There’s something magical about donuts, isn’t there? The soft, pillowy texture paired with that sweet glaze or a dusting of sugar can brighten any day! But, who has time for deep frying and all that mess? Enter the air fryer, my new best friend in the kitchen! With just a little bit of time and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of deliciously fluffy donuts right in your own home. Trust me, this easy air fryer donuts recipe will have you wondering why you ever thought donuts were only for special occasions. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. So, let’s dive into this quick and delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our donuts, giving them that lovely, soft texture.
- 1/4 cup sugar – A little sweetness goes a long way in making these donuts delightful!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This is your secret weapon for that perfect rise, helping the donuts become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – This adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s just heavenly in donuts.
- 1/2 cup milk – Use any type you prefer! It keeps the batter moist and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – This gives our donuts that delicious buttery flavor. Just let it cool a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs!
- 1 egg – A must for binding everything together and adding that lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Trust me, this elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key here! It ensures your donuts cook evenly and get that golden-brown color you’re looking for. So, while that’s heating up, we can get started on the batter!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. I love using a whisk for this; it helps to break up any lumps and ensures everything is evenly mixed. Just a quick stir will do! Make sure it’s all well combined before we move on.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter (remember to let it cool a bit!), egg, and vanilla extract. It’s important to mix these well until everything is smooth and lovely. You want that butter to be fully incorporated for the perfect donut texture!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts to be light and fluffy! A few lumps are okay—trust me on this one!
Pipe the Batter
Grab a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and carefully transfer the batter into it. Now, this is where the fun begins! Pipe the batter into your greased donut molds, filling them about halfway. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the filled molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model. They should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted should come out clean!
Cool and Serve
Once they’re done, carefully remove the molds from the air fryer and let the donuts cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting! Once they’re cool enough to handle, you can glaze them or simply dust them with powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These donuts come together in just about 20 minutes, making them a fantastic option for those busy mornings or last-minute cravings!
- Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy that classic donut taste with less oil, making them a lighter treat without sacrificing flavor.
- Delicious Flavor: With the perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla, each bite is a delightful burst of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors or toppings to suit your mood—think chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even fruit toppings!
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Making these donuts can be a fun baking project with kids. They’ll love helping out and, of course, eating the results!
- Mess-Free: No deep frying and no splatters! Just simple mixing and air frying means less cleanup for you.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a birthday party, or just a cozy weekend at home, these donuts are sure to impress!
Tips for Success
Let me share some tried-and-true tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference.
- Grease Your Molds Well: This is super important! Make sure your donut molds are well greased before piping in the batter. This will help them come out easily and keep that lovely shape.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember that a few lumps are perfectly okay! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and we want them light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your donuts as they cook. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done, and they should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool Properly: Allow your donuts to cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even citrus zest to the batter for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Use a Piping Bag: This makes filling the molds so much easier and cleaner! If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well.
- Serve Fresh: While these donuts are delicious, they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them from getting dry.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best batch of donuts ever! Happy frying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have some donuts left over (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delightful taste and texture. First, make sure they’re completely cooled before you put them away. This prevents any moisture from building up, which can make them soggy. I recommend placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 1-2 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.
When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best friend again! Just preheat it to about 300°F (150°C) and give those donuts a quick 2-3 minute warm-up. This will revive their fluffy texture and make them taste as good as when they came out of the fryer! If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just be cautious not to overdo it, as they can become tough. A quick 10-15 seconds should do the trick!
And if you really want to indulge, consider glazing or dusting them with sugar right before serving. Trust me, a little fresh touch can make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what you’re indulging in? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delicious donut, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. But don’t let that stop you from treating yourself! Enjoy these tasty air fryer donuts and feel good about it!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delightful donuts? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear about this easy air fryer donuts recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can work, but it might change the texture a bit. I recommend using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best results.
What if I don’t have donut molds?
No worries! You can use muffin tins or even shape them into balls and place them directly in the air fryer basket. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need a little less time than traditional donuts.
How can I adjust the cooking time for my air fryer?
Every air fryer is a bit different, so it’s always good to check on your donuts a minute or two before the timer goes off. If they’re not quite golden brown yet, just add a minute or two and check again.
Can I freeze the donuts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
What toppings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! You can glaze them with a simple icing, dust them with powdered sugar, or even dip them in chocolate. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel!
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. They’ll still turn out delicious!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1-2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you make the best donuts ever!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Description
A simple recipe for making delicious donuts in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe into donut molds.
- Place the molds in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before glazing or dusting with sugar.
Notes
- Make sure the donut molds are well greased.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy air fryer donuts recipe