Easy Air Fryer Donuts: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Air fryer donuts offer a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without the extra oil and calories from deep frying. These donuts are light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you use store-bought biscuit dough for convenience or whip up your own homemade yeast dough, this recipe will yield delicious results every time.
Air fryers are a game-changer when it comes to healthier versions of fried foods, and donuts are no exception. With the ability to create golden-brown exteriors and soft interiors, air fryer donuts are a great alternative to the traditional deep-fried versions. If you are looking for a quick, foolproof method, check out this simple air fryer donuts recipe for more tips and tricks.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to create easy air fryer donuts with minimal effort:
For the Donuts:
- Store-bought biscuit dough: A quick and easy option for making air fryer donuts.
- Butter: Melted, for brushing the donuts and adding a golden-brown finish.
- Cinnamon-sugar mix: For coating the donuts, made by mixing ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar: For a classic powdered sugar donut, if desired.
Optional Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: To create a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: To thin out the glaze to the desired consistency.
- Vanilla extract: For added flavor.
This ingredient list ensures that your donuts turn out crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. For a more homemade touch, you can prepare your own yeast dough for the air fryer, which you can find in this air fryer donuts from scratch recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Donuts
1. Preparing the Dough
The easiest way to make air fryer donuts is by using store-bought biscuit dough, but you can also use homemade dough if you prefer a more personalized touch.
Instructions:
- Open the biscuit dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, remove it from the canister and separate the individual biscuits.
- Cut out donut shapes: Using a small round cutter, remove the center of each biscuit to create the donut shape. The leftover dough circles can be used to make donut holes.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Air Frying the Donuts
Air frying the donuts is quick and easy, and requires only a few minutes of cooking time.
Instructions:
- Place the donuts in the air fryer: Arrange the donuts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring that they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the donuts: Cook the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check for doneness: The donuts should be golden brown and puffed up. If they’re not fully cooked, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
If you’re curious about other ways to make these donuts, such as using homemade dough, this glazed air fryer donuts recipe provides more options for you to try.
3. Glazing and Topping the Donuts
Once your donuts are perfectly air fried, it’s time to glaze and top them.
Instructions:
- Brush with butter: For extra flavor, brush the warm donuts with melted butter immediately after they come out of the air fryer.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Roll the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm for a classic coating.
- Create a powdered sugar glaze: If you prefer glazed donuts, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Dip the donuts into the glaze and allow them to set on a cooling rack.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings such as chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even drizzled caramel for a gourmet touch.
4. Storing and Serving Air Fryer Donuts
For best results, serve your air fryer donuts warm, but they can also be stored for later.
Instructions:
- Serve immediately: Air fryer donuts taste best when served warm and fresh.
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh their texture, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing donuts: If you’d like to save donuts for later, freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating in the air fryer.
Variations of Air Fryer Donuts
While the basic air fryer donuts are delicious, there are many variations to try based on your flavor preferences.
1. Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts
For those who love the combination of cinnamon and sugar, this variation is perfect.
Instructions:
- Toss with cinnamon-sugar: After air frying, immediately coat the donuts in melted butter and roll them in cinnamon-sugar.
- Serve with coffee or tea: These donuts are especially delicious served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
2. Chocolate-Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
For a richer, more indulgent treat, chocolate-glazed donuts are always a hit.
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate: Melt dark or milk chocolate and dip the warm donuts into the melted chocolate.
- Top with sprinkles: For a fun finish, add colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts while the chocolate is still wet.
3. Air Fryer Donut Holes
Don’t throw away the centers of your donuts! Use them to make donut holes instead.
Instructions:
- Air fry the donut holes: Cook the leftover donut centers in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Coat with sugar: Roll them in powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar for a sweet finish.
FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts
1. Can I make air fryer donuts with homemade dough?
Yes, you can! For a more homemade approach, you can make air fryer donuts with yeast-based dough. This requires some extra time for proofing, but the end result is soft, fluffy donuts that are just as good as those from a bakery.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer for donuts?
Preheating the air fryer helps ensure that the donuts cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. Set the air fryer to 350°F for about 3-5 minutes before adding the donuts.
3. Can I freeze air fryer donuts?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer donuts! However, it’s best to freeze them unglazed. When ready to eat, thaw the donuts at room temperature and reheat them in the air fryer before adding the glaze or toppings.
4. What toppings work best on air fryer donuts?
Air fryer donuts pair well with a variety of toppings, from powdered sugar and cinnamon-sugar to chocolate glaze and sprinkles. You can even drizzle caramel or fruit compote over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion: A Healthier and Easier Way to Enjoy Donuts
Air fryer donuts offer a healthier, quicker alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts. Whether you choose to use store-bought biscuit dough or make your own yeast dough, these donuts come together easily in the air fryer, resulting in a light and fluffy treat that everyone will love.
For more ways to enhance your air fryer donuts, check out this simple air fryer donuts recipe or try experimenting with different glazes and toppings to suit your taste. Whatever you choose, air fryer donuts are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
