Air Fryer Donuts (Easy & Fluffy Recipe)

I can’t tell you how much joy these Air Fryer Donuts bring to my kitchen. They’re soft, golden, and ready in less time than a coffee run. If you’ve been following along on my Air Fryer Recipes, you know I love quick treats that still feel special. My kids always jump in to help with the sprinkles—half of them end up on the counter, but that’s part of the fun. If you like cozy and easy recipes, you might also enjoy this Caprese Pasta Salad alongside your donuts for a sweet-and-savory brunch spread.

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What You’ll Need

These donuts are simple and don’t require deep frying, which I love. Here’s what I usually grab:

• All-purpose flour – the base for soft, fluffy donuts.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough just right.
• Active dry yeast – helps the donuts rise beautifully.
• Warm milk – activates the yeast.
• Butter – makes the dough rich and tender.
• Egg – adds structure and flavor.
• Salt – balances sweetness.
• Nonstick spray – keeps the donuts from sticking in the basket.
• Toppings – glaze, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, or chocolate.

💡 I always prefer freshly grated nutmeg in my donut dough—it adds a bakery-style touch. For more cozy recipes, check out my Instant Pot Vegetable Soup.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Donuts

These donuts come together in a few simple steps, and the air fryer makes them so light and golden without the mess of oil. If you love set-it-and-forget-it recipes, you’d probably enjoy my Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas too.

Step 1 — Make the Dough

Mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Then add butter, egg, remaining sugar, and flour. Knead until smooth. I usually do this in my stand mixer—it saves me time and energy.

Step 2 — Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest until doubled in size. I tuck mine in a warm oven (turned off) to speed things up.

Step 3 — Cut the Donuts

Roll the dough out and cut into rounds with a donut cutter (or a glass plus a bottle cap!). My kids love helping with this part.

Step 4 — Air Fry

Spray the air fryer basket, place donuts inside with space between, and cook at 350°F until golden. They puff up beautifully in about 5–6 minutes.

Step 5 — Coat & Decorate

Dip warm donuts in glaze, cinnamon sugar, or melted chocolate. Finish with sprinkles for a fun touch. Honestly, this is where the magic happens.

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Pro Tips & Easy Swaps

• Use parchment rounds with holes to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Swap all-purpose flour for bread flour if you want chewier donuts.
• For quicker donuts, use canned biscuit dough instead of homemade.
• Try maple glaze or caramel drizzle instead of classic chocolate.
• Leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F.
• Freeze unglazed donuts and glaze after reheating.

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Serving Ideas & Variations

I usually serve these donuts warm with coffee, but they’re versatile:

• Classic glazed with powdered sugar glaze.
• Chocolate dipped with rainbow sprinkles.
• Cinnamon sugar rolled while still warm.
• Filled donuts with jam or Nutella.
• Maple bacon for a fun brunch twist.
• Mini donut holes—great for kids.
• Holiday sprinkles for seasonal fun.

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Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Dough too dense? Check your yeast—if it’s not foamy, it’s inactive.
• Flat donuts? The dough didn’t rise enough; give it more time.
• Dry donuts? Air fried too long—check a minute early.
• Glaze sliding off? Donuts were too hot—let them cool slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ll Also Love

• Air Fryer Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy, and much lighter than deep-fried.
• Air Fryer French Toast Sticks – Perfect for a quick breakfast treat.
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls – A fun snack everyone loves.

Don’t forget to explore more tasty Air Fryer Recipes on the blog!