Easy 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts
Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown Air Fryer Donuts that’s crispy outside and pillowy inside—all with 80% less oil than traditional frying. This modern twist on a classic treat has taken kitchens by storm, combining convenience with guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a sweet afternoon snack, our tested Air Fryer Donuts Recipe delivers foolproof results in under 25 minutes. Let’s transform simple pantry staples into irresistible magic.
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
-
- Dough: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend), ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt
-
- Wet Mix: ½ cup buttermilk (or almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar), 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
-
- Toppings: 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze), sprinkles/cinnamon sugar (optional)
-
- Tools: Air fryer, parchment rounds (to prevent sticking), pastry cutter, pastry brush
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 8 mins (2 batches) | Total: 23 mins | Serves: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
- Mix Dry & Wet Separately: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and melted butter.
-
- Combine Gently: Fold wet ingredients into dry mix until just combined—overmixing creates tough donuts.
-
- Shape: Roll dough to ½” thickness on a floured surface. Use a glass (3″ wide) and bottle cap to cut donut shapes.
-
- Preheat & Cook: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Brush basket with oil, arrange donuts (4 per batch), and cook 4 minutes per side.
-
- Glaze: Dip cooled donuts in glaze (mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk). For your Air Fryer Donuts Recipe to shine, add toppings immediately after glazing.
Pro Tip: Flip Air Fryer Donuts halfway using silicone tongs to avoid deflating them.
Nutritional Benefits / Advantages
-
- 75% Less Fat: Traditional frying uses 4+ cups oil—air frying requires just 1 tbsp brushing
-
- 150 Calories Per Donut vs. 250+ in store-bought versions
-
- No Artificial Preservatives: Control sugar levels and ingredient quality
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
-
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and coconut oil
-
- Flavor Twists: Add lemon zest to glaze, or cocoa powder for chocolate donuts
-
- Seasonal: Top with crushed peppermint (winter) or fresh berries (summer)
-
- Small Kitchen Hack: Use biscuit dough for quicker prep
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
- Overcrowding: Leave space between donuts for even airflow
-
- Using Spray Oil: Aerosols can damage fryer coatings—brush instead
-
- Skipping Preheat: Cold starts lead to uneven cooking
Storage / Maintenance Tips
-
- Room Temp: Store in airtight container for 1 day (glaze firms up)
-
- Freeze: Unglazed donuts freeze well for 1 month—reheat at 320°F for 3 mins
-
- Clean Air Fryer: Wipe basket immediately after use to prevent sugar buildup
Conclusion
With this game-changing Air Fryer Donuts Recipe, you get all the joy of fresh donuts without the oil-splattered kitchen. The Air Fryer Donuts we’ve crafted prove that smart cooking can be both delicious and efficient. Ready to impress your family or satisfy your sweet tooth? Whip up a batch tonight—and don’t forget to tag us with your creations!
FAQs
Q: Can I use yeast dough instead of baking powder?
A: Yes! Let yeast dough rise once before shaping. Cook time remains the same.
Q: How do I prevent glaze from melting off?
A: Let donuts cool completely before dipping.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Why are my donuts soggy underside?
A: Overcrowding traps steam. Cook in smaller batches.
