Easy Air Fryer Donuts are my favorite fix for that sudden craving when I want something sweet, warm, and cozy without deep-frying a whole pot of oil. I used to think donuts were only a weekend project, but these are so simple I can make them on a random Tuesday night. The air fryer makes them golden and soft, and the clean-up is blissfully quick. If you’ve got flour, yeast, and a little butter, you’re already halfway there. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step, plus a few ways to get creative.
How to make Donuts in the Air Fryer
Let me show you how I do it from start to finish. This is the same method I used the first time I surprised my partner with a plate of hot, sugar-dusted rings and we both stood there grinning like kids. It’s simple enough for beginners, but dialed-in enough for donut lovers who want a consistent result.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk, about 110 F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar, and a little melted butter
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, pinch of salt, splash of vanilla
Step-by-step Directions
- Bloom the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 8 to 10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
- Make the dough: Stir in egg, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and slightly springy. The dough should be soft, not sticky.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60 to 75 minutes.
- Shape donuts: Gently turn dough onto a floured counter. Roll to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut rings with a donut cutter, or use a wide glass and a small bottle cap for the center. Save the holes.
- Second rise: Arrange donuts and holes on parchment squares. Cover and let rise until puffy, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350 F. Lightly brush the basket or parchment with neutral oil. Place donuts in a single layer with space around them. Air fry 4 to 6 minutes, flipping at 3 minutes if you want even color. They should be lightly golden and cooked through.
- Coat: While warm, brush with a little melted butter and toss in sugar or cinnamon sugar. Or dip in glaze and let set on a rack.
Optional Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Dip donuts while they’re still slightly warm for that glossy finish.
For anyone who loves fast, cozy desserts, this is my go-to Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe. It hits the sweet spot between fluffy and tender with a nice golden exterior.
“I followed this method and my first batch turned out so soft and airy. The cinnamon sugar coating is nostalgic and the glaze version tasted like a bakery treat. Zero oil splatter, which my kitchen appreciates.”
Craving more air fryer desserts after this? Try these crunchy-sweet air fryer churros that taste like a fair in your kitchen.
How to shape donuts without donut cutter
No cutter, no problem. I’ve shaped donuts with everything from a mason jar to a cookie cutter set. The goal is just a bigger ring and a smaller center, so use what you’ve got and keep it simple.
Here’s what I do when the drawer of gadgets fails me. I grab a sturdy drinking glass for the outer cut and a metal bottle cap for the center. Dip both in flour before each cut so they don’t stick. If you want uniformity, use the same glass for every donut and press down cleanly without twisting too hard. Twisting can pinch the layers and lead to less rise.
I also sometimes roll the dough into ropes and join the ends for rings. Pinch the seam well, then gently smooth it so it doesn’t split during the rise. This trick is extra handy if you like slightly rustic donuts that still puff beautifully in the air fryer.
By the way, if shaping and snacking are your thing, you might also love these chewy-soft air fryer pretzel bites. They’re fun to form, quick to cook, and perfect for dipping.
These shaping hacks work perfectly with my Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe because the dough is forgiving and rises nicely even if your rings aren’t perfect. Don’t stress. The sugar and glaze forgive all.
How to make donut holes
Donut holes are the treat that disappears first at my house. They’re so snackable, and they cook even faster than the rings. Here’s how to nail them every time.
After cutting the centers, let those little rounds rise with the donuts. They puff fast and need less time. Preheat the air fryer to 350 F, cook 2 to 4 minutes, shaking the basket once for even browning. As soon as they come out, brush with a touch of melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar. For glazed holes, dip, set on a rack, and try not to burn your tongue while you “test” one.
If you didn’t cut holes and still want them, punch out small balls from the scraps, roll gently between your palms, and proof for about 15 to 20 minutes. The key is to avoid overworking the dough so they stay light.
On cozy nights I’ll mix up a little extra glaze and dunk every single donut hole. It feels like a party with zero stress. These are part of what makes this Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe so lovable.
For another quick, sweet bite that hits those warm cinnamon notes, try these air fryer apple fries. They’re crisp outside, tender inside, and perfect with a creamy dip.
Are air fryer donuts better than deep fried?
Better can mean different things, but here’s how I compare them after many batches. Air fried donuts are lighter, cleaner tasting, and easier to pull off on a weeknight. They don’t have that heavy oil flavor, which lets the vanilla and spice shine. The texture is soft with a gentle chew and a lightly crisp edge. Deep fried donuts will always win on that ultra-rich, shatter-crisp exterior, but this method saves time and a sink full of dishes.
When you want a bakery vibe without the mess, air fryer donuts are the way to go. They’re also more consistent for me because I don’t have to watch oil temperatures. For balance, I rotate this Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe with savory snacks. If you’re hosting a game night, pair your sweet donuts with a tray of hot, saucy air fryer pizza rolls and you’ll make everyone happy.
One more perk: the kitchen smells like a cinnamon hug instead of a fried food festival. When you want donuts on a Tuesday at 9 pm, that matters.
Pro Tips
These are the little things that make a big difference for me, especially on busy days when I need reliable results.
- Warm spot for proofing: Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven that’s off, or near a sunny window. Aim for a gentle, cozy environment so the yeast stays happy.
- Flour lightly: Too much flour while shaping can make donuts dense. Dust lightly and brush extra off the surface.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Air flow equals even browning. Give them space.
- Brush with melted butter: A quick swipe right after cooking helps sugar coatings stick and adds a bakery-style finish.
- Use parchment squares: Cut little squares for each donut so you can lift them easily into the basket without deflating.
- Glaze while warm: The glaze clings better and sets with a pretty sheen.
- Storage and reheating: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 to 2 days. Reheat for 2 to 3 minutes at 300 F in the air fryer to refresh the texture.
- Flavor ideas: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough, or swap vanilla for almond extract. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
If you’ve tried my Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe and want more air fryer comfort foods, you’ll find a ton of inspiration in my kitchen rotation.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, cover the bowl and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temp, shape, proof again, and air fry.
What if I only have instant yeast?
No problem. Mix instant yeast directly with the flour and salt, then add the warm milk, sugar, egg, butter, and vanilla. Rise times are similar.
My donuts are pale. What went wrong?
They probably need 1 to 2 minutes more, or your air fryer runs cool. Preheat longer and avoid overcrowding so air can circulate.
Can I skip the glaze?
Totally. Brush with a little butter and toss in sugar or cinnamon sugar. It’s classic and quick.
How do I know they’re done inside?
They should feel light, not doughy, and spring back when pressed. If unsure, break one open and peek. Better to check than overbake.
Ready to fry some donuts at home?
With this Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe, you’ll get fluffy rings and irresistible holes without a pot of oil or a giant mess. You learned how to shape them with simple tools, how to cook the holes, and how to decide between air fried and deep fried based on your mood. I love that this method fits real life, from sleepy weekend mornings to late-night sweet tooth emergencies. If you like step-by-step visuals, take a peek at this helpful guide from The Kitchn: Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe (With Video) | The Kitchn. Now go preheat that basket, and treat yourself to warm, sugar-kissed bites of joy.
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.75 cup warm milk, about 110 F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Glaze Ingredients
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar, and a little melted butter For coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar For optional glaze
- 2-3 tablespoons milk For optional glaze
- 1 pinch salt For optional glaze
- 1 splash vanilla For optional glaze
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in egg, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and slightly springy.
First Rise
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60 to 75 minutes.
Shaping the Donuts
- Gently turn dough onto a floured counter. Roll to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut rings with a donut cutter, or use a wide glass and a small bottle cap for the center.
- Arrange donuts and holes on parchment squares. Cover and let rise until puffy, 20 to 30 minutes.
Cooking the Donuts
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F. Lightly brush the basket or parchment with neutral oil.
- Place donuts in a single layer with space around them. Air fry 4 to 6 minutes, flipping at 3 minutes.
Coating the Donuts
- While warm, brush with melted butter and toss in sugar or cinnamon sugar, or dip in glaze and let set on a rack.
