Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipe – Homemade, Healthy, and Delicious Dessert Without Deep Frying

Donuts are one of the world’s most beloved treats, loved for their fluffy texture, golden crust, and irresistible sweetness. Traditionally, donuts are deep-fried in oil, which gives them their classic taste but also makes them heavy, greasy, and high in calories. With the growing popularity of air fryers, many home cooks are discovering that you can make donuts at home that are lighter, healthier, and just as delicious — all without a deep fryer.

An air fryer uses hot circulating air to crisp food, mimicking frying but with far less oil. This means you can enjoy golden, fluffy donuts with less guilt. Even better, homemade air fryer donuts can be customized with different flavors, glazes, or fillings to suit your cravings. Whether you want classic glazed, chocolate-coated, cinnamon-sugar, or even cream-filled donuts, the air fryer makes it quick, easy, and fun. In this article, we’ll explore what air fryer donuts are, the essential ingredients, step-by-step preparation, creative variations, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for serving.

What Are Air Fryer Donuts?

Air fryer donuts are a lighter version of the classic donut made by cooking in an air fryer instead of deep frying in oil. The result is a donut that is fluffy inside with a lightly crisp exterior, but without the excess grease. They can be made with yeast dough for a traditional rise, biscuit dough for convenience, or even cake-style batter for a denser texture.

These donuts are popular because they are healthier, quicker, and less messy than deep frying. You don’t need a large pot of hot oil, and cleanup is minimal. Plus, they are versatile: you can glaze them, coat them in sugar, drizzle them with chocolate, or stuff them with jam. Essentially, air fryer donuts give you the indulgence of donuts with a fraction of the hassle.

Also Read: Chocolate Brownies

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

1. Flour

Flour provides the structure for the donut. All-purpose flour is the most common choice, giving the right balance of softness and chew. Bread flour can be used for chewier results, while cake flour makes them lighter and softer.

2. Yeast or Baking Powder

For yeast-based donuts, yeast acts as the leavening agent that makes the dough rise and creates a fluffy texture. For cake-style donuts, baking powder is used instead, giving a quicker, denser rise. The choice depends on whether you want airy, bakery-style donuts or cake-like ones.

3. Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown. Granulated sugar is usually added to the dough, while powdered sugar is often used in glazes. For coating, cinnamon sugar or confectioner’s sugar works beautifully.

4. Milk

Milk adds richness, tenderness, and moisture to the dough. Whole milk is preferred for the best texture, but you can use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.

5. Eggs

Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness. They help bind the dough and improve the texture, making the donuts soft and fluffy inside.

6. Butter or Oil

Butter adds flavor and softness. It also enriches the dough, giving it that classic bakery donut taste. Some recipes use oil for moisture, but butter tends to give a richer flavor.

7. Salt

A pinch of salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the donut. It also strengthens the dough, ensuring the donuts hold their shape.

8. Flavorings

Vanilla extract is the most common flavoring, adding depth and sweetness. Other extracts like almond or lemon can be used for unique variations. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg also add warmth.

9. Toppings and Glazes

The toppings are where creativity shines. Options include classic vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, or even filled options like jam or cream.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Donuts (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–2 hours). Yeast needs time to develop structure and flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger, one smaller) to cut donut shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed. Place cut donuts on parchment paper.

Step 4: Second Rise

Let the shaped donuts rest for about 30 minutes. This allows them to puff up and ensures a fluffy texture once cooked.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

Place donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust time slightly.

Step 7: Add Toppings

While warm, dip donuts into glaze or coat them with cinnamon sugar. Allow glaze to set before serving. For filled donuts, inject jam or cream after cooking.

Variations of Air Fryer Donuts

1. Classic Glazed Donuts

This version sticks to the traditional yeast-raised donut coated in a simple vanilla glaze. The glaze is made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. After frying, dip the donuts in the glaze while warm and let the excess drip off. The glaze hardens slightly, giving you that shiny, bakery-style look.
Classic glazed donuts are timeless and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. They can also be decorated with sprinkles for added fun. This is the best starting point for beginners who want to experience the magic of making donuts at home.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Instead of a glaze, warm donuts are brushed lightly with melted butter and rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The result is a cozy, comforting donut with a crisp coating and warm spice flavor.
This variation is especially good for breakfast or brunch. It doesn’t require extra cooling time, and you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mix in advance. They’re also a great option for kids since they’re less messy than glazed donuts.

3. Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Chocolate lovers will appreciate this variation. Melt chocolate chips with a bit of butter and milk to make a smooth glaze. Dip warm donuts into the glaze, then top with sprinkles or crushed nuts.
Chocolate-glazed donuts are rich and indulgent, making them a great dessert option. They’re perfect for parties or special occasions, as they look impressive yet are simple to make.

4. Filled Donuts (Jam or Cream)

For this variation, cook donuts without the center hole. Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to inject jam, custard, or whipped cream into the center. Dust with powdered sugar to finish.
Filled donuts are decadent and versatile — you can use strawberry jam for a fruity touch, chocolate cream for indulgence, or even lemon curd for tanginess. They work well as a dessert centerpiece.

5. Cake-Style Donuts

Instead of yeast, these donuts use baking powder. The dough is quicker to prepare, with no rising time needed. The result is denser and more like a cupcake in donut form.
Cake-style donuts are ideal for busy mornings. You can flavor them with cocoa, spices, or citrus zest, and they can be baked directly in silicone donut molds before finishing in the air fryer for a golden crust.

6. Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, butter with coconut oil, and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. The rest of the process remains the same.
Vegan donuts can be just as soft and flavorful, especially with creative toppings like maple glaze, shredded coconut, or almond slivers. They’re a great option for plant-based eaters who still want indulgence.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcrowding the Air Fryer
One of the most frequent errors is placing too many donuts in the basket at once. The air fryer relies on hot air circulating around each piece of food to cook it evenly. If the donuts are packed tightly, the air cannot circulate properly, leaving some donuts undercooked while others become too dark. To avoid this, always cook in small batches, leaving at least half an inch of space between each donut. It may take a little longer, but you’ll get evenly golden, perfectly fluffy results.

2. Skipping the Second Rise
Yeast donuts rely on proofing to develop air pockets that create that light, pillowy texture. If you skip the second rise after shaping the donuts, the dough remains dense and heavy. Many people rush this step, but it’s essential. Letting the shaped donuts rest for at least 30 minutes gives the yeast time to work again, ensuring a softer interior. If your kitchen is cool, place the tray of shaped donuts in a warm spot or cover lightly with a towel to help them rise properly.

3. Overcooking
Every air fryer is slightly different in power and size, which means cooking times vary. Leaving donuts in for just a minute too long can dry them out, leaving a tough exterior and chewy interior. The best way to avoid this is to check them a minute or two earlier than the recipe suggests. They should be golden brown on the outside and slightly springy to the touch. If you’re unsure, use a toothpick: insert it into the thickest part of the donut — if it comes out clean, they’re done.

4. Using Too Much Flour
Adding excess flour when kneading is another common mistake. A stiff dough creates dense, tough donuts instead of soft, airy ones. The dough should feel slightly tacky to the touch but not overly sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add flour only a tablespoon at a time until it becomes workable. It’s better to work with a softer dough than risk over-drying it with too much flour. Remember, donuts are meant to be tender, not chewy like bread.

5. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating might seem unnecessary, but it’s actually very important. When you place donuts into a cold air fryer, the initial cooking environment isn’t hot enough, so they don’t puff or crisp as they should. Instead, they can turn pale and bake unevenly. Preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures the fryer reaches the right temperature so the donuts begin cooking immediately, locking in their shape and giving them that golden crust.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

1. Breakfast Treat
Air fryer donuts are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them warm with a cup of hot coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a rich hot chocolate. Their light sweetness balances wonderfully with slightly bitter drinks like espresso. For a cozy morning spread, pair donuts with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices.

2. Dessert Platter
Transform your air fryer donuts into an elegant dessert platter. Arrange them on a large plate with fresh berries, drizzles of chocolate, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also include small bowls of dipping sauces such as Nutella, fruit compote, or peanut butter glaze. This makes an excellent centerpiece for dinner parties or family gatherings.

3. Party Idea
Mini air fryer donuts are a crowd-pleaser at parties. Simply cut smaller circles of dough and air fry them the same way. Serve them in a platter alongside dipping sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, and fruit jams. Guests can choose their favorite toppings, creating an interactive dessert experience that’s fun and customizable.

4. Healthy Pairing
If you want to enjoy donuts as a lighter snack, pair them with refreshing drinks. Unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or fruit-infused water (such as cucumber or strawberry-infused) balance the sweetness of the donuts. This keeps the overall snack lighter and avoids overwhelming the palate with too much sugar.

5. Decorating Fun for Kids
Turn donut decorating into an activity. Set up a “DIY Donut Bar” with bowls of glaze, sprinkles, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Let kids dip their donuts and decorate them however they like. This makes birthdays or family weekends more interactive and memorable. Plus, it’s a great way to involve children in the kitchen without dealing with hot oil.

Conclusion:

Air fryer donuts prove that you don’t need deep frying to enjoy soft, golden, bakery-quality donuts. They provide the same indulgent texture but with far less oil, making them a healthier option for everyday enjoyment. Best of all, they’re customizable: you can create classic glazed donuts for tradition, cinnamon-sugar for comfort, chocolate for indulgence, or vegan versions for dietary needs.

By mastering this recipe, you gain more than just a dessert. You gain the ability to transform simple ingredients into a treat that brings joy to breakfasts, family gatherings, parties, and quiet evenings alike. Once you’ve tried making them, you’ll never feel the need to buy store-bought donuts again because homemade versions taste fresher, lighter, and more satisfying.

The key is patience and creativity. Give the dough time to rise, don’t rush the process, and experiment with toppings and flavors until you find your personal favorite. Whether enjoyed with coffee in the morning, as part of a dessert platter, or as a fun decorating project with kids, air fryer donuts will quickly become a household favorite.

So, preheat your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy golden, fluffy, homemade donuts that are healthier, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. With this recipe, you’ll discover that making donuts at home can be easy, fun, and incredibly rewarding.