You need 25 minutes and one air fryer basket. No deep frying, no splattering oil, no cleanup drama beyond a quick wipe.
The air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the inside soft and tender. A simple dough made with pantry staples goes from mixing bowl to golden donuts faster than you'd preheat a traditional oven.
This works for weekend breakfast when you want something warm and sweet without standing over hot oil. For a version that comes together quickly, try this flaky homemade salmon recipe that uses the same quick-cook method.
Air fryer donuts deliver soft, lightly crisp treats in under 30 minutes with no deep frying. The key is preheating the air fryer and spacing donuts 1 inch apart so hot air circulates evenly. Perfect for weekend mornings when you want fresh baked goods without the mess.
Why This Recipe Works
The air fryer creates a crisp exterior without submerging dough in hot oil. High heat circulating around each donut mimics deep frying but uses a fraction of the fat. Rich mains need something to cut through, and cauliflower does exactly that. For a version that comes together quickly, try this easy cauliflower side that uses the same quick-cook method.
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
8-10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6-8 donuts
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Dessert
Quick Tip
Preheat air fryer for even crispy donuts
Best For
Weeknight | Brunch | Quick treat
- Fresh baking powder is non-negotiable - old leavening means dense, flat donuts that won't rise
- Spacing matters as much as temperature - crowded donuts steam instead of crisping
- Flip halfway through cooking - ensures both sides get golden brown and evenly cooked
- Light oil spray before air frying - creates that signature crisp edge without deep frying
- Glaze while warm but not hot - coating sticks without sliding off or melting completely
What You'll Need
Stock your pantry once and this recipe becomes a weekend staple. Cutlets adds the contrast this plate needs, but timing matters. For a version that comes together quickly, try this simple cutlets side dish that uses the same quick-cook method.
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- cinnamon
- milk
- eggs
- unsalted butter
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
- cooking spray
Ingredient Details
- All-Purpose Flour
Creates structure without making donuts dense - measure by spooning into cup and leveling - Baking Powder
Must be fresh (check expiration date) - old powder means flat donuts that won't rise - Milk
Room temperature works best for even mixing - cold milk can make butter seize - Eggs
Bind the dough and add richness - bring to room temp for easier blending - Unsalted Butter
Melted and cooled slightly - too hot will cook the eggs when mixing - Cooking Spray
Light coat on air fryer basket prevents sticking - or use parchment with holes - Powdered Sugar
For dusting or making glaze - sift if lumpy for smooth coating
Ingredient Swaps
These swaps adapt the recipe for dietary needs or what you have on hand. Most people skip cutlets, but it balances the meal. We keep a batch ready for nights like this - check out this classic chicken dish for another quick air fryer option.
- Swap milk for almond or oat milk - dairy-free with almost no flavor change, works 1:1
- Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose - slightly denser texture but still soft inside
- Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil - adds mild coconut flavor, makes recipe dairy-free
- Substitute flax egg (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoon water) for eggs - binds dough for vegan version, slight texture shift
Almond Milk
Works for: dairy-free diets, 1:1 swap, mild flavor
Skip if: you want richest flavor (whole milk wins)
Gluten-Free Flour
Works for: gluten-free needs, similar rise with good blend
Skip if: you want lightest texture (AP flour is airier)
Coconut Oil
Works for: dairy-free, adds subtle coconut note
Skip if: you want pure vanilla-cinnamon flavor
Instructions
The dough comes together in 10 minutes, then air frying takes 8-10 minutes per batch. The cauliflower works best when it hits the table at the same time as the main. For a version that comes together quickly, try this homemade pork recipe that uses the same quick-cook method.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon together. In separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry until just mixed. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until dough forms. Stop when you see no dry flour - overmixing makes tough donuts.
- Rest dough 5 minutes, then roll and cut. Dust surface with flour, roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Use donut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch) to cut shapes.
- Preheat air fryer and spray basket. Set to 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Spray basket lightly with cooking spray, place donuts 1 inch apart. Spray tops of donuts lightly.
- Air fry 8 minutes, flip halfway through. Cook 4 minutes, flip with spatula, cook 4 more minutes. Check for golden brown color and springy texture. Cool 2 minutes before glazing.
What to Serve With It
Donuts work for breakfast, brunch, or dessert depending on what you pair them with. A good salmon can make or break the plate. For a version that comes together quickly, check out hearty beef dinner ideas for complete meal planning that works with sweet treats.
| Side Dish | Prep | Why It Works | How to Serve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh fruit salad | Easy | Balances sweetness with tartness | Serve chilled in small bowls alongside warm donuts |
| Yogurt cup | Easy | Adds protein and creamy contrast | Plain or vanilla yogurt in individual cups |
| Scrambled eggs | Easy | Savory balance for sweet donuts | Soft scramble cooked while donuts air fry |
| Bacon strips | Easy | Salty-sweet combo that's classic | Crispy bacon on the side or crumbled on top |
| Coffee or tea | Easy | Traditional breakfast pairing | Serve hot in mugs for dunking |
Three ways to serve it:
- Weekend brunch spread - arrange donuts on platter with fruit salad, yogurt cups, and bacon
- Kids' breakfast - serve warm with milk and fresh berries for balanced morning meal
- Dessert plate - dust with powdered sugar, serve with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle
Store and Reheat
Air fryer donuts stay soft for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months in freezer bags. The pork works best when it hits the table at the same time as the main. We keep a batch ready for nights like this - check out this quick beef dish for another quick air fryer option.
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Air Fryer | 3-4 min at 320°F | Restoring crisp exterior, tastes freshly made |
| 🍳 Oven | 5-7 min at 350°F | Reheating multiple donuts at once |
| 📦 Microwave | 15-20 seconds | Quick warmup when you want soft texture |
For best results when storing:
- Cool completely before storing - warm donuts create condensation that makes them soggy
- Layer with parchment between donuts - prevents sticking in container or freezer bag
- Freeze unglazed for best texture - add glaze after reheating for fresh appearance
- Store at room temp up to 4 days - fridge actually dries them out faster than counter
- Reheat from frozen in air fryer - no thaw needed, add 1-2 minutes to cooking time
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes - use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Donuts will be slightly denser but still soft inside with crisp edges.
Store in airtight container at room temp for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crisp exterior.
Look for golden brown color on both sides and springy texture when touched gently. Donuts should feel firm but give slightly when pressed - not doughy or raw in center.
Preheat air fryer fully before cooking and space donuts 1 inch apart in basket. Overcrowding traps steam - cook in batches if needed.
Yes - double all ingredients and cook in 2-3 batches depending on air fryer size. Keep cooked donuts warm in 200°F oven while finishing remaining batches.
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fresh baking powder, and cinnamon in one bowl until combined.2 cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk (room temperature), eggs, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.¾ cup milk, 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently just until dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains to avoid tough donuts.
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. Dust a surface lightly with flour and roll dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch) to cut out donut shapes.2 cups all-purpose flour
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.as needed cooking spray
- Place donuts in the basket spaced 1 inch apart. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes total, flipping donuts gently halfway through cooking with a spatula to ensure even browning.as needed cooking spray
- Remove donuts and let cool for 2 minutes before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar while warm but not hot for best glaze adherence.½ cup powdered sugar
Notes
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure donuts rise properly and stay fluffy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; spacing allows donuts to crisp instead of steam.
- Flip donuts halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly.
