When it comes to quick and delicious treats, this recipe is a total winner. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who simply craves a sweet snack, these donuts are your go-to solution. With a few pantry staples and a trusty air fryer, you can create bakery-worthy donuts that are soft, golden, and customizable to your taste.

But the best part? These donuts are so versatile. They can be made vegan or gluten-free with just a couple of swaps (I’ve got you covered on that below). Ready to get started? Let’s dive right in!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients list. Chances are, you already have most of these at home:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free mix if needed)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
  • 1 egg (or 1 flax egg if you’re going egg-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pro Tip:

Making a flax egg is super simple! Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a great substitute that works like a charm.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Here’s where the magic begins. In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients: buttermilk (or almond milk), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract.

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. You’ll want to avoid overmixing here; a smooth, lump-free batter is the goal.

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Step 2: Get the Molds Ready

Lightly grease your donut molds or silicone trays with cooking spray or a bit of oil. If you don’t already own silicone molds, I highly recommend them—they’re perfect for air fryer recipes and make cleanup a breeze.

Now comes the fun part: transferring the batter. For an easier (and less messy) process, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full to give the donuts room to rise beautifully.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Once it’s ready, place the molds in the air fryer basket carefully. Cook the donuts for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they turn golden and irresistible.

Pro Tip:

To check if your donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully air-fried your donuts, and now it’s time to take them from “delicious” to “absolutely stunning.” This is where you can let your creativity shine, whether you’re a fan of classic powdered sugar or crave something bold like a colorful glaze with sprinkles.

Step 4: Cool and Release the Donuts

After removing your donut molds from the air fryer, allow them to cool for a few minutes. Patience is key here! If you try to remove the donuts while they’re still hot, they might stick or crumble. Once they’re cool enough to handle, gently pop them out of the molds.

Pro Tip:

If your donuts seem a little stubborn about coming out, use a small silicone spatula or a butter knife to loosen the edges.

Step 5: Pick Your Decoration Style

This is where the magic happens! You can keep it simple or go all out with your decorations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Classic Powdered Sugar

This timeless topping is perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a lighter treat. Simply dust powdered sugar over your donuts using a fine sieve.

2. Sweet Vanilla Glaze

Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dip the tops of your donuts into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and place them on a cooling rack until the glaze sets.

3. Chocolate-Coated Delight

Melt your favorite chocolate (milk, dark, or white) in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Dip your donuts halfway into the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even mini chocolate chips while the coating is still wet for extra flair.

4. Cinnamon-Sugar Perfection

Combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Lightly brush the donuts with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This gives you a flavor reminiscent of carnival-style churros!

Step 6: Create a Donut Bar for the Family

If you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to make your donuts extra fun, set up a DIY donut bar. Lay out bowls of different toppings—glazes, sprinkles, crushed candies, and nuts—and let everyone decorate their own. It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike!

Tips for Donut Perfection

While this recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can make your donuts absolutely foolproof:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the molds fit comfortably in the air fryer basket, allowing airflow for even cooking. If needed, work in batches.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder to the batter for a flavor twist.
• Storage: If you’re not eating the donuts right away, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the air fryer for a quick snack.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your donuts are decorated and set, it’s time to dig in! Serve them with a steaming cup of coffee, a refreshing glass of milk, or your favorite tea for the ultimate treat. These donuts also make a fantastic brunch centerpiece or a sweet way to brighten someone’s day.

By now, your air fryer donuts are ready to devour, and you’re probably wondering: Can I really make these even better? Or maybe you have some lingering questions about the recipe. Don’t worry—I’ve got all the answers and some final tips to ensure your donut experience is nothing short of amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Donuts

1. Can I make these donuts vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, swap the buttermilk with almond milk and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). For a gluten-free version, use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.

2. What if I don’t have a donut mold?
No donut mold? No problem! Use small oven-safe ramekins or cupcake liners as an alternative. They won’t have the classic donut shape, but they’ll still taste incredible.

3. How can I ensure my donuts are cooked evenly?
Preheating the air fryer is key! Make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket, and check the donuts a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overcooking.

4. Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, place the donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F for that freshly-made taste.

5. What other flavors can I try?
The possibilities are endless! Add cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate donuts, or mix in lemon zest and poppy seeds for a refreshing twist. You can even infuse the glaze with espresso or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles.

6. My glaze isn’t setting—what went wrong?
If your glaze is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Let the donuts cool completely before glazing to ensure it sets properly.

7. Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the donuts for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts: Why These Donuts Are Worth Making

Making donuts at home has never been easier or more rewarding. With this air fryer recipe, you get all the deliciousness of traditional donuts without the mess and heaviness of deep frying. Plus, the flexibility to customize them means you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re indulging on a weekend morning or surprising your family with a sweet treat, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.

Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe – Quick & Tasty!

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes

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Description

These light and fluffy donuts are made effortlessly in the air fryer. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a delightful treat any time of the day!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix for a GF option)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
• 1 egg (or 1 flax egg for a vegan option)
  • Flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk (or almond milk), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

2️⃣ Prep the molds:
Lightly grease donut molds or silicone trays that fit your air fryer. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off for easier piping. Pipe the batter evenly into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.

3️⃣ Air fry the donuts:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4️⃣ Cool and release:
Carefully remove the molds from the air fryer and let the donuts cool for a few minutes before releasing them from the molds.

5️⃣ Customize your donuts:
Decorate the donuts as desired! You can dust them with powdered sugar, glaze them with icing, dip them in melted chocolate, or top with sprinkles.

Notes

• Batch size: Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook the donuts in batches.
• Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 donuts