Air Fryer Donuts: Light, Fluffy, and Easy to Make

Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy donut? With these Air Fryer Donuts, you can enjoy a delicious treat without the need for deep frying. These light and airy donuts are made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and vanilla extract, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack, these homemade donuts will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

What Are Air Fryer Donuts?

Air Fryer Donuts are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Using an air fryer instead of deep frying results in donuts that are just as light and fluffy but with less oil. These donuts are made with yeast, giving them a soft and airy texture, and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest for a delicious twist. After air frying, they’re brushed with butter and rolled in sugar for a sweet, indulgent finish.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Donuts are a game-changer for anyone who loves donuts but wants a healthier, less greasy alternative. The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The addition of lemon zest and vanilla gives the donuts a refreshing flavor, and the sugar coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, and you don’t need a fryer or excess oil to achieve that golden finish!

Cooking Tips

1. Let the dough rise fully: Make sure to let the dough rise for the full 2 hours to get the best texture. The yeast needs time to activate, giving the donuts their light, fluffy texture.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Place the donuts in a single layer with space between each one to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
3. Roll in sugar while warm: For the best results, brush the donuts with butter and roll them in sugar while they are still warm, so the coating sticks better.
4. Customize the toppings: You can roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with chocolate for a fun variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Donuts Without An Air Fryer?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these donuts in the oven at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your oven.

Can I Use a Different Flavor in The Dough?

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored donuts or a dash of cinnamon for a spiced version.

Can I Make The Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and continue the recipe the next day. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I Make These Donuts Without Eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or another egg replacer if you want a vegan version of these donuts.

Can I Make These Donuts Without a Donut Cutter?

Yes, if you don’t have a donut cutter, you can easily use a round cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. Simply use the smaller end of the cutter or a bottle cap to create the hole in the middle. This method will give you perfectly shaped donuts without needing a special tool!

How to Freeze

Once the donuts have cooled, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Afterward, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

How to Store

These Air Fryer Donuts are best eaten fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore their crispiness.

How To Make Air Fryer Donuts

Step 1

Step 1

Dissolve the yeast in the milk and set it aside for a few minutes to activate.

Dissolve the yeast in the milk and set it aside for a few minutes to activate.

Step 2

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and potato starch. Add the egg, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until combined. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk with the dissolved yeast, mixing first with a fork, then kneading by hand until the dough is smooth and compact.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and potato starch. Add the egg, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until combined. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk with the dissolved yeast, mixing first with a fork, then kneading by hand until the dough is smooth and compact.

Step 3

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead until it’s smooth. Place it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 2 hours.

Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead until it’s smooth. Place it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 2 hours.

Step 4

Step 4

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface and use a round pastry cutter and the tip of a piping bag to cut out donut shapes.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface and use a round pastry cutter and the tip of a piping bag to cut out donut shapes.

Step 5

Step 5

Place the donuts on small squares of parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 45 minutes.

Place the donuts on small squares of parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 6

Step 6

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Cook the donuts in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Cook the donuts in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7

Step 7

While the donuts are still warm, brush them with butter and roll them in granulated sugar for a sweet finish.

While the donuts are still warm, brush them with butter and roll them in granulated sugar for a sweet finish.