Air Fryer Donuts From Scratch Easy & Delicious

Air fryer donuts from scratch are about to become your new favorite weekend indulgence. Forget the long lines and greasy fingers; we’re bringing that delightful bakery magic right into your kitchen, with a healthier twist! Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy donut, still slightly crisp on the outside and incredibly tender within? It’s that perfect little treat that can brighten any morning or satisfy that afternoon sweet craving. What makes these air fryer donuts so special is the incredible ease and speed with which they come together. You get all the satisfaction of homemade, from mixing the dough to that first heavenly bite, without the fuss of deep frying. Imagine the aroma filling your home – it’s pure bliss, and the fact that you made them yourself from scratch? Absolutely game-changing!

Get ready for deliciousness!

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

There’s something undeniably magical about a warm, fluffy donut, especially when it’s made fresh from your own kitchen. Forget the hassle of deep frying; today, we’re diving into the world of air fryer donuts! This recipe lets you create those delightful, pillowy rings of goodness with the satisfying crunch of a fried donut, all with a fraction of the oil and mess. Making donuts from scratch might sound intimidating, but I promise, it’s simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these with you!

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))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

Phase 1: Activating the Yeast and Dough Preparation

1. In a small bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and 1/4 cup warm milk. The water and milk should be warm to the touch, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Think of it like a cozy bath for your yeast! Sprinkle the 2¼ teaspoons of dry active yeast over the liquid and stir gently. Add 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar (from the total ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon). Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface – this is called “blooming.” If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.

2. Once your yeast is bloomed, it’s time to bring the rest of the dough ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook), combine the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, the melted 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. Gradually add the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, continue to mix on low speed. If you’re mixing by hand, you’ll start incorporating the flour with a spoon and then transition to kneading.

3. Now, it’s time for some kneading to develop the gluten, which gives our donuts that signature fluffy and chewy texture. If using a stand mixer, increase the speed to medium-low and knead for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by pushing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Continue this process for about 10-12 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water. Once kneaded, the dough should spring back slowly when poked.

Phase 2: First Rise and Shaping

4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise. This could be a slightly warm oven (turned off!) or a cozy spot on your counter. Let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first proofing stage, where the yeast works its magic to create those airy pockets.

5. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Now for the fun part: shaping your donuts! You can use a donut cutter, or a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) and then a smaller round cutter (like a bottle cap or a small biscuit cutter) for the center hole. Place the shaped donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have a little space between them. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. This second rise is shorter but crucial for that light and airy texture in the air fryer.

Phase 3: Air Frying and Glazing

6. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use air fryer liners for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Carefully place 2-3 donuts into the air fryer basket at a time, making sure not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding will steam the donuts instead of frying them, resulting in a less desirable texture. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip the donuts using tongs and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining donuts.

7. While the donuts are cooling, let’s make that delicious glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. The corn syrup adds a lovely sheen and helps the glaze set nicely. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Enjoy your homemade air fryer donuts! They are best enjoyed warm, shortly after glazing.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to making absolutely delicious air fryer donuts from scratch! This recipe truly unlocks the magic of homemade donuts without the mess and fuss of traditional deep frying. The air fryer creates a beautifully golden-brown exterior with a perfectly tender, cakey interior, making these a fantastic weekend treat or a special occasion indulgence. I love serving them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or even better, drizzled with a simple glaze. For a fun twist, consider adding a touch of cinnamon to your dough, or experiment with different toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a chocolate ganache. Don’t be intimidated by making donuts from scratch; this air fryer method is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these air fryer donuts a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

While fresh is always best, you can prepare the donut dough a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. For the best texture, let the dough come to room temperature slightly before shaping and air frying.

What kind of toppings work well for air fryer donuts?

The possibilities are endless! Beyond classic powdered sugar and glazes, try rolling them in cinnamon sugar while still warm, dipping them in melted chocolate, or even topping them with whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful dessert.

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

Delicious homemade donuts made in the air fryer, from scratch, with a sweet glaze.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 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 large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2
   Stir in the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Step 3
   Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
4. Step 4
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5
   Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll to ½ inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes.
6. Step 6
   Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place donuts in a single layer, working in batches.
7. Step 7
   Air fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove from air fryer and let cool slightly.
8. Step 8
   In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
9. Step 9
   Dip each donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.

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.