Air Fryer Homemade Donuts: The Perfect Sweet Treat Made Healthier

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, fluffy donut, coated in sugar or dripping with glaze. Donuts have been a beloved treat around the world for generations, known for their soft interior, crispy edges, and endless flavor possibilities. But traditional donuts, typically deep-fried in oil, come with a nutritional cost: high in fat, calories, and cholesterol, especially when consumed frequently.

Enter the Air Fryer – a revolutionary kitchen appliance that offers a way to enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less oil. From crispy chicken to golden French fries, the air fryer has made its mark on kitchens worldwide. And now, it’s revolutionizing the way we make donuts at home. Air Fryer Homemade Donuts are the answer to your sweet cravings with less guilt and mess. These donuts are light, fluffy, and just as satisfying as their deep-fried counterparts, but they’re baked to golden perfection using hot air circulation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer homemade donuts from scratch – including ingredients, variations, toppings, troubleshooting tips, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or a curious beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy, fun, and utterly rewarding.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade air fryer donuts!

The Recipe: How to Make Air Fryer Homemade Donuts from Scratch

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• ½ tsp salt

For the topping (classic cinnamon sugar):

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 4 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Optional glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any model will work, preferably with a large basket)

• Mixing bowls

• Rolling pin

• Donut cutter or round cookie cutters

• Pastry brush

• Wire rack

• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a medium mixing bowl, combine warm milk, a tablespoon of sugar (from the ¼ cup), and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and will help the dough rise properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar. Once the yeast is foamy, pour it into the egg mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add in the flour and salt. Start with 2 cups and mix until incorporated, then slowly add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this process.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it to about ½-inch thickness.

Use a donut cutter to cut out round donuts with holes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, use a large round cutter (about 3 inches) and a small one (1 inch) to cut the center.

Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined tray and cover them loosely. Let them rest for another 20-30 minutes to puff up slightly.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

Working in batches, place 3-4 donuts in the air fryer basket, depending on its size. Make sure they don’t touch.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Keep an eye on them – they cook fast!

Once cooked, remove them and place on a wire rack.

Step 7: Add the Toppings

While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a classic flavor. For a glazed version, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

Variations: Donuts for Every Taste

1. Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Add cocoa powder to the glaze or melt semi-sweet chocolate with a splash of cream for a richer topping.

2. Filled Donuts

Skip the hole and air fry donut rounds. Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill with jelly, custard, or Nutella.

3. Maple Bacon Donuts

Top glazed donuts with maple syrup-flavored glaze and crispy crumbled bacon for a sweet-and-savory twist.

4. Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

Use plant-based milk (almond, soy), egg replacer or flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and vegan butter to make it dairy and egg-free.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Donuts Didn’t Rise Enough

Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. Also, give the dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free environment.

2. Donuts Are Too Dry

Avoid overcooking – 4 to 5 minutes is typically sufficient. Also, do not skip brushing with butter after air frying.

3. Dough Is Too Sticky

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable, but avoid adding too much, or your donuts will turn out dense.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.

• Stack them for a fun donut tower at birthday parties or brunch tables.

• Let kids decorate with sprinkles, colored glazes, and edible glitter.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Refrigerate the dough: After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Shape and fry the next morning.

• Freeze baked donuts: Air-fried donuts (unglazed) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.

• Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.

Healthier Than Fried: Why Air Fryer Donuts Are Better

While nothing beats the occasional indulgence in a classic deep-fried donut, using an air fryer offers many benefits:

• Less oil, fewer calories: Air-fried donuts need only a light brushing of oil or butter, reducing fat content significantly.

• Cleaner kitchen: No oil splatter or leftover grease to dispose of.

• Faster cooking: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook faster than ovens.

• Kid-friendly and safe: Great for teaching kids baking without dealing with hot oil.

• Versatile: Customize your toppings, fillings, and flavors for every season or occasion.

Conclusion

Homemade Air Fryer Donuts are a game-changer. They give you all the indulgent satisfaction of classic donuts, but with a fraction of the oil and a whole lot more convenience. Whether you’re craving a warm cinnamon sugar donut on a lazy Sunday morning or planning a special treat for guests, this recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful results every time.

With simple ingredients, an easy process, and room for endless creativity, air fryer donuts are perfect for home bakers of all levels. You can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they’re not just delicious but also healthier than their fried cousins. And best of all, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time savoring every bite.

So, gather your ingredients, plug in your air fryer, and prepare to impress everyone at home with fresh, homemade donuts – baked to perfection with love.