Air Fryer Donuts
Air Fryer Donuts – Soft, Fluffy & Delicious!
Who says you need a deep fryer to make perfect donuts? These Air Fryer Donuts are soft, golden, and coated in sugar — just like your favorite bakery treats but so much lighter! No hot oil, no mess, just pillowy donuts that practically melt in your mouth.
Once you try these, you’ll never want to fry again! 💛
💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ No deep frying – healthier and easier
✅ Super soft and fluffy texture
✅ Simple ingredients you already have at home
✅ Great for glazing or rolling in cinnamon sugar
✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
🍞 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: sugar or cinnamon sugar for coating
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2 – Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3 – Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough to ½ inch thick on a floured surface.
Cut out donuts using a donut cutter (or two round cutters — one large and one small for the center).
Place them on parchment squares to prevent sticking.
Let them rest for another 15–20 minutes to puff slightly.
Step 4 – Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly brush the donuts with oil or spray with cooking spray.
Air fry in batches for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Step 5 – Coat or Glaze
While still warm, brush lightly with melted butter and roll in sugar (or cinnamon sugar).
For glazed donuts, dip them in a simple glaze of powdered sugar + milk + vanilla.
✨ Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; give each donut room to rise and brown.
- Use parchment squares for easy transfer.
- Add a glaze or filling (jam, Nutella, or cream) for a fun twist!
