Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 12 reviews

This Air Fryer Donuts recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy fresh, fluffy donuts with a sweet vanilla glaze using an air fryer for a healthier twist. The dough, enriched with milk, butter, and egg, is air fried to golden perfection and then dipped in a luscious homemade glaze for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup milk, lukewarm (about 100°F)
  • 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tsp
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Oil spray (coconut oil works best)

Glaze

  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 Tbsp hot water (or as needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, gently stir together lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active. If no foam appears, your yeast or milk temperature may be off and restarting is necessary.
  2. Mix Dough: Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the foamy yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then slowly add the remaining flour while mixing. Continue kneading on medium-low speed for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, indicated by a persistent indentation after pressing your finger into the dough.
  4. Shape Donuts: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface, punch it down gently, and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out 10-12 donuts using a 3-inch round cutter and use a 1-inch cutter to remove the centers, forming donut holes.
  5. Second Rise: Transfer the donuts and holes to lightly floured parchment paper, cover loosely with greased plastic wrap, and let them rise again until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
  6. Air Fry Donuts: Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Carefully place the donuts in a single layer in the basket and spray them lightly with oil spray. Cook at 350°F for about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.
  7. Prepare Glaze: While donuts air fry, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is thin but not watery. Set aside.
  8. Glaze Donuts: Dip the hot donuts and donut holes into the glaze using two forks to fully submerge them. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to catch excess glaze. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until the glaze hardens.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is lukewarm (about 100°F) to activate yeast properly; too hot or cold can kill the yeast.
  • If the dough is sticky, add more flour gradually until manageable but avoid adding too much to keep donuts soft.
  • Use coconut oil spray for best frying results and flavor in the air fryer.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat donuts in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes before glazing if desired.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/air-fryer-donuts-recipe/