If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, fluffy donut without the guilt of deep frying, air fryer donuts are your new best friend. These golden, tender rings of joy deliver the same indulgent flavor and texture as traditional donuts but with a fraction of the oil and calories.
Whether you’re a passionate home baker, a café owner, or simply looking for a lighter dessert option, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything about making perfect air fryer donuts from the science behind their crispy magic to recipes, nutrition tips, and pro secrets for getting that bakery-quality finish every time.
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What is Air Fryer Donut?
An air fryer donut is a modern twist on the classic deep-fried donut, cooked with rapid hot air circulation instead of submerging in oil. This unique method mimics deep frying, producing the signature crisp exterior and pillowy-soft interior—without excess grease or mess.
Air fryer donuts can be made from yeast-based dough for that chewy, traditional texture or cake-style batter for a quick, dense treat. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with endless flavors, glazes, and toppings from the classic glazed ring to chocolate drizzle, maple bacon, or matcha glaze.
Related reading: How to Make Baked Donuts at Home – Easy, No-Fry Donut Recipe
Why Everyone Loves Air Fryer Donuts
Making donuts in an air fryer offers several compelling benefits over traditional deep frying:
- Healthier Option: Air frying drastically cuts down on the amount of oil used, reducing calories and fat by up to 70-80%. This makes air fryer donuts a better choice for those managing weight or heart health without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Convenience and Speed: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook donuts evenly in a fraction of the time it takes to deep fry. There’s no need to handle large vats of hot oil, making the process safer and less messy.
- Crispy Texture with Less Oil: The hot air circulation crisps the outside of the donut while keeping the inside soft and moist. Although the texture differs slightly from deep-fried donuts, many find air fryer donuts satisfyingly crunchy and delicious.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can easily experiment with different dough recipes, toppings, and glazes. Air fryers also accommodate various baked goods, making them a versatile kitchen appliance.
- Reduced Harmful Compounds: Air frying lowers the formation of acrylamide a potentially harmful chemical formed during high-temperature frying by up to 90%, promoting a safer cooking method.
- Less Cleanup and Safety: Without large amounts of oil, cleanup is simpler, and the risk of oil splatters or kitchen fires is minimized.
Ingredients for Air-Fryer Doughnuts
Making delicious air fryer donuts starts with the right homemade donut ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic yeast-raised donut or a quick cake-style version, here are the essential ingredients and options to customize your recipe.
Basic Donut Recipe Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour is most common; self-rising flour can be used for quicker recipes.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness; powdered sugar for glaze or dusting.
- Leavening Agents: Active dry yeast for yeast donuts; baking powder or baking soda for cake donuts.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- Milk: Warm milk activates yeast and adds moisture; can be substituted with plant-based milk.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds flavor and tenderness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Glaze and Topping Options
- Classic Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract creates a shiny, sweet coating.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Melted butter-coated donuts tossed in cinnamon and granulated sugar for a crunchy, spicy finish.
- Chocolate: Melted chocolate or chocolate glaze for a rich, indulgent topping.
- Sprinkles or Nuts: Add texture and visual appeal.
Note: Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blends designed for baking.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs,” use plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat), and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Sugar Alternatives: Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or sugar substitutes suitable for baking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Donuts
Making delicious air fryer donuts at home is easier than you think! Follow this clear, step-by-step guide to master the process and enjoy fresh, fluffy donuts with less oil and mess.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let it sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, and other ingredients according to your donut recipe.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 5-10 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (e.g., 3-inch and 1-inch) to cut out donut shapes and holes.
- Place the cut donuts and holes on parchment paper, cover loosely, and let them rise again until doubled (about 20-30 minutes).
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Donuts in the Air Fryer
- Arrange donuts in a single layer in the basket, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for expansion.
- Lightly spray the tops of the donuts with oil for a golden crust.
- Air fry at 350°F for 4-8 minutes depending on donut size donut holes typically take less time (around 4-6 minutes), larger donuts about 7-8 minutes.
- Flip donuts halfway through cooking for even browning if your air fryer requires it.
Step 5: Prepare Glaze or Toppings
- While donuts cook, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract for a classic glaze.
- Alternatively, prepare cinnamon sugar by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon. Melted butter can be used to help toppings stick.
- Other options include chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar dusting.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze or toss in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking.
- Place glazed donuts on a wire rack to let excess glaze drip and set (about 5-10 minutes).
- Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information: Calories in Air Fryer Donuts
When it comes to enjoying your favorite treat without the guilt, understanding the calories in air fryer donuts and their donut nutrition facts is essential. Air fryer donuts offer a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts, making them a smart choice for diet-conscious individuals.
Calories Comparison: Air Fryer Donuts vs. Traditional Fried Donuts
- A typical air fryer donut contains approximately 125 to 250 calories per piece, depending on size and recipe.
- In contrast, traditional deep-fried donuts often range from 300 to 400 calories each due to the higher oil absorption during frying.
- For example, air fryer Krispy Kreme-style donuts average around 130 calories per donut, while air fryer donut holes with maple glaze have about 101 calories each.
- This significant calorie reduction is mainly because air fryer donuts require little to no oil, drastically cutting fat content.
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
- Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends to increase fiber and accommodate dietary needs.
- Substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar to lower glycemic impact.
- Opt for plant-based milk and vegan butter to make dairy-free versions.
- Reduce sugar in glazes or replace powdered sugar with sugar substitutes to further decrease calories.
Why Air Fryer Donuts Are Better for Diet-Conscious People
- Air frying uses rapid hot air circulation, which requires less oil, resulting in donuts with lower fat and fewer calories.
- The reduced oil content means fewer unhealthy fats and less greasy texture, making air fryer donuts a lighter, less oily treat.
- Air fryer donuts also produce fewer harmful compounds like acrylamide, which can form during high-heat frying.
- They allow for customizable recipes with healthier ingredients, making it easier to control nutritional content while still enjoying a delicious dessert.
Storage of Air Fryer Donuts
Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made to experience their soft, fluffy texture and crispy exterior. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them properly to maintain freshness:
- Room Temperature: Store air fryer donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigeration is generally not recommended as it can affect the glaze and make donuts stiff.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave for best texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Donuts
How long do air fryer donuts last?
Air fryer donuts are best eaten fresh but can last 1 to 2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Their texture may firm up over time, so consuming them quickly is ideal.
Can I freeze air fryer donuts?
Yes! Air fryer donuts freeze well for up to 2 to 3 months. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
What’s the best air fryer brand for donuts?
Many popular air fryer brands like Ninja, Philips, Instant Pot Vortex, and Cosori work well for donuts. Look for models with adjustable temperature controls and enough basket space to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought biscuit or donut dough can be used for a quick and easy air fryer donut recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed since pre-made dough may cook faster than homemade yeast dough.
Conclusion
In summary, air fryer donuts offer a healthier, easier, and equally satisfying alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts. With fewer calories, less mess, and room for endless creativity, they’re the perfect solution for anyone craving a sweet indulgence without the guilt. Whether you’re making them for your family, a gathering, or just a weekend treat, air fryer donuts let you enjoy the taste you love with modern-day convenience and health benefits. Ready to skip the oil and still enjoy the delight? Your next batch of air fryer donuts awaits!
