Snacks
This air fry donuts recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers in just 12 minutes—no deep frying required. The secret lies in a light, airy batter that transforms into golden, fluffy donuts with a satisfying crunch.
I developed this method after testing countless variations, and it consistently produces results that rival traditional fried donuts without the mess or wait time.
The beauty of air frying lies in its precision: 375°F ensures even cooking while maintaining that classic donut texture. The batter comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and the air fryer works its magic in minutes rather than hours.
What you'll end up with is a batch of donuts that are crispy on the outside, pillowy inside, and ready in record time—ideal for a quick snack or dessert.
These donuts are perfect for breakfast, coffee pairings, or even a sweet treat after dinner. The method is foolproof, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ease.
Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with your favorite glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. The crispy exterior and tender interior make every bite worth the wait—without the traditional donut-making hassle. Let's get started!
Ingredients for air fry donuts
Twelve simple ingredients transform into golden, restaurant-quality donuts in minutes.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 ½ cups | Sifted for light, airy texture |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ½ cup | White or light brown preferred |
| Instant Yeast 🍞 | 2 tsps | Ensures quick activation |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Cold, cubed for texture |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | Room temperature for best mixing |
| Milk 🥛 | ½ cup | Whole milk for richness |
| Vanilla Extract 🍯 | 1 tbsp | Pure, high-quality extract |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt preferred |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | 1 cup | For dusting finished donuts |
| Vegetable Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For greasing air fryer basket |
| Cinnamon Sugar 🌶️ | ¼ cup | Optional topping (mix 3 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon) |
The flour and yeast are your foundation—King Arthur or Gold Medal flour works best for that light, fluffy texture. Bob's Red Mill instant yeast is my go-to because it activates faster without waiting for blooming time. Grab Land O'Lakes unsalted butter for consistent quality, and keep it cold until the last minute. For the milk, whole milk gives the best richness, but 2% works fine if that's what you have. The vanilla extract should be pure, not imitation—Nutiva or McCormick are reliable brands. Measure the powdered sugar precisely for dusting, as too much can make the donuts soggy.
No instant yeast? Active dry yeast works—just dissolve it in warm milk first. Short on butter? Melted coconut oil gives a similar texture, though the flavor will differ slightly. Want to skip the powdered sugar topping? A simple glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk adds sweetness without dusting. The cinnamon sugar topping is optional but adds that classic donut flavor—store-bought mixes work, but homemade (3 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon) tastes fresher. For the air fryer, vegetable oil works best for greasing, but cooking spray can be used in a pinch.
The batter keeps in the fridge for up to 24 hours, covered tightly. For longer storage, freeze the batter in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before using. Once cooked, donuts stay crispy for 2-3 hours at room temperature, so store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness. These donuts freeze beautifully too—flash-freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Mixer Needed: I swear by this recipe because it’s the only donut I make without a stand mixer. Just a bowl and a fork—yeast activates in warm milk (or water), then I fold in melted butter and eggs until the dough’s smooth. No stress, no waiting for equipment.
- Crispy-Creamy Magic: That air fryer works wonders here—golden crust on the outside, pillowy soft inside. The sugar in the dough caramelizes just enough to give them a subtle sweetness without needing frosting. Honestly, I’ll take these over deep-fried any day.
- Breakfast or Dessert: Serve them warm with coffee for a lazy weekend breakfast, or dust with powdered sugar for a quick dessert. My kids grab them straight from the air fryer, and my husband sneaks them into his lunchbox. Versatile? Absolutely.
- Budget-Friendly Batch: A single batch uses just a handful of pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter, eggs—and stretches to feed four. Leftover donuts reheat perfectly in the air fryer, so they’re my go-to for impromptu gatherings. No waste, all flavor.
Step-by-step instructions for air fry donuts
Here's how to create perfectly golden, crispy donuts using just your air fryer.
Mix the Dough for Light, Fluffy Bites
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsps instant yeast, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 cup granulated sugar. Whisk gently to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. This creates the foundation for your donuts' structure and flavor.
In a separate bowl, melt the 0.5 cup unsalted butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just softened. Add the 2 large eggs, 0.5 cup milk, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it holds together without sticking to your hands. This kneading step develops gluten, which gives your donuts their signature texture.
Shape and Proof the Donut Dough
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 1.5 ounces each) and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size. The dough should feel light and airy when pressed gently with a finger.
While the dough proofs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with 2 tbsp vegetable oil using a paper towel to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that classic crispy exterior we're after.
Once the dough has risen, gently flatten each ball into a 1-inch thick round shape using your hands or a rolling pin. Poke a hole in the center of each donut using your finger, being careful not to press too hard or the donuts may flatten completely. The hole should be about 1 inch wide for even cooking.
Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Working in batches of 3-4 donuts at a time, carefully place the shaped donuts into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving ½ inch of space between each donut. This ensures proper air circulation for even browning. Cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, then flip each donut and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Watch closely during the last 2 minutes of cooking—donuts can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. You'll know they're done when they're deep golden brown on both sides and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The air fryer's rapid heat circulation creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Remove the donuts from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the donuts to set slightly and makes them easier to handle when dusting with powdered sugar or topping with cinnamon sugar.
Dust and Serve Immediately
Once cooled slightly, dust the warm donuts generously with 1 cup powdered sugar by sifting it over a fine-mesh strainer. For extra flavor, mix 3 tbsp granulated sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon to create the 0.25 cup cinnamon sugar, then roll each donut in the mixture while still warm. The heat from the donuts will help the sugar adhere beautifully.
Serve the donuts immediately while they're still crispy. The contrast between the warm, golden donuts and the cool, sweet toppings creates an irresistible texture. For best results, enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer when the exterior is at its crispiest and the interior remains tender and fluffy.
These air fry donuts deliver all the classic donut flavors without the deep-frying. The air fryer's precise heat control gives you that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior every time, with minimal mess and maximum flavor.
Pro Tips For Making Air Fry Donuts
- Preheat Like It’s 1999: Your air fryer’s max heat setting isn’t just “hot enough.” I used to skip preheating and ended up with dough that puffed unevenly—some parts raw, others overdone. Set it to 375°F for 3 minutes first, then add the donuts. The first batch will tell you if you need to adjust (hint: if they brown too fast, lower it to 350°F next time).
- Cut Butter in Cold: Softened butter? Nope. Grate that unsalted butter while it’s still cold from the fridge—it’ll melt slower and create tiny pockets of fat in the dough. This keeps the donuts tender, not greasy. (And yes, even if you’re impatient like me, resist the urge to speed this up.)
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: I learned this the hard way—stuffing the air fryer forces steam to pool instead of circulating. Leave at least 1 inch between donuts, and work in batches if needed. Crowding = soggy bottoms and uneven cooking. Trust me, your future self will thank you for the extra 5 minutes of waiting.
- Proof at Room Temp: The dough needs to rise in a warm, draft-free spot—not the fridge, not the oven with the light on. Let it sit for 45–60 minutes until it’s puffy and springs back slowly when poked. Cold dough rises slower, and you’ll end up with dense donuts. (Proove it right: 70°F is ideal—if your kitchen’s colder, pop it near the stove with the pilot light on.)
Regional styles of this recipe
Southern-Style Glazed
Inspired by classic Southern donut shops, this variation swaps powdered sugar for a rich, sticky glaze made with 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
Drizzle the warm donuts immediately after air frying for that iconic Southern charm. For extra decadence, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the glaze before drizzling. 🍯
German Apple Cinnamon
Blend German apple strudel flavors by adding ½ cup finely diced apples and 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough before shaping. After air frying, roll the donuts in a mix of ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon.
Top with a dollop of apple butter for that cozy German bakery feel. 🍏
New Orleans Beignets
Transform your air fry donuts into New Orleans-style beignets by adding ½ cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp melted butter to the dough for extra richness. After air frying, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
The result? A lighter, crispier version of the classic Café du Monde treat. 🍫
Japanese Matcha Green Tea
For a sophisticated twist, replace ½ cup of the flour with ½ cup matcha powder (about 3 tbsp) for a vibrant green hue and earthy flavor.
After air frying, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with white chocolate shavings. The matcha adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly. 🍵
Texas Chili-Lime
Spice things up with a Tex-Mex fusion by adding 1 tbsp lime zest and 1 tsp chili powder to the dough. After cooking, dust with powdered sugar and serve with a side of lime crema (mix ½ cup sour cream with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp honey).
The tangy, spicy kick makes these donuts a standout snack. 🌶️
Midwest Cinnamon Roll
Channel Midwest bakery flavors by swapping the vanilla extract for 1 tbsp cinnamon extract and adding ½ cup chopped pecans to the dough.
After air frying, roll the donuts in ½ cup cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a simple cream cheese glaze (mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp melted cream cheese and 1 tbsp milk). The result is a donut that tastes like a cinnamon roll in every bite. 🥜
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why do my air-fried donuts turn out dense instead of light and fluffy?
Overmixing the dough develops too much gluten, which makes donuts dense. Mix just until combined—stop when small lumps remain. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough proofs in a warm spot (80°F) for 30-45 minutes until doubled. Cold dough or skipped proofing causes dense results.
Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
Yes! Use a deep fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes per side or an oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes on a baking sheet. The air fryer just delivers faster, even cooking with less oil. For oven-baked donuts, brush with melted butter halfway through for crispiness.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Grease the basket thoroughly with 2 tbsp vegetable oil before adding donuts. Use a paper towel to wipe excess oil—just enough to coat lightly. Avoid overcrowding (leave ½ inch between donuts) and don't flip them until they're golden brown on the first side.
What's the best way to store leftover air-fried donuts?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 hours to maintain crispiness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispness. Never refrigerate—condensation makes them soggy.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, but expect a slightly denser texture. Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add ½ tsp xanthan gum to improve structure. Increase milk by 1 tbsp to compensate for dryness. Proof time may need extending to 45-60 minutes since gluten-free dough rises slower.