How to Make Doughnuts in an Air Fryer
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy doughnut without the guilt of deep-frying. That’s the magic of air fryer donut recipes! As a home cook passionate about healthier alternatives, I discovered the incredible world of donuts air fryer cooking. It transforms your favorite treat into a lighter, more convenient delicacy.
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a quick and easy method to create delicious doughnuts with minimal oil. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned chef, this cooking technique opens up a world of culinary possibilities right in your kitchen.
Creating donuts in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reimagining a classic treat with modern technology. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve bakery-quality doughnuts with just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer.
Key Takeaways
- Air fryer doughnuts require minimal oil compared to traditional deep-frying
- Total cooking time is typically 5-8 minutes
- You can use store-bought biscuit dough or make dough from scratch
- Air fryer doughnuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts
- The technique works with various dough types and flavor combinations
Introduction to Air Fryers and Doughnuts
Exploring the world of air fryer donuts is a tasty adventure. Air fryers change how we cook at home. They make crispy treats with much less oil.
Air fryers are a new kitchen tool that changes how we make donuts. They use hot air around 320°F. This makes the outside crispy and the inside soft.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a small kitchen gadget. It cooks food with hot air that moves fast. It needs very little oil to make food crispy and golden.
- Rapid hot air circulation
- Temperatures between 350°F and 375°F
- Minimal oil usage
Why Use an Air Fryer for Doughnuts?
Using an air fryer for donuts has big benefits. You can enjoy your favorite treats with much less oil.
Benefits of Air-Fried Doughnuts
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Reduced Fat | Up to 75% less oil compared to deep-frying |
| Faster Cooking | 25-50% reduced cooking time |
| Energy Efficiency | Saves approximately 60% energy compared to traditional ovens |
“Air fryers transform how we enjoy donuts, making them healthier without compromising taste!” – Culinary Innovations Magazine
Whether you’re watching your diet or just love to cook, air fryers are exciting. They let you make tasty, crispy donuts easily and with great flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Doughnuts
Making tasty air fryer cake donuts begins with the right ingredients. Whether you’re making traditional or keto air fryer donuts, choosing quality ingredients is crucial. This ensures your donuts taste amazing.
Common Doughnut Dough Ingredients
The base of great doughnuts includes a few key ingredients:
- Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free alternative)
- Sugar or keto-friendly sweetener
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk or dairy-free substitute
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Optional Flavoring Additions
Add excitement to your air fryer cake donuts with these flavor boosters:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Almond extract
- Citrus zest
- Cocoa powder
Toppings and Glazes You Can Use
| Glaze Type | Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Glaze | Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla | Whisk until smooth |
| Chocolate Drizzle | Dark chocolate, heavy cream | Melt and drizzle |
| Keto Friendly | Powdered erythritol, cream cheese | Mix until creamy |
“The secret to amazing doughnuts is fresh ingredients and creativity!” – Pastry Chef Recommendation
Try out these ingredients to make your ideal air fryer doughnuts. The right mix can transform a simple recipe into a true masterpiece.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Doughnuts
Finding the perfect air fryer for making delicious donuts can change your baking game. Not all air fryers are the same, especially for making those golden, crispy donuts.
When looking for the best air fryer for donuts, pay attention to a few key features. The right one can make a huge difference in your kitchen.
Top Air Fryer Recommendations
Here are some top air fryer models for making doughnuts:
- Instant Vortex Plus: Scores 83 with a 6-quart capacity, it cooks well
- Ninja Air Fryer: Scores 76 for its ease of use and temperature accuracy
- Ultrean Air Fryer: Offers precise temperature control
Essential Features to Consider
When picking an air fryer for donuts, look for these important features:
- Capacity: Make sure it can hold multiple donuts
- Temperature range: Choose models with 180°F to 400°F settings
- Wattage: Higher wattage (1500+ watts) means faster, crisper cooking
- Easy-to-clean design: Look for dishwasher-safe parts to save time
“The right air fryer can turn your home kitchen into a donut paradise!”
Your ideal air fryer should offer great performance, convenience, and versatility. With the right choice, you’ll be making tasty air fryer donuts in no time.
Preparing the Doughnut Batter
Creating the perfect air fryer cake donuts starts with the right mixing techniques. Whether you’re making traditional or vegan air fryer donuts, the batter preparation is key to delicious results.
For a classic air fryer cake donut recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1¾ cup Self-Rising Flour
- 1 cup Vanilla Plant-Based Yogurt
- 3-4 tablespoons additional flour (if needed)
Mixing Your Ingredients
Follow these step-by-step mixing instructions to prepare your air fryer cake donuts:
- Combine flour and yogurt in a large mixing bowl
- Stir until a soft dough forms
- Add extra flour if the mixture seems too sticky
- Knead gently to create a smooth consistency
“The secret to perfect air fryer donuts is in the dough’s consistency” – Baking Experts
Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency
For vegan air fryer donuts, plant-based yogurt works wonderfully as a binding agent. Aim for a dough that’s not too wet or dry. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly. The goal is a soft, pliable dough that can be easily shaped into donuts.
Your prepared batch will yield approximately 12 donut holes. Each serving contains around 126.8 calories and a balanced nutritional profile.
Molding Your Doughnuts
Making perfect doughnuts needs skill and creativity. Whether you’re making air fryer mini donuts or classic donut holes, how you shape them matters a lot.
There are two main ways to shape doughnuts: using special cutters or shaping by hand. Each way has its own benefits for your air fryer donut holes and mini donuts.
Doughnut Cutter Techniques
- Provides uniform and consistent shapes
- Ensures even cooking in the air fryer
- Best for precise mini donuts and donut holes
- Reduces preparation time
Freehand Shaping Methods
- Allows creative and unique doughnut designs
- Perfect for artisanal-style air fryer mini donuts
- Requires more practice and skill
- Offers greater flexibility in size and shape
“The art of shaping doughnuts is about precision and passion” – Pastry Chef Recommendation
Both methods can be used to make air fryer donut holes. Try them out to see which one you prefer!
| Shaping Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Doughnut Cutters | Consistent shapes | Limited creativity |
| Freehand Shaping | Creative freedom | Requires more skill |
Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at making delicious air fryer mini donuts!
Prepping Your Air Fryer
Getting your air fryer ready is key to making tasty healthy air fryer donuts. The right prep can greatly affect your cooking success. It ensures your donuts come out crispy and golden.
Preheating: The Secret to Successful Donuts
Preheating your air fryer is crucial for making donuts. Most air fryers need 3-5 minutes at 370°F to preheat. This step helps cook evenly and gets that golden-brown look.
- Set temperature to 370°F
- Preheat for 3-5 minutes
- Check that basket is clean and dry
Why Oiling the Basket Matters
Lightly oiling your air fryer basket stops donuts from sticking. It also helps them get crispy. Use a small amount of olive oil spray for the best results.
| Oiling Method | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Spray Type | Olive oil spray |
| Quantity | Light, even coating |
| Caution | Avoid traditional baking sprays |
Pro tip: A light touch with oil makes all the difference in creating perfectly crisp donuts!
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Leave enough space for hot air to move around. With these tips, you’re set to make delicious, healthier donuts in your air fryer.
Cooking Your Doughnuts
Mastering air fryer donut recipes is all about the right cooking technique. To get that perfect golden, crispy exterior, you need to know the exact temperatures and timing.
Recommended Cooking Temperatures
Temperature is key when making air fryer donuts. 375°F (190°C) is the best temperature for most recipes. This setting helps you get:
- Crispy golden-brown exterior
- Soft, fluffy interior
- Even cooking throughout
Perfect Cooking Times
Cooking time depends on your air fryer and the type of donut:
- Standard donuts: 5-6 minutes
- Doughnut holes: 3-4 minutes
- Thick-cut donuts: Up to 9 minutes
Determining Doneness
“The perfect air-fried donut is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.”
Look for these signs to know if your donuts are done:
- Uniform golden color
- Crisp exterior
- Light, airy texture
- No raw dough in center
Pro tip: Always place donuts in a single layer for even air flow. Flip them halfway to ensure even browning.
Adding Flavor: Glazes and Toppings
Turning your air fryer cake donuts into something special is all about creativity. Whether you’re making traditional or keto air fryer donuts, the right glazes and toppings can make a big difference.
Classic Glaze Recipes
A perfect glaze can make your donuts truly special. Here are some classic glaze options:
- Vanilla Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract
- Chocolate Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with cocoa powder and milk
- Maple Glaze: Blend powdered sugar with maple syrup
Creative Topping Ideas
Let your imagination run wild with these topping ideas for your air fryer cake donuts:
- Keto-friendly options: Crushed nuts, sugar-free chocolate chips
- Classic choices: Colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut
- Gourmet selections: Crushed freeze-dried fruits, edible flowers
Glaze Application Tips
For the best glaze results, follow these tips:
- Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing
- Dip donuts quickly for an even coating
- Use a wire rack to catch excess glaze
“The secret to amazing donuts is in the finishing touches!” – Pastry Chef Recommendation
| Glaze Type | Main Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Sugar Glaze | Powdered sugar, milk | Traditional air fryer cake donuts |
| Keto Glaze | Powdered erythritol, heavy cream | Low-carb keto air fryer donuts |
| Chocolate Glaze | Cocoa powder, powdered sugar | Chocolate lovers |
Pro tip: Experiment with different combinations to find your signature donut style!
Storing Your Air Fried Doughnuts
Making delicious donuts in the air fryer is just the start. Knowing how to store them right keeps them fresh for days. This way, you can enjoy them at their best.
Keeping Your Doughnuts Fresh
After making your tasty air fryer doughnuts, follow these tips to keep them fresh:
- Let doughnuts cool completely at room temperature
- Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss
- Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days
Freezing Leftover Doughnuts
Freezing is a great way to keep your healthy air fryer donuts fresh longer. Here’s a simple guide:
- Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap
- Place wrapped doughnuts in a freezer-safe container
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating Frozen Doughnuts
To make your frozen donuts taste like they just came out of the oven:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes
- Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Use airtight container |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Cover to prevent drying |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap individually |
Pro tip: Always let your doughnuts cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their crispy texture!
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Air Fryer Doughnuts
Your journey into air fryer donut recipes is just starting! These treats are quick and healthier than traditional fried donuts. You can make eight delicious donuts in just 15 minutes. They will impress everyone at any gathering.
Vegan air fryer donuts are also a possibility. You can try different flavors like raspberry jelly or blueberry. This makes each batch special. These donuts are perfect for weekend brunches or holiday treats.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your donuts with scrambled eggs and bacon, or at office potlucks. They go great with morning coffee. Plus, they keep well in an airtight container for up to two days. Air fryer donuts are easy to make and fit many occasions and diets.
Sharing Your Creations with Others
Be creative and share your air fryer donut stories. They’re great for Mother’s Day breakfasts or Christmas morning treats. These donuts bring happiness and are healthier than deep-frying.
FAQ
Are air fryer donuts healthier than traditional deep-fried donuts?
Can I make different types of donuts in an air fryer?
What type of air fryer is best for making donuts?
How long does it take to cook donuts in an air fryer?
Can I make gluten-free or keto donuts in an air fryer?
How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
How should I store air fryer donuts?
Can I reheat donuts in the air fryer?
What are some popular donut toppings for air fryer donuts?
Do I need special equipment to make donuts in an air fryer?
Source Links
- https://thebigmansworld.com/air-fryer-donuts/ – Air Fryer Donuts {from scratch} – The Big Man’s World ®
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-donuts/?srsltid=AfmBOoqfgOZhrMK7Vfr4xWWsxv27PqueYEXSwurNqQ7HT_G4hRGljzrW – Air-Fryer Doughnuts
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-does-an-air-fryer-work-4693673 – How Do Air Fryers Work and Do They Live Up to the Hype?
- https://www.poppycooks.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-air-fryers/ – Everything You Need to Know About Airfryers | News | Poppy Cooks
- https://www.chowhound.com/1651772/store-bought-pizza-dough-air-fryer-donuts-easy/ – Transform Store-Bought Pizza Dough Into Air Fryer Donuts In 3 Easy Steps – Chowhound
- https://my100yearoldhome.com/easy-air-fryer-donut-recipe/ – Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipe
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-donuts/?srsltid=AfmBOoqDGw9ZXPaYb9Z4S1X57GGs19EzeTxT2DrJ5lLuymo7w2CqlVv_ – Air-Fryer Doughnuts
- https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/air-fryer-donuts/ – Air Fryer Donuts
- https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/kitchen/best-air-fryer – The 5 Best Air Fryers of 2025
- https://blog.stokesstores.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-the-best-air-fryer-for-your-kitchen-stokes/ – The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Your Kitchen
- https://www.mydiaryofus.com/blog/easy-air-fryer-biscuit-donuts – Easy Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts — My Diary of Us
- https://www.theconsciousplantkitchen.com/air-fryer-donut-holes/ – Air Fryer Donut Holes (2-Ingredient Dough, No Eggs, No Dairy)
- https://www.savoryexperiments.com/air-fryer-donuts/ – Air Fryer Donuts
- https://www.myforkinglife.com/flaky-air-fryer-donuts/ – Flaky Air Fryer Donuts a.k.a Cronuts
- https://www.recipe-diaries.com/air-fryer-donuts-using-canned-biscuits/ – Air Fryer Donuts (using canned biscuits) – Recipe Diaries
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-donuts/?srsltid=AfmBOorVNd9jHPW_xdamxEMaSDSc0-foWOxpX9Kd_YGsN4esfgzeRw0R – Air-Fryer Doughnuts
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-donuts/?srsltid=AfmBOoosYVUFmc6Wr3RpN-vv6URRlFWiJh9bRrT6LSG0w0rrCEG86H_V – Air-Fryer Doughnuts
- https://kirbiecravings.com/4-ingredient-air-fryer-donuts/ – 4 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts (No Yeast, Dairy or Eggs)
- https://thestayathomechef.com/air-fryer-donuts/ – Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
- https://namelymarly.com/air-fryer-donuts/ – Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- https://recipesbyclare.com/recipe:air-fryer-donuts – Homemade Air Fryer Donuts – Made from Scratch with Yeast – Recipes by Clare
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/air-fryer-donuts/?srsltid=AfmBOopnEeDp0XoVJxRUhFEiShTWqyTa8GqmfIzCRCOEt8nVVlXtPZ0c – Air-Fryer Doughnuts
- https://www.melaniecooks.com/air-fryer-donuts-from-pillsbury-grands-biscuits/33963/ – Air Fryer Donuts From Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
- https://feedingtinybellies.com/air-fryer-donut-holes/ – Air Fryer Donut Holes – Feeding Tiny Bellies
- https://www.thebensonstreet.com/air-fryer-jelly-donuts-recipe/ – Air Fryer Jelly Donuts Recipe for Easy Filled Donuts
