Delicious 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts

Air Fryer Donuts — Weekend mornings are my favorite time to slow down and fill the kitchen with something warm and comforting. These air fryer donuts deliver exactly that: soft and fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating that makes the whole house smell irresistible.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Overview

These Air Fryer Donuts are simple to make and incredibly forgiving, coming together quickly with minimal prep. The recipe is adaptable and dependable, making it just as suitable for hectic weekdays as it is for slow, cozy mornings.

Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
25 minutes	8-10 donuts	Easy

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Donuts

• Super quick and easy to make – no yeast, no frying, no mess. Just mix, shape, air fry, and enjoy!
• Customizable flavor and toppings. Go classic with cinnamon-sugar or get creative with your favorite glazes, sprinkles, or fillings.
• Healthier than traditional fried donuts. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior and fluffy interior, without all the oil.
• Perfect for any occasion. Whip them up for a weekend treat, impress guests, or satisfy that midweek donut craving.
• Versatile dough that doubles as biscuits or fritters. Use the same base recipe for all sorts of yummy creations.

Air frying has become a popular alternative to deep frying because it delivers crisp, golden results using significantly less oil, a benefit explained in detail by the experts at Healthline.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts

You only need a few simple pantry staples to make these delightful Air Fryer Donuts.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, for coating
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, for coating

Ingredients That Matter in Air Fryer Donuts

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Flour	All-purpose flour gives the donuts a light, tender texture. You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF version.
Sugar	Granulated sugar not only sweetens the donuts, but also helps create a delicious crunchy coating.
Baking Powder	This leavening agent helps the donuts rise and achieve that iconic fluffy interior.
Milk	Whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat work well. The liquid helps bind the dough.
Butter	Using melted butter enhances the donuts with a soft, rich texture. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or plant-based butter works just as well.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to adapt these Air Fryer Donuts to fit dietary needs or pantry limitations, these swaps work reliably without sacrificing texture or flavor.

All-purpose flour:
A 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute can be used if needed. The donuts will still turn out soft and enjoyable, with a slightly firmer texture compared to the classic version.

Milk:
Plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk can be used without issue. They provide enough moisture to bind the dough while making the donuts suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Butter:
Swap melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based option. Both add richness and help achieve a golden exterior.

Tools You’ll Need

To make these airy, delicious Air Fryer Donuts, you’ll need just a few basic tools.

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush
• Donut cutter or round cutters

How to Make Air Fryer Donuts

These air fryer donuts come together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, stirring until evenly blended. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla, then mix just until a soft dough comes together. It should feel lightly tacky to the touch but stable enough to roll without spreading.

Step 2: Cut the Donuts

Dust your work surface with a small amount of flour, then roll the dough until it’s roughly ½ inch thick. Cut out the donut shapes using a donut cutter or a pair of round cutters. Place the pieces into the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Air Fry and Coat

Cook the donuts in the air fryer at 350°F for about 6–8 minutes, turning them once so they brown evenly. Once they’re lightly golden and set, take them out and allow them to cool for a minute or two. Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish, then roll the warm donuts in the mixture until each one is well coated.

Because air fryer models vary slightly in heat intensity, it’s helpful to follow general air fryer temperature guidelines like those outlined by America’s Test Kitchen to avoid over-browning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the coated donuts on a serving plate and enjoy warm. For a fun presentation, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze or top with your favorite sprinkles.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
10 minutes	12-16 minutes	25 minutes	8-10 donuts	Easy

Air Fryer Donuts Variations

Classic cinnamon sugar:
Stick with the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating for a nostalgic donut shop flavor that never goes out of style.

Glazed donuts:
Skip the cinnamon coating and drizzle the warm donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let them set for a bakery-style finish.

Apple cinnamon donuts:
Add finely diced apple and an extra pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a cozy, fall-inspired variation that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Chocolate lovers:
Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough or finish the donuts with a light chocolate drizzle for an indulgent dessert-style treat.

Air Fryer Donuts Nutrition Information & Dietary Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Chef’s Tips for the Best Air Fryer Donuts

Here are a few of my top tips for making the perfect Air Fryer Donuts every time:

• Preheat your air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature for optimal cooking.
• Brush with butter: Brush the donuts with a little melted butter or oil before air frying for a richer, more golden exterior.
• Use a smaller hole cutter: Use a smaller cutter for the donut hole to create the perfect shape and proportion.
• Finish with a flourish: Drizzle with honey or dust with powdered sugar for a professional-looking touch.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: A steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk.

Storage: Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

For best food safety practices when storing baked goods at room temperature, follow guidelines recommended by the USDA.

Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before cutting and air frying.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Donuts

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

While you can bake these donuts in the oven, the air fryer gives them a much crispier exterior and lighter, fluffier interior. The hot air circulation in the air fryer is key to achieving that perfect donut texture.

How do I store leftover donuts?

For best results, store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months – just reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The donut dough can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll, cut, and air fry.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking?

Make sure to lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin before handling the dough. This will help prevent sticking. You can also brush a bit of oil or melted butter in the air fryer basket to further discourage adhesion.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these donuts gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a bit denser, but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Tips Before You Dig In

These Air Fryer Donuts are meant to be comforting, homemade, and enjoyable — not perfect. Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t flawless; the flavor more than makes up for it. Feel free to experiment with coatings, glazes, or mix-ins to make the recipe your own.

Most importantly, enjoy the process. Serve them warm, share them generously, and savor every soft, cinnamon-kissed bite — preferably with a hot cup of coffee on a cozy morning.

• Don’t stress about perfection – these donuts are meant to be homey and delicious, not Instagram-worthy.
• Feel free to customize the flavors and toppings to suit your taste buds. Baking is all about experimentation and having fun.
• Trust your instincts and enjoy the process. These donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face (and your belly) no matter how they turn out.

Now grab a hot cup of coffee, pull up a cozy chair, and get ready to savor every last crumb of these irresistible air fryer donuts. Bon appétit, my friends!

Try These Next

• Air Fryer Butter Beans
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Red Velvet Dip

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