Easy Air Fryer Donuts 🍩

A Simple, Sweet Treat You Can Make at Home in Minutes

Introduction

In the world of desserts and indulgent snacks, few treats rival the universal appeal of donuts. Golden, fluffy, and often coated in sugary glazes or fillings, donuts have become a beloved comfort food across cultures. Traditionally deep-fried, they’re known for their crispy exteriors and soft, pillowy interiors—but they’re also known for being a little indulgent in the oil department. That’s where the air fryer comes to the rescue.

Air fryer donuts are a revolution in home baking. They offer the same delightful taste and texture of classic donuts but are much lighter thanks to minimal or no oil. And the best part? You can make them at home in under 20 minutes—with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make easy air fryer donuts. Whether you’re craving a quick morning breakfast treat or a weekend dessert to share with friends and family, this foolproof recipe is going to be your go-to.

We’ll cover:

• Why air fryer donuts are the ultimate shortcut

• The simplest recipe using biscuit dough

• A from-scratch dough alternative

• Flavor variations (cinnamon sugar, glazed, filled, chocolate-covered)

• Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

• Storage and reheating advice

Let’s get ready to fry without the mess!

Recipe Part 1: Super Easy Air Fryer Donuts Using Biscuit Dough

If you’re new to air fryer baking or simply want instant gratification, this method using store-bought biscuit dough is the easiest way to get perfect donuts in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (preferably flaky or buttermilk-style)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Tools:

• Air fryer

• Silicone tongs

• Small round cookie cutter or bottle cap

• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the Donuts

Open the biscuit dough can and separate the individual biscuits. Using a small cookie cutter or bottle cap, cut out the center of each biscuit to create a donut shape. Save those centers—those become donut holes!

3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil. Place donuts in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. Air Fry the Donuts

Cook the donuts at 180°C (350°F) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Donut holes take about 3–4 minutes total. They should be golden brown and puffed up.

5. Brush and Coat

Once cooked, remove and brush immediately with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then dip each donut and coat completely.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Eat warm for the best texture and flavor. Add a side of coffee or milk for a classic pairing!

Recipe Part 2: Homemade Yeast Donuts in the Air Fryer

Want to go the extra mile and make your donuts from scratch? This recipe delivers that classic bakery-style flavor and fluff—without the need for deep frying.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¾ cup warm milk (around 100°F/38°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp salt

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

For brushing:

• 2 tbsp melted butter

For coating:

• ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon
  or

• 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, salt, and half the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir well, then gradually add remaining flour. Knead until a smooth dough forms (about 5–7 minutes by hand or with a dough hook).

3. First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let dough rise in a warm area for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Donuts

Roll dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters) to cut out donuts. Place on parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat and Cook

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Air fry donuts in batches for 4–6 minutes, flipping once. Donuts should be golden and soft.

6. Add Finishing Touch

Brush warm donuts with melted butter. Dip in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.

Glaze Options & Toppings

Once your donuts are ready, customize them with your favorite toppings.

Classic Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. Dip donuts while warm and let glaze set.

Chocolate Glaze:

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon milk

Melt together, then dip donuts and decorate with sprinkles.

Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp milk

Sweet and autumn-perfect!

Fun Toppings:

• Crushed nuts

• Rainbow sprinkles

• Shredded coconut

• Mini chocolate chips

Flavor Variations to Try

Air fryer donuts are extremely versatile. Here are some creative ideas to take them to the next level:

1. Filled Donuts

Use a piping bag to inject jelly, cream, or Nutella into the center after frying. Coat with powdered sugar or glaze.

2. Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Add ½ tsp pumpkin spice to your cinnamon sugar coating or mix into the homemade dough.

3. Lemon Poppy Seed

Add a touch of lemon zest to the glaze and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a zesty finish.

4. Apple Cider Donuts

Replace milk in homemade dough with apple cider and add apple pie spice to your sugar topping.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Always leave space between donuts so hot air circulates evenly.

• Brush, don’t spray melted butter for a cleaner finish and even coating.

• Flip halfway for even coloring.

• Store properly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave before eating.

• Freeze raw shaped donuts for later. Let thaw and rise before cooking.

Air Fryer vs. Traditional Frying

Why should you choose the air fryer method over traditional deep frying? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Air frying offers a guilt-free and quicker alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or fun.

Kids’ Version: Mini Donut Holes 🍩

Turn the leftover dough or biscuit centers into adorable donut holes!

How:

• Air fry for 3–4 minutes.

• Shake them halfway.

• Dip in butter and sugar.

• Serve with small bowls of glaze for dipping!

Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a sweet snack.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per biscuit donut)

• Calories: 180–220 kcal

• Fat: 9–12g

• Carbs: 24g

• Sugar: 10g

• Protein: 3g

Opting for homemade dough may reduce processed ingredients and sodium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use puff pastry or pizza dough?

You can, but results will differ. Puff pastry makes them flakier like cronuts; pizza dough won’t rise as much.

Can I skip the butter?

You can use a neutral oil alternative, but butter adds richness and helps cinnamon sugar stick.

How do I know they’re done?

Golden on both sides, slightly puffed, and firm to the touch. You can test one with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Conclusion

Air fryer donuts are a total game-changer for both novice and experienced bakers. They’re quick, customizable, and require no hot oil or lengthy prep. With just a can of biscuit dough or a few pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of fluffy, golden donuts that rival your favorite bakery—right in your kitchen.

Whether you go for the ultra-easy biscuit version or prefer the satisfaction of homemade yeast dough, one thing’s certain: your air fryer is the ultimate donut maker.

So dust off your air fryer, grab your favorite toppings, and dive into this sweet and satisfying adventure. 🍩