Name: Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup melted butter; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 41 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden donuts without the grease and fuss of deep frying, this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is just what you need. These donuts boast a light crisp exterior with a tender inside, making them a delightful sweet treat that feels indulgent yet a bit lighter. Quick to whip up and easy to customize, they’re the perfect solution for anytime cravings, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your air fryer will become your new favorite dessert tool.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making dough rings. The first part has a woman's hand holding a black brush inside a black air fryer basket with a white marbled surface in the background. In the second part, the woman's hand uses a circular cutter to press into thick white dough rounds placed on parchment paper on a white tray with a white marbled surface. The third part shows multiple dough rings and small dough circles arranged neatly on the parchment paper. The final part shows five dough rings placed inside the black air fryer basket, ready to cook, all set against the white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each one plays a vital role in creating the delightful texture and flavor of these donuts. From the tender crumb to the perfect hint of sweetness, every element is essential to nail this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and soft chewiness.
2 tbsp sugar: Adds just enough sweetness for a balanced flavor.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the donuts their rise and airy texture.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
¾ cup milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender.
2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps with a golden finish.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
¼ cup melted butter (for coating): Ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.
½ cup sugar (for coating): Sweet coating layer for that classic donut taste.
1 tsp cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy kick that’s irresistible.

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then, stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you form a soft, slightly sticky dough. The dough should be tender but manageable to roll out—this blend is what makes your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 2: Shape Your Donuts

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cutters to shape your donuts and donut holes. This step is super fun because you get to play with shapes and sizes, which makes the whole process even more enjoyable.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Preheating ensures your donuts start cooking immediately, leading to a perfectly golden outside with a tender inside in just minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Place the cut donuts into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them so the air can circulate evenly. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn beautifully golden and firm to the touch. The result is a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, pillowy center.

Step 5: Add the Classic Coating

While the donuts are warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Immediately roll or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. This last step gives your donuts that classic flavor punch and a little sparkle that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two donuts on a brown paper placed on a white marbled surface. The donut in the forefront has a smooth white icing layer covering its top, decorated with small yellow flower-shaped sprinkles, white round sprinkles, and thin green sprinkles scattered evenly. The donut behind it features a thick white icing layer with a variety of colorful sprinkles on top, including small yellow, pink, and purple heart-shaped sprinkles mixed with white round and stick-shaped sprinkles for a textured look. Both donuts appear soft and slightly golden brown underneath the icing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the cinnamon sugar coating, feel free to get creative with toppings like powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can add a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, buttery donuts.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or your morning tea for a cozy combo. If you’re thinking brunch, pair them with fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory balance that will keep everyone smiling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, you can stack the donuts into a mini donut tower or arrange them on a pretty platter with extras like sprinkles, edible flowers, or small bowls of dipping sauces such as cream cheese glaze or berry jam. This makes the simple Air Fryer Donuts Recipe feel festive and extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain that perfect softness and flavor.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully. Place them in a zippered bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat the donuts in your air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2 to 3 minutes or until warm, which revives the crispy outside and tender inside perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just note that the texture and rise might vary slightly.

Is it necessary to coat the donuts in butter before the cinnamon sugar?

Yes, brushing with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly to the surface, giving you that classic coated look and delicious flavor.

Can I use biscuit dough instead of making the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Using biscuit dough is a quick shortcut that still produces tasty donuts, perfect when you’re short on time.

What if my air fryer basket is small? Can I cook donuts in batches?

Definitely cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispy edges on all your donuts.

Can I add a glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating?

Yes! Feel free to swap the cinnamon sugar for a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or your favorite frosting for a different but equally delicious finish.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Donuts Recipe truly transforms your air fryer into a magical kitchen gadget that delivers warm, soft, and golden donuts with minimal effort. It’s a fun, approachable way to satisfy those sweet cravings without the mess of traditional frying. I hope you enjoy making them as much as you will enjoy eating them — don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for sweet treats!