Easy Air Fryer Sweet Donuts Recipe | Soft, Fluffy & Ready in Minutes
Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, fluffy donut with a sweet, golden exterior and just the right hint of vanilla. Homemade donuts often evoke memories of weekend mornings, bakery visits, or festive treats shared with family and friends. Traditional donuts require deep frying, which can be messy, time-consuming, and heavy in calories. Air fryer sweet donuts provide a modern solution: they deliver the same light and fluffy texture with far less oil, making them healthier without sacrificing taste. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, air fryer donuts can be customized with various glazes, toppings, and fillings. Their quick preparation, minimal cleanup, and delightful flavor make them an irresistible treat for anyone craving a homemade sweet indulgence.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 455 kcal |
| Sugar | ¼ cup | 194 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Milk | ¾ cup | 90 kcal |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 3 tbsp | 306 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Cinnamon sugar (for coating) | ¼ cup | 196 kcal |
| Optional glaze: powdered sugar + milk | ½ cup + 2–3 tsp | 240 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Form the Dough:
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts light and fluffy. - Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. - Cook the Donuts:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place donuts in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway for even cooking. - Add Toppings:
Brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze while still warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Glaze Options: Chocolate, maple, or strawberry glaze adds variety.
- Filling: Inject with jam, Nutella, or custard for a surprise center.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or cardamom to the dough for seasonal flavor.
- Sweet Coating: Use powdered sugar, sprinkles, or cocoa powder for decoration.
- Vegan Version: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per donut)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
- Stack on a platter for brunch with assorted glazes and toppings.
- Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
Air Fryer Sweet Donuts Recipe
Course: Recipes8 donuts
servings10
minutes5
minutes300
kcalIngredients
IngredienttAmount
All-purpose flourt2 cups
Sugart¼ cup
Baking powdert2 tsp
Saltt½ tsp
Milkt¾ cup
Eggt1 large
Unsalted butter (melted)t3 tbsp
Vanilla extractt1 tsp
Cinnamon sugar (for coating)t¼ cup
Optional glaze: powdered sugar + milkt½ cup + 2–3 tsp
Directions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add wet to dry ingredients, stirring until soft dough forms.
- Shape Donuts: Roll dough to ½ inch thickness. Use donut cutters to cut shapes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 mins.
- Cook: Spray air fryer basket lightly. Place donuts without crowding. Cook 5–6 mins, flipping halfway, until golden.
- Finish: Brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar or drizzle glaze. Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Donut Shape: Use a donut cutter for uniform donuts, or two round cutters (large and small) for the hole.
Air Fryer Tips: Preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. Flip donuts halfway for uniform golden brown.
FAQs
1. Can I make air fryer donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the donut dough and cut out the shapes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, or freeze the uncooked donuts for later use.
2. Do I need an air fryer to make these donuts?
While this recipe is optimized for an air fryer, you can also bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
3. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the donuts will still be soft and delicious.
4. How do I make the donuts extra fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the dough and make sure the baking powder is fresh. Lightly folding the ingredients helps keep the donuts tender.
5. Can I make these donuts vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg. Use plant-based butter as well.
Conclusion
Air fryer sweet donuts are a game-changer for anyone craving the joy of homemade donuts without the hassle and extra calories of deep frying. Soft, fluffy, and customizable, these donuts offer endless possibilities for glazes, fillings, and toppings. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, they provide the comforting flavor of a bakery treat in the convenience of your kitchen. With minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and a healthier cooking method, air fryer donuts are bound to become a favorite in your home.
