Air Fryer Donuts From Scratch-Easy & Delicious

Air fryer donuts are the sweet, guilt-free indulgence you’ve been dreaming of, and guess what? You can make them from scratch right in your own kitchen! Forget greasy deep-frying and complicated procedures; these air fryer donuts deliver that irresistible fluffy texture and golden-brown crispness with a fraction of the effort and fat. We all love donuts, don’t we? That first bite into a warm, freshly made donut is pure bliss, a little circle of happiness that can brighten any day. But the thought of making them at home often feels daunting. That’s where the magic of the air fryer truly shines. These homemade air fryer donuts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize toppings from classic glazes to decadent chocolate drizzles. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this surprisingly simple, yet utterly delicious, scratch recipe that will redefine your donut game.

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

There’s something undeniably magical about a warm, fluffy donut. The aroma, the soft texture, the sweet glaze – it’s a simple pleasure that can brighten any day. While store-bought donuts are convenient, making them from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience, and doing it in an air fryer takes the guesswork and mess out of traditional deep frying. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these homemade air fryer donuts with you.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 1/4 cup warm milk (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon (for proofing yeast and dough)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ((add more as needed))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (for glaze)
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for glaze)

Making the Dough

This is where the magic begins! We’re starting with a classic yeast-raised donut dough. The warmth of the water and milk is crucial for activating the yeast, so don’t skip the temperature check.

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup warm water, 1/4 cup warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the dry active yeast over the top. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see it become foamy and bubbly – this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, or the liquids were too hot or too cold, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast and properly tempered liquids.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the same bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your donuts.

3. Add Flour and Salt, and Knead: Gradually add the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Once it’s too stiff to stir, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now, it’s time to knead! Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water. The goal is a soft, pliable dough.

4. First Rise (Proofing): Lightly grease a clean bowl with cooking spray or a little oil. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here; a good, slow rise develops the best flavor and texture.

Shaping and Second Rise

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape these little rounds of joy.

5. Shape the Donuts: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. You can roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use donut cutters, or you can get creative! For a simple approach, divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Create a hole in the center with your finger or the end of a wooden spoon, then gently stretch it into a ring shape. If you don’t have donut cutters, you can use two different-sized round cutters (like biscuit cutters or the rims of glasses) to create the donut shape, then remove the smaller circle from the center.

6. Second Rise: Arrange the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. You can lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or cover them loosely with plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they appear puffy and have increased in size. This second rise is important for creating that signature airy texture. While they’re rising, prepare your air fryer and get ready for the exciting part!

Air Frying the Donuts

This is where the speed and convenience of the air fryer really shine.

7. Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully transfer 2-3 donuts at a time into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding will steam the donuts rather than air fry them, resulting in a less desirable texture. Air fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and donut size. Keep a close eye on them as they cook quickly! Carefully remove the cooked donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly while you cook the remaining batches.

Glazing the Donuts

The final touch that makes these donuts truly irresistible.

8. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the donuts but still pourable.

9. Glaze and Serve: Once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. For extra flair, you can sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate before the glaze hardens. Enjoy your delicious, homemade air fryer donuts immediately for the best experience!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – delicious, homemade air fryer donuts made from scratch! This recipe is a game-changer for any donut lover. It’s wonderfully quick, remarkably simple, and delivers a result that’s just as satisfying as traditional fried donuts, but with a fraction of the oil. The air fryer creates a beautifully golden-brown exterior with a tender, fluffy interior that’s truly irresistible. I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these delightful treats yourself!

These air fryer donuts are perfect on their own, but they also lend themselves to endless customization. Serve them warm dusted with powdered sugar, a cinnamon-sugar mixture, or drizzled with your favorite glaze. For a more decadent experience, try a chocolate glaze, a maple glaze, or even a cream cheese frosting. You can also add sprinkles for a festive touch or even some finely chopped nuts. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!

I highly encourage you to give this air fryer donut recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade donut experience without the fuss and mess of deep frying. You’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to create these fluffy rings of joy in your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

While these air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare the donut dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. For the best texture and flavor, bake them just before serving.

What if I don’t have a donut cutter?

No problem! You can easily make donut shapes using two round cookie cutters of different sizes, or even a small glass and a bottle cap. Just cut out the larger circle, then use the smaller one in the center to create the hole.

How do I ensure my donuts are fluffy?

The key to fluffy donuts is to not overwork the dough once the flour is added. Mix just until combined. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active. Properly preheating your air fryer is also crucial for achieving that perfect puff!

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

Delicious homemade donuts made easily in the air fryer from scratch.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
8 Minutes

Total Time
38 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ((add more as needed))
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Step 3
   Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed.
4. Step 4
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5
   Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters of different sizes. Place donuts on parchment paper lined with cooking spray.
6. Step 6
   Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry donuts in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Adjust time as needed for your air fryer.
7. Step 7
   While donuts are cooking, whisk together powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract in a bowl to make the glaze.
8. Step 8
   Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.