The Fluffiest Air Fryer Donuts Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden air fryer donuts bring pure joy to breakfast or dessert lovers searching for a quick treat.

These delightful air fryer donuts promise a healthier twist on the classic fried pastry.

Homemade donuts no longer require complicated techniques or deep frying equipment.

Weekend baking becomes a breeze with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

You’ll adore how quickly these donuts come together in the air fryer, creating a perfectly light and airy texture.

The aroma of freshly baked donuts will fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Dive into this simple recipe and treat yourself to a delectable homemade delight that’s sure to impress.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Hit

• Super Quick Preparation: Craft delicious donuts in mere minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Healthier Indulgence: Air frying slashes excess oil, delivering guilt-free treats that are lighter and more nutritious compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily personalize these donuts with various toppings like chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or sprinkles, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser for all ages and taste preferences.
• Minimal Clean-Up Hero: One-bowl mixing technique and air fryer cooking mean less mess and faster kitchen cleanup, ideal for busy home cooks seeking convenience without compromising flavor.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

• Flour: Soft and powdery base for donuts.
• Sugar: Sweet granulated goodness.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Fluffy rising agents.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer.

• Buttermilk: Creamy tangy liquid.
• Egg: Binding protein for texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm aromatic flavor.

• Glaze, Sprinkles, Powdered Sugar: Sweet finishing touches.

How to Make Easy Donuts in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Create a smooth base by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Use a whisk to blend everything evenly, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Whisk these ingredients until they form a consistent, creamy liquid with no visible separation.

Step 3: Create Donut Batter

Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture becomes a smooth, lump-free batter.

The consistency should be similar to a thick pancake mix.

Step 4: Prepare Piping Bag

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a clean plastic ziplock bag.

If using a ziplock, carefully cut a small corner to create a neat opening for controlled piping.

Step 5: Fill Air Fryer Molds

Pipe the batter carefully into the air fryer basket, filling each donut cavity about two-thirds full.

Avoid overfilling to prevent messy overflow during cooking.

Step 6: Cook Delicious Donuts

Set air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.

Step 7: Add Delectable Toppings

Allow donuts to cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or add your favorite glaze for extra flavor.

Smart Tips for Air Fryer Donuts

• Lightly spray the donut molds with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and prevent the donuts from sticking.
• Adjust the batter thickness by adding a little more buttermilk if it seems too thick, or a bit more flour if it's too thin for smooth piping.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and ensure each donut cooks evenly and develops a golden exterior.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, or use plant-based milk and flax egg for a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Check donuts a minute early to prevent overcooking, as air fryers can cook faster than traditional ovens, ensuring a soft and moist interior.

Keep and Reheat Air Fryer Donuts

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Place donuts in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm donuts at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Heat donuts for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat as they can become tough or rubbery.

Drinks and Sides for Donuts

Pair Sweet Sips with Donut Delight: A Flavor Explosion

• Brew Coffee Companion: Dark roast or espresso perfectly cuts through the donut's sweetness, creating a balanced taste experience that awakens your senses.
• Milk Magic Match: Cold whole milk or creamy almond milk provides a smooth, refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy air-fried donuts, enhancing their texture and flavor.
• Flavor Boost Beverage: Chai latte or spiced tea adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the donuts' subtle sweetness, transforming your snack into a gourmet moment.
• Indulgent Pairing Finale: Vanilla milkshake creates a decadent combination that amplifies the donuts' richness, turning a simple treat into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Twist Ideas for Air Fryer Donuts

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains a soft, tender texture.
• Vegan Version: Swap buttermilk and egg with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and chia seed egg replacer to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free donut.
• Protein Power: Incorporate protein powder into the dry ingredients for a post-workout treat that boosts nutritional value and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and top with fresh berries for a guilt-free alternative that reduces overall calorie content.

FAQs

• Are these donuts healthier than traditional deep-fried donuts?

These air fryer donuts use minimal oil compared to deep-frying, reducing overall fat content and calories while still providing a delicious, crispy texture.

• Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

• What equipment do I need to make these donuts?

You’ll need an air fryer, donut molds or a donut pan that fits inside your air fryer, and basic mixing bowls and utensils.

• How can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use a plant-based egg substitute.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade easy air fryer donuts bring classic bakery magic right into kitchen spaces with minimal effort. Crisp golden exteriors and pillowy centers invite sweet-toothed adventurers to savor delightful pastry perfection you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or almond milk for vegan option)
• 1 egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan option: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Create a smooth batter by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. In a separate container, thoroughly blend buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture appears uniform and well-integrated.
3. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, gently folding and stirring until a consistent, velvety batter forms without overmixing.
4. Prepare a piping bag or resealable plastic bag by cutting a small corner, then carefully transfer the batter into the bag for precise filling.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent potential sticking, then pipe the batter evenly into donut-shaped cavities.
6. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the donuts for 5-7 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
7. Perform a doneness check by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry, indicating complete cooking.
8. Remove the donuts from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to stabilize their structure.
9. Enhance the donuts with desired toppings such as glaze, powdered sugar, or cinnamon, serving them while still slightly warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Customize your donuts by experimenting with different flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for diverse dietary needs.
• Prevent sticking by lightly spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding donut batter.
• Control donut texture by adjusting the batter’s consistency – slightly thicker batter creates fluffier donuts, while thinner batter results in crispier edges.
• Elevate flavor profiles by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom directly into the dry ingredient mixture for enhanced taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 114 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 19 mg