If you love warm, fluffy donuts but want to avoid deep-frying, air fryer donuts are the perfect solution. These golden, tender treats deliver the same classic donut taste crispy outside, soft and pillowy inside while using 70–80% less oil. Whether you’re a home baker, a café owner upgrading your menu, or someone craving a lighter dessert, this complete guide will show you exactly how to make the best air fryer donuts, including recipes, nutrition tips, step-by-step instructions, and pro secrets for bakery-style results.
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What is Air Fryer Donut?
Air fryer donuts are donuts cooked using rapid hot air circulation instead of deep frying. This method creates a crisp exterior and soft interior—similar to fried donuts but much healthier and easier to make.
There are two main types:
- Yeast donuts – soft, chewy, classic bakery style
- Cake donuts – quick, dense, and perfect for simple flavors
Air fryers also let you customize flavors endlessly: classic glazed, maple bacon, matcha, chocolate dip, cinnamon sugar, and more.
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: How to Make Air Fryer Donuts at Home
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: 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.
How to Store 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.
Related:
FAQs 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.
Can I air fry donuts without yeast?
Yes. You can make yeast-free air fryer donuts using a cake-style batter with baking powder. They cook faster, require no proofing, and have a slightly denser texture.
Can I air fry frozen donuts?
Yes, you can cook frozen donuts or donut holes directly from frozen. Add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time.
Can I reheat donuts in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Reheat donuts at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness without drying them out.
Are air fryer donuts healthier than baked donuts?
Yes. Air fryer donuts use less fat than baked donuts because they require minimal oil, and the rapid circulation creates a crisp finish without high-calorie frying.
Do I need parchment paper in the air fryer for donuts?
Optional. Parchment helps prevent sticking but must have vent holes to maintain airflow. Never preheat parchment paper alone, it can fly up and burn.
Is it okay to air fry donuts without oil?
Yes, but they won’t brown as nicely. Even a light oil spray improves color and texture.
Can I use almond flour or coconut flour?
No, these flours behave differently and don’t provide the structure donuts need. Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead.
Conclusion
Air fryer donuts give you the same irresistible donut experience warm, fluffy, golden, and perfectly sweet while being healthier, lighter, and easier to make than deep-fried donuts. With minimal oil, quick cooking time, and endless flavor possibilities, they’re perfect for home bakers, families, and cafés looking to offer guilt-free treats.
Ready to enjoy donuts without the deep fryer? Your next warm, fluffy air fryer batch is just minutes away.
