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Air Fryer Donuts
5 from 21 votes

Air Fryer Donuts

This Air Fryer Donuts recipe uses yeasted dough enriched with butter and eggs, creating a tender and soft texture. The dough is kneaded and left to rise before being cut into donut shapes. Air frying cooks them to golden perfection without deep-frying. A butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk glaze provides a sweet finish that hardens slightly when set, adding a delicate crisp shell on top. This method offers a less oily way to enjoy fresh donuts with familiar flavor and texture from traditional recipes.

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories: 352 kcal
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk lukewarm
  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • 1/4 cup butter melted, unsalted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • cooking spray
Glaze:
  • 8 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons milk or as needed, warm

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, stir together lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and yeast.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix on low speed until combined, add the remaining cup of flour slowly, and mix until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.
  4. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.
  5. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  7. Using a 3-inch round cutter cut out 10-12 donuts and use a 1-inch round cutter to remove the center.
  8. Transfer donuts and the donut holes to a lightly floured parchment paper-covered baking sheet and cover loosely with greased plastic wrap or waxed paper.
  9. Let donuts rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat Air Fryer to 350 degrees F.
  11. Spray the basket with oil spray, transfer the donuts to the Air Fryer basket in a single layer and make sure they do not overlap and there is a 1-inch distance between them.
  12. Spray donuts with oil spray and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining donuts and donut holes. Cook in batches if needed.
Glaze:
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in hot milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is thin, but not watery. Set aside.
  4. Dip the hot donuts and donut holes into the glaze, use two forks to submerge them, and place onto a wire rack for excess glaze to drip off.
  5. Let sit until glaze hardens, about 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk temperature is about 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Air fry donuts in batches to prevent sticking and allow even cooking throughout.
  • After glazing, wait around 10 minutes for the icing to form a lightly crisp shell on the donuts.

Nutrition Information

Calories 352kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 54g (18%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 46mg (15%) Sodium 217mg (9%) Potassium 147mg (3%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 30g (60%) Vitamin A 473IU (9%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 74mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 donuts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 352

% Daily Value*

Calories 352kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 54g 18%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Sodium 217mg 9%
Potassium 147mg 3%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 30g 60%
Vitamin A 473IU 9%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 74mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.