introduction
These air fryer donuts are quick and soft. You can make them in under 20 minutes. They use simple pantry items and a bit of yogurt for moist dough. If you like easy air fryer recipes, try this easy air fryer brussels sprouts for a savory side.
why make this recipe
You will make these donuts because they are fast, lower in oil than fried donuts, and taste great. The recipe uses common ingredients and a small air fryer. This is a good weekend treat or a quick snack. For other quick air fryer meals, see this easy air fryer chicken sausage and peppers recipe.
how to make Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Start by mixing dry ingredients, then add wet ones and shape the dough. Cut donut shapes and cook in the air fryer until golden. Keep the dough light and do not overmix. If you want a savory meal after these treats, learn to cook easy air fryer Mongolian beef for dinner.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or flavored, but not sweetened) (Can be substituted with applesauce for a healthier option.)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg (Can substitute with 1 mashed banana for a vegan option.)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions :
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk yogurt, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet mix into dry mix. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Lightly flour a surface. Turn dough out and gently pat to 1/2-inch thick.
- Cut donuts with a donut cutter or use two round cutters (one small for the hole).
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flip halfway if needed, until golden and set.
- Remove donuts and brush with melted butter or coat with sugar while warm.
how to serve Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Serve warm for best taste. You can dust them with cinnamon sugar, glaze with a simple powdered sugar and milk mix, or dip in chocolate. Add fresh fruit or a cup of coffee to make a nice snack or breakfast.
how to store Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Let donuts cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
tips to make Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donuts
- Do not overmix the dough. Mix until just combined for soft donuts.
- Keep the dough thickness even so they cook the same.
- Cook in small batches to avoid crowding the air fryer.
- Brush with butter then toss in cinnamon sugar for a quick finish.
- If you need a dinner idea after donuts, try the Mongolian beef link above for a full meal.
variation (if any)
- Apple-cinnamon: add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the dry mix and replace vanilla with apple spice.
- Vegan: use mashed banana instead of egg, applesauce instead of yogurt, and coconut oil for butter.
- Glazed: mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk for a simple glaze.
FAQs
Q: Can I use self-rising flour?
A: Yes. If you use self-rising flour, skip the baking powder and baking soda and keep salt small.
Q: Can I make mini donuts?
A: Yes. Reduce cooking time to 3–5 minutes and watch closely.
Q: Are these donuts healthy?
A: They are lighter than deep-fried donuts but still have sugar and butter. Use applesauce and plant milk for a healthier version.
Q: Do I need to flip the donuts in the air fryer?
A: Usually you do not need to flip if your air fryer cooks evenly, but flip once if the top is not browning.
Q: Can I add filling?
A: Yes. Pipe in jam or custard after cooking with a small tip.
Conclusion
These air fryer donuts are quick, soft, and easy to make at home. For another simple air fryer donut idea using biscuits, try this Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts | The Two Bite Club.
Print
Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Donuts
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and soft air fryer donuts made with simple pantry items, ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or applesauce for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg (or 1 mashed banana for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk yogurt, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet mix into dry mix. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Lightly flour a surface. Turn dough out and gently pat to 1/2-inch thick.
- Cut donuts with a donut cutter or use two round cutters (one small for the hole).
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until golden and set.
- Remove donuts and brush with melted butter or coat with sugar while warm.
Notes
Serve warm for best taste. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: air fryer donuts, quick donuts, easy desserts, healthy donuts, homemade donuts