High-Protein Keto Air Fryer Donuts
High-Protein Keto Air Fryer Donuts
Golden air-fried donuts rolled in sugar-free sweetener — low carb and ready in 20 minutes
These high-protein keto air fryer donuts skip yeast and frying oil. Almond flour, mozzarella, and protein powder form a soft dough you cut into rings, air-fry until golden, then roll in granulated keto sweetener. Each donut has 7 g of protein and 3 g net carbs.
Low carb, sugar-free, and done in about 20 minutes.
Why you’ll love these donuts
- 7g protein per donut
- Only 3g net carbs
- No deep fryer
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Sugar-free coating
- Soft inside, golden outside
Health notes
- High protein for a donut: Mozzarella and protein powder replace wheat flour.
- Low carb: Almond flour keeps the rings keto.
- Sugar-free: Granulated erythritol or allulose stands in for sugar.
- Air fryer: Less oil than a classic fried donut.
Key element — work the dough while it is warm
Melted mozzarella makes the dough flexible. If it cools and cracks, microwave 10 seconds and knead again.
Ingredients
Donuts (makes 8)
- 1½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 2 oz (56g) cream cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar-free sweetener
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Swaps
- Higher protein: Use an extra half scoop of protein powder and 1 extra Tbsp almond flour if the dough is sticky.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Glazed: Skip the granulated coating and dip in a powdered-sweetener glaze.
- No mozzarella: Use a baking-powder almond-flour batter in a donut pan instead.
Instructions
| 1 | Melt the cheese. Microwave mozzarella and cream cheese in 30-second bursts, stirring, until smooth. Heat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 | Make the dough. Stir in almond flour, protein powder, powdered sweetener, baking powder, egg, vanilla, and salt. Knead until a smooth dough forms. |
| 3 | Shape. Roll to about ½-inch thick. Cut 8 rings with a donut cutter or two round cutters. Reroll scraps as needed. |
| 4 | Air fry and coat. Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until golden. Brush with melted butter and roll in granulated sweetener while warm. |
Pro tips
- Don’t crowd the basket — cook in batches like the photo.
- Parchment liners keep the raw dough from sticking.
- Coat while the donuts are warm so the sweetener sticks.
- If the dough tears, it is too cold. Warm it briefly.
- Allulose browns a little faster than erythritol.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per donut |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Net carbohydrates | 3g |
| Total carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Total fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
Estimates based on almond flour, mozzarella, protein powder, and sugar-free coating, divided into 8 donuts. Exact numbers vary with protein powder and cheese brand.
Variations
Cinnamon sugar
Mix cinnamon into the granulated sweetener before rolling.
Chocolate
Use chocolate protein powder and add 1 tsp cocoa.
Glazed
Whisk powdered sweetener with a splash of almond milk and dip the tops.
Mini donuts
Cut smaller rings and air fry 5–6 minutes.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best fresh | Same day | Coating stays crisp |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat in the air fryer 2 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Freeze uncoated, then reheat and roll |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about these air fryer donuts
1. Protein per donut?
2. Net carbs per donut?
3. When should you coat the donuts?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to reheat leftovers?
