer Donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer: Any model works, but Ninja Foodi models are excellent for even cooking.
- Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients.
- Donut cutter: A round cookie cutter with a smaller one for the center, or even a glass and a bottle cap.
- Rolling pin: For evenly rolling out the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Follow these clear steps to create your delightful batch of Easy Air Fryer Donuts at home. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and quick!
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step incorporates air, contributing to the donut’s tender texture.
- Add Wet & Dry: Gradually add the milk and dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating between them. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Mix in Vanilla: Pour in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix briefly until the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough for your Easy Air Fryer Donuts should be soft but manageable.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and gently roll it out using a rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness of about 5/8 inch. Consistency helps ensure even cooking.
- Cut Donuts: Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes from the rolled dough. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut more donuts. Don’t forget to cut out the smaller donut holes!
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the donuts begin cooking immediately, giving them a better texture.
- Air Fry Donuts: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place two donuts in each compartment or basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even air circulation. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Air Fry Donut Holes: Cook the donut holes separately from the larger donuts. They will cook faster, typically needing only about 5 minutes in the preheated air fryer. This ensures perfect golden-brown results for all your Easy Air Fryer Donuts.
- Prepare Coating: While the donuts are still warm, prepare the delicious glaze. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a small, shallow dish. In a separate flat dish, thoroughly mix together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup ground cinnamon.
- Coat Donuts: As each batch of donuts finishes cooking, immediately transfer them to the melted butter. Dip each side of the warm donut into the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, dip both sides into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Serve Warm: These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are absolutely best enjoyed warm, right after coating. The warm, soft texture combined with the sweet cinnamon sugar is truly irresistible.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Easy Air Fryer Donuts is simple with a few helpful tips:
- Dough Texture: If your dough feels too sticky to roll out, add a small amount of extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes more manageable. Avoid adding too much, which can make donuts tough.
- Prevent Sticking: Always lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the donuts. This prevents them from adhering to the basket during cooking.
- Even Cooking: For consistent results, flip your donuts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides become beautifully golden and cooked through.
- Air Fryer Models: Cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models. Keep an eye on your first batch and adjust the timing as needed for your specific unit.
- Troubleshooting: Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in dense or tough donuts instead of fluffy ones. Mix until just combined.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are incredibly versatile, perfect for any occasion.
- Serving: Serve your homemade donuts warm alongside a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They make a fantastic breakfast treat or an indulgent dessert.
- Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Their texture is best on the day they are made.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) until gently heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent drying them out.
- Glaze Variations: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla) or a rich chocolate ganache.
- Flavor Boosts: Before the glaze sets, sprinkle on colorful sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Making Easy Air Fryer Donuts offers a noticeable benefit over deep-fried versions. Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil absorbed, which generally means less fat and fewer calories per serving. While still an indulgence, it provides a lighter option for enjoying a classic treat. Remember, nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The values below are estimated per serving.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9-12g |
| Cholesterol | 40-50mg |
| Sodium | 200-250mg |
| Total Carbs | 35-40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Total Sugars | 18-22g |
| Protein | 3-5g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make donuts from scratch in my air fryer?
Simply follow this detailed recipe for homemade cake-style Easy Air Fryer Donuts. It walks you through combining simple ingredients, shaping the dough, and air frying to perfection.
Is it better to bake or fry donuts?
Air-fried donuts offer a delicious and significantly healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. You get similar textures with less oil, making them a great choice.
Can you use batter in an air fryer for donuts?
Yes, this recipe uses a thick, cake-style batter that you roll out and cut into donut shapes. It produces wonderful, fluffy Easy Air Fryer Donuts every time.
Can I use canned biscuit dough for air fryer donuts?
Absolutely! Using canned biscuit dough is a fantastic shortcut for even quicker air fryer donuts. Just cut out the centers, air fry, and then coat.
Final Thoughts
You now have all the tools to create incredibly delicious, healthier Easy Air Fryer Donuts right in your own kitchen. This recipe proves that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated or messy. Enjoy the fluffy, cake-like texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating without the guilt of deep-frying. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover how easy and rewarding making your own donuts can be. Share your creations with us and pin this recipe for later!
Easy Air Fryer Donuts: Fluffy, Gluten-Free & No Yeast!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream softened butter and sugar until smooth in a mixer or bowl. Alternately add milk and dry ingredients, then mix in vanilla.
- Roll out the dough to about 5/8″ thick. Use a donut cutter to make donuts and donut holes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Air fry two donuts per compartment for 8-10 minutes. Cook donut holes separately for approximately 5 minutes.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter. In a separate dish, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup cinnamon together.
- Once fried, dip each side of the donut into the melted butter, then dip each side into the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Serve the donuts warm.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
