Air Fryer Homemade Donuts 

How to Make Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Once the dry ingredients are combined, create a well in the center and add the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Donuts

Once your dough is ready, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a round cutter (a donut cutter, biscuit cutter, or even the top of a glass) to cut out the donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cutter for the outer part and a smaller cutter or bottle cap to cut out the center hole.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the donuts will cook evenly and get a golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil to prevent the donuts from sticking. Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the donuts in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Make sure not to overcrowd them.

Air fry the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. The donuts should cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time slightly based on your air fryer’s cooking speed.

Step 5: Glaze or Top the Donuts

Once the donuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. While they are still warm, dip the tops of the donuts into your choice of glaze or sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. For a chocolate glaze, melt some chocolate chips with a little cream and dip the donuts into the mixture.

You can also get creative with your toppings! Add sprinkles, a drizzle of honey, or even a little chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once glazed and topped to your liking, the donuts are ready to serve! These air fryer homemade donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the air fryer if needed to restore their crispy texture.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

1. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the donuts tough. Mix just until everything is combined, and then handle the dough gently.
2. Use a Donut Cutter: If you want a perfect donut shape, use a donut cutter. If you don’t have one, any round cutter will do. Just make sure to cut the center hole too!
3. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: For even cooking and crispy results, make sure the donuts are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if necessary.
4. Try Different Glazes and Toppings: You can customize these donuts with a variety of glazes, sprinkles, or even fillings like chocolate or jam. The possibilities are endless!
5. Don’t Skip the Resting: Let the donuts cool for a minute or two before glazing them. This will help the glaze stick better.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

These air fryer homemade donuts are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, creating the perfect texture without the need for deep frying. Plus, you can customize the flavors and toppings to suit your cravings—whether you prefer simple cinnamon sugar, decadent chocolate glaze, or a festive sprinkle of colorful toppings.

Since these donuts are made with less oil than traditional fried donuts, they’re a much healthier option that still tastes indulgent. You can enjoy them as a sweet breakfast, a snack, or a dessert without the guilt!

Final Thoughts

Making homemade donuts in the air fryer is easier and healthier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create donuts that are crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a weekend treat, or a special occasion, these air fryer donuts are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy these delicious homemade donuts—just the way you like them!