Fluffy Homemade Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: Guilt-Free Sweet Joy

Ever wondered how a revolutionary air fryer donuts recipe could redefine your breakfast experience?

Sweet mornings start with crispy, golden pastries that dance between bakery perfection and homemade charm.

Minimal oil means maximum flavor without guilt.

Crisp exteriors give way to soft, pillowy centers that melt in your mouth.

Forget complicated techniques or hours of preparation – this simple method brings bakery-style treats directly to your kitchen.

Whipping up these delectable circles takes less time than your morning coffee routine.

You’ll be amazed how quickly these donuts go from raw ingredients to irresistible delights that everyone will crave.

Tricks for Better Donuts in the Air Fryer

• Customize Dough Texture: Choose refrigerated biscuit dough with a soft, pillowy texture for the most tender donuts.
• Prevent Sticking: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing donuts to ensure easy removal and perfect shape.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Adjust glaze thickness by adding tiny amounts of milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating.
• Experiment with Flavors: Swap vanilla extract with almond, maple, or coconut extract to create unique and exciting donut variations.
• Crisp Up Perfectly: Cook donuts in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve even, crispy golden-brown edges and a soft interior.

How to Store Air Fryer Donuts Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Warm donuts at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Briefly warm donuts for 10-15 seconds for a quick soft treat. Be cautious not to overheat, which can make them tough.
• Keep glazed donuts at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered loosely with a clean kitchen towel to preserve their texture.

Great Pairings for Air Fryer Donuts

• A Flavor Fusion
• Rich, freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that highlights the donuts' light, airy texture.
• Cold, whole milk provides a smooth, creamy contrast to the crispy donuts, enhancing the overall dessert experience with its refreshing touch.
• Chamomile or berry-infused tea offers a delicate, aromatic complement that cleanses the palate and adds a subtle brightness to the sugary treat.
• Warm, velvety hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon creates a luxurious pairing that elevates the simple donuts into a comforting dessert experience.

Unique Takes on the Air Fryer Donut Recipe

• Gluten-Free Donuts: Replace biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour-based dough for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk for glaze, and select dairy-free biscuit dough for animal product-free donuts.
• Low-Sugar Option: Create a sugar-free glaze using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and top with unsweetened coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added texture.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix protein powder into the glaze or sprinkle protein-based granola on top for a more nutritious breakfast treat.

Donut Lovers’ FAQs

• Are canned biscuits the best option for this recipe?

Yes! Refrigerated biscuit dough works perfectly because it’s quick, easy, and creates a soft, fluffy donut texture without complex preparation.

• Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?

While an air fryer gives the best results, you can use a regular oven at 350F. Just place donuts on a baking sheet and watch them closely to prevent burning.

• How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing donuts inside. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

• What if my glaze is too thick or thin?

Add powdered sugar to thicken the glaze or a tiny splash of milk to thin it. The perfect glaze should drip smoothly but not be runny.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Modern-Day Treat

• Air Fryer Donuts
• Transform store-bought biscuit dough into delectable donuts in just 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Air fryer ensures consistent golden-brown results without complex baking skills, making it ideal for novice and experienced home cooks.
• Adapt glazing and topping options to suit personal preferences, from classic vanilla to creative sprinkle combinations.
• Using pre-made biscuit dough and an air fryer means less mess and faster kitchen cleanup compared to traditional donut-making methods.

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Donuts

• Biscuit Dough: Soft, pre-made dough that provides the main structure for donuts. Store-bought canned biscuits work perfectly and save time.
• Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the donuts.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet coating with a classic donut finish. Fresh sugar ensures the best texture.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze and create a silky consistency. Whole milk works best for richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and traditional donut flavor. Pure vanilla provides the most authentic taste.

• Sprinkles: Colorful decoration that adds fun and texture. Best added immediately after glazing.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Classic topping that provides warm, sweet crunch. Mix ground cinnamon with granulated sugar for best results.

Steps for Frying Donuts Without the Oil

Step 1: Craft Donut Shapes

Remove biscuit dough from container and gently separate each biscuit. Using a small round cutter or bottle cap, create a hole in the center of each biscuit to transform them into classic donut rings. Set aside the circular cutouts for creating adorable donut holes.

Step 2: Warm Up Cooking Device

Switch on the air fryer and set temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the appliance to heat for approximately 3-5 minutes, creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 3: Prepare Donuts For Cooking

• Melted butter

Lightly coat both sides of each donut with melted butter. Carefully position donuts inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Insert basket into air fryer.

Step 4: Cook Donut Rings

Cook donuts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. Halfway through cooking time, carefully flip each donut to ensure even golden browning. Separately cook donut holes for 3-4 minutes until they reach a beautiful golden color.

Step 5: Create Decadent Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Adjust liquid or sugar quantities to achieve desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish With Flair

While donuts remain warm, dunk them into glaze or generously drizzle glaze across their surface. Optional toppings include sprinkles or cinnamon sugar for extra excitement.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow glaze to set for a few minutes. Serve immediately and savor the crispy, sweet homemade treats straight from your air fryer.

Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy golden air fryer donuts bring bakery magic right to home kitchens with minimal effort. Sweet circles of joy combine simple ingredients and quick techniques, delivering irresistible treats you can effortlessly enjoy within minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (16.3 ounces / 462 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)

Coating and Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• Sprinkles
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate the refrigerated biscuit dough into individual pieces.
2. Craft perfect donut shapes by extracting the center of each biscuit using a small circular tool or bottle cap, preserving the removed centers for complementary donut holes.
3. Activate the air fryer and calibrate the temperature to 350F (175C), allowing it to warm for approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Delicately coat both surfaces of the donuts with melted butter, ensuring a uniform application.
5. Position the donuts strategically within the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing to facilitate even heat circulation.
6. Initiate the cooking process at 350F, rotating the donuts midway through the 5-6 minute duration to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior.
7. Repeat the cooking sequence for the donut holes, adjusting the time to 3-4 minutes for optimal crispness.
8. Construct a silky glaze by vigorously whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth consistency emerges.
9. Once the donuts have slightly cooled but remain warm, immerse or generously drizzle them with the prepared glaze.
10. Enhance the donuts’ visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling optional toppings like colorful sprinkles or aromatic cinnamon sugar.
11. Allow the glaze to solidify for a brief moment before serving, ensuring a delectable and visually appealing treat.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by brushing melted butter generously on both sides of the biscuit donuts to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
• Create perfectly shaped donuts by using a clean, narrow drinking glass or specialized donut cutter for consistent hole sizes.
• Prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket by cooking donuts in small batches, which allows hot air to circulate evenly and achieve uniform browning.
• Experiment with alternative glazes like chocolate, maple, or cream cheese to customize your donuts and cater to different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg