Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: Sweet, Fluffy, and Ready in No Time
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade treats with these easy Air Fryer Donuts! These donuts are light, fluffy, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, the air fryer gives them a perfectly golden exterior without all the oil. Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite glaze.
Not only are these donuts delicious, but they are also a fun activity to make with your kids. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as they cook. Try this Air Fryer Donuts recipe today, and satisfy your cravings the guilt-free way!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Quick and Easy: With just five ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy freshly made donuts without the hassle.
- Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the need for excess oil, making these donuts a lighter alternative to traditional fried versions.
- Fluffy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly fluffy and soft interior while achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
- Customizable Toppings: Easily personalize your donuts with various toppings such as powdered sugar, glaze, or sprinkles for a fun twist.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. They’ll love helping to shape and decorate the donuts.
- Minimal Cleanup: Air fryers are easy to clean, making the cooking process less stressful and more enjoyable.
- Versatile Flavor Options: Experiment with different flavorings and spices, like vanilla or cinnamon, to make each batch unique.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a special celebration, or a casual snack, these donuts fit any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the donuts, providing structure and texture, ensuring a fluffy consistency.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown, giving them a golden, appetizing appearance.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help the donuts rise, creating a light and airy texture.
- Milk – Adds moisture to bind the ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Egg – Provides richness and structure, adding moisture and enhancing flavor.
- Butter (melted) – Adds flavor and richness while helping the donuts stay moist.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with a sweet, warm note that elevates the overall taste.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make the donuts dense. Stir the ingredients just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – For even cooking and the perfect golden exterior, always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the donuts inside.
- Use a Parchment Liner – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, place a parchment liner in the air fryer basket before adding the donuts.
- Space Them Out – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between donuts so that they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Flip Halfway Through – To ensure an even cook on both sides, flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time.
- Monitor the Donuts – Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. Keep an eye on the donuts toward the end of the cooking time to prevent overbaking.
- Customize the Toppings – Get creative with your toppings! From a simple powdered sugar dusting to a homemade glaze, the options are endless. You can even dip them in melted chocolate or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
- Serve Fresh and Warm – Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to store them, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispness.
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Indulge in the delightful world of homemade treats with these easy Air Fryer Donuts! These donuts are light, fluffy, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Form the Dough
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Donuts
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a round cutter and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out donut shapes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Donuts
Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve
Remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before adding any toppings.
- Add Toppings
Dust with powdered sugar, dip in a glaze, or decorate with your favorite toppings before serving.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- Calories from Fat 72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.