Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

The promise of an Air Fryer is to make traditionally fried foods without oil (or at least with much less oil). So, why not donuts? These Air Fryer Donuts are one of my favorite treats, especially when sometimes I just don’t want to deal with a deep fryer. After a lot of trial and error, I am so excited to share my Air Fryer Donut recipe with you! We love to cook all kinds of recipes, but baking holds a special place in our hearts. Whether you are making a pie, a cake, or any other kind of dessert, we have recipes that will help you make those special memories in the kitchen!

Ingredients in this Air Fryer Donut

All you need are a few simple pantry ingredients and an air fryer to get delicious donuts right at home.

Dry active yeast – I like using regular active dry yeast rather than the instant rise. Warm water – Warm to the touch but not too hot water. This will keep the yeast active. Too hot it will kill the yeast and won’t allow it to expand. Sugar – This will help activate the yeast. Warm milk – Again, this needs to be hot but not too hot to kill the yeast. Salt – Kosher or table salt will help the dough rise. Egg – Binds the dough together. Shortening – Butter-flavored shortening adds flavor, moisture, and tenderness. Flour – All-purpose flour thickens the dough and gives it the texture it needs. Cooking spray – You will want to spray the air fryer before adding the dough. This will prevent the dough from sticking as it is cooking.

Chocolate Glaze and Other Toppings

A delicious and simple chocolate glaze is made with just a couple of ingredients. Create an easy chocolate glaze recipe!

Cocoa powder – Creates the chocolate flavors and gives the perfect chocolate taste. Powdered sugar – Sifted confectioners’ sugar makes it smooth. Milk – You can use more or less, depending on how thick you like the consistency. Topping – Top donuts with a cinnamon sugar coating, a dusting of powdered sugar, or sprinkles, just about anything you like!

Tools and Tips for Air Fryer Donuts

The first tool you need is the Air Fryer. If you don’t already have one, don’t be intimidated by an Air Fryer! Once you get the basics down, it is so simple to use. Try a few suggestions for this donut recipe and using an Air Fryer in general.

Preheat – Always preheat your Air Fryer before use. It only takes a minute. Set it to 400 degrees for 1 minute, cook with it empty, and it will be hot and ready to use. Cooking spray – Use a little non-stick cooking spray or air fryer parchment sheets (with holes) to prevent food from sticking to trays. Space – Keep food from touching, this will help the air circulate all around each piece of food for even cooking and crispiness. Flip – Shake or turn food halfway through the cooking process for more even cooking. Check the donuts – Don’t be afraid to check your food for doneness, opening the drawer won’t ruin the cooking process. Crispy – Get an oil sprayer for making dry breaded foods like our Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. A little spritz of oil can make breading more crispy.

Shaping the Donuts

To make these Air Fryer Donuts or any homemade donuts recipe, you will need tools to shape the donuts. I would suggest using biscuit cutters. You can find biscuit cutters in all sizes, but I have a set from 4-inch, 3-inch to 1-inch. I use the 4-inch for the main part of the donut, and then the 1-inch for the donut hole. You can also use a regular circular cookie cutter, or any cups or small bowls to get your desired shape.

Preparation

Cooking And Serving Air Fryer Donuts

Recipe Tip

More Air Fryer Recipes

Using an air fryer has changed my life! It is so easy and convenient to use. There are so many recipes to try from main dish, side dish, appetizers, and even dessert!