These Air Fryer Donuts are a quick, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, they’re ready in minutes and topped with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 5–6 minutes per batch
Total Time
- 20 minutes
Servings
- 8–10 donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup applesauce (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes . This ensures even cooking.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness .
- Use a donut cutter (or two differently sized round cookie cutters) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps as needed to use up all the dough.
Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts
- Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one for proper airflow. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes , flipping halfway through the cooking time. The donuts are done when they are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Brush each warm donut lightly with melted butter, then dip or roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the donuts warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Pro Tips
- Applesauce Substitute: If you prefer a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of applesauce.
- Glaze Option: For a different topping, drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated donuts in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month . Thaw at room temperature and reheat before adding toppings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Donut, based on 10 donuts)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Donuts are a game-changer for anyone who loves donuts but wants a lighter option. They’re quick to make, require no deep frying, and still deliver that classic donut taste with a soft, airy texture. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for an easy breakfast idea, these donuts are sure to satisfy.
Ready to whip up these irresistible treats? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness straight from the air fryer—it’s donut perfection made simple!
