Air-Fryer Donuts That Taste Bakery Fresh

Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh donuts? Warm, golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside – donuts are the ultimate indulgence. But many home cooks hesitate to make them because traditional donuts require deep frying, which can feel messy, heavy, and unhealthy.

Here’s the good news: air-fryer donuts are a game changer. You can enjoy all the bakery-style flavor and texture you crave, but with far less oil, fewer calories, and an easier cleanup. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make bakery-fresh donuts right in your kitchen using an air fryer.

This post covers everything – from recipes and step-by-step instructions to variations, troubleshooting tips, and creative ways to enjoy your donuts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you’ll walk away with confidence (and probably a craving).

Why Air-Fryer Donuts?

• Healthier than fried: Air-fried donuts use about 80–90% less oil than traditional deep-fried donuts.

• Faster cooking: Donuts cook in 5–8 minutes per batch in the air fryer, compared to longer frying times.

• No greasy mess: Skip the vat of oil – the air fryer keeps things clean and efficient.

• Kid- and family-friendly: A fun weekend project with your kids – they’ll love decorating with sprinkles or glazes.

• Customizable: From classic glazed to chocolate, filled, or even savory donut twists, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While recipes can vary, here are the most common ingredients for air-fryer donuts:

For Yeast-Based Donuts (fluffy, bakery-style)

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For Cake Donuts (quick, no yeast)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (classic donut flavor)

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings & Glazes

• Powdered sugar

• Cinnamon sugar mix (½ cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon)

• Chocolate glaze (melted chocolate + cream)

• Classic glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)

• Sprinkles, nuts, coconut flakes

Step-by-Step: Classic Yeast Donuts in the Air Fryer

1. Make the Dough

   • Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

   • Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until combined, then knead until smooth.

2. First Rise

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

3. Shape Donuts

   • Roll out dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or a glass + bottle cap) to cut out rounds.

   • Place donuts and holes on parchment paper.

4. Second Rise

   • Let shaped donuts rest for 30 minutes. They should puff up slightly.

5. Air Frying

   • Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

   • Spray basket lightly with oil.

   • Cook donuts for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

6. Glazing

   • While warm, dip donuts in glaze or roll in cinnamon sugar.

Result? Soft, fluffy, bakery-style donuts with a beautiful golden crust – without the deep fryer.

Quick Cake-Style Donuts (No Yeast, No Waiting)

Pressed for time? Cake-style air fryer donuts are perfect:

1. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, spices).

2. Whisk wet ingredients (buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla).

3. Combine wet and dry – don’t overmix.

4. Spoon batter into greased silicone donut molds.

5. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes until springy to the touch.

These donuts are denser, like old-fashioned cake donuts, but equally delicious.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the dough or dip finished donuts in chocolate glaze.

• Jelly-Filled: Pipe jam, custard, or cream inside after cooking using a pastry bag.

• Vegan Donuts: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax egg.

• Gluten-Free Donuts: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid slightly.

• Savory Donuts: Try cheese and herb-spiced dough for a brunch twist.

• Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin spice donuts in autumn, lemon glaze in summer, gingerbread in winter.

Troubleshooting Air-Fryer Donuts

• Dry Donuts: Cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Reduce time by 1–2 minutes.

• Flat Donuts: Dough not risen enough. Allow more proofing time.

• Sticky Dough: Add flour a tablespoon at a time when kneading.

• Too Pale: Spray lightly with oil before air frying to enhance browning.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Up to 4–5 days, though texture may firm up.

• Freezer: Wrap unglazed donuts individually and freeze for 2 months. Reheat in air fryer.

• Make Ahead: Prepare yeast dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge.

Fun Ways to Serve

• Birthday treat with colorful sprinkles

• Breakfast indulgence with coffee or hot chocolate

• Dessert platter for parties (mini donut holes!)

• Kids’ activity – let them decorate with icing pens and toppings

• Holiday versions (red/green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel glaze for Easter)

Healthier Alternatives

• Swap sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a lighter sweetness.

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

• Try baked apple puree or mashed banana in place of some butter.

• Reduce glaze portion by lightly drizzling instead of dipping.

Donut FAQs

Can I use canned biscuit dough for air-fryer donuts?
Yes! Cut out holes, air fry, and glaze. A quick 10-minute shortcut.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating helps achieve even cooking and better rise.

Can I stack donuts in the air fryer?
No – they need space for air circulation. Cook in batches.

What’s the best oil spray?
Use a light, neutral oil spray (canola, avocado). Avoid heavy olive oil or aerosol sprays with additives.

Why Homemade Air-Fryer Donuts Beat Store-Bought

• Freshness: Nothing compares to a warm donut minutes out of the fryer.

• Customization: Control flavors, glazes, and dietary tweaks.

• Cost-effective: Ingredients for a dozen donuts often cost less than buying four bakery donuts.

• Bonding activity: Fun for family weekends, holidays, or even date nights in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Air-fryer donuts strike the perfect balance between indulgence and healthier eating. They’re fluffy, golden, and versatile enough for endless variations – from classic glazed to filled, vegan, gluten-free, or seasonal specialties.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the magic of a bakery into your home without the mess of deep frying, this is your chance. With a little patience and creativity, you can master air-fryer donuts that taste just as good (if not better) than the ones from your local shop.

So next time the craving hits, skip the bakery line. Head to your kitchen, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy donuts that are bakery fresh – made by you.