10 Minute Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Donuts are a classic breakfast treat, loved by many for their sweet, doughy texture and the endless possibilities for toppings. However, making donuts from scratch can seem intimidating, especially with the time and effort required. Enter the 10-minute air fryer donut recipe—a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade donuts in the comfort of your own kitchen.

In this article, we will explore how to make fluffy, delicious donuts in just 10 minutes using your air fryer. This method eliminates the need for deep frying, saving you time and reducing the mess, while still delivering the crisp, golden finish everyone loves.

What Are Air Fryer Donuts?

Air fryer donuts are a healthier, quicker alternative to traditional fried donuts. Instead of submerging the dough in hot oil, the air fryer circulates hot air around the donut, giving it a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy. This cooking method uses minimal oil, making it an ideal choice for those who want the taste of fried donuts without the excess fat and calories.

Benefits of Air Fryer Donuts:

Healthier: Less oil means fewer calories and fat compared to deep-fried donuts.
Quick: Cooked in just 10 minutes, these donuts are ready in no time.
Less Mess: No need to deal with hot oil or grease.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavor, coating, and toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for 10 Minute Air Fryer Donuts

Making these air fryer donuts is simple, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for these donuts. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and powdered sugar are used in different steps of the recipe for sweetness and a light dusting.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough. You can substitute it with almond milk or any non-dairy milk.
Butter: Either regular butter or plant-based butter works well in this recipe. It adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet flavor to the donuts.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fluffiness of the donuts.
Cinnamon Sugar: The classic donut topping, a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, makes these donuts irresistible.

10 Minute Air Fryer Donut Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup melted butter (or plant-based butter)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donut shapes. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller round cutter to remove the center. Don’t forget to save the donut holes!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the donuts cook evenly.
Air Fry the Donuts: Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you may need to cook the donuts in batches.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are cooking, melt some butter in a small dish. Once the donuts are done, dip each one in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Be sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for the Best 10 Minute Air Fryer Donuts

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense donuts.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size and thickness of your donuts, the cooking time may vary. Start checking them at 8 minutes and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals if necessary.
Customize the Coating: While cinnamon sugar is classic, feel free to experiment with other coatings like powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a maple glaze for a different flavor.
Use Donut Holes: Don’t forget about the donut holes! These cook quickly and are just as delicious as the donuts themselves. Simply air fry them for about 5 minutes, then coat them in cinnamon sugar.

Why Choose Air Fryer Donuts?

Air fryer donuts are perfect for anyone who loves donuts but wants a quicker, healthier option. They are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, all without the mess and excess oil that comes with frying. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special treat, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.

With the 10-minute air fryer method, you can enjoy fresh donuts without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to customize the flavor and toppings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Air Fryer Donut Variations and Customization

One of the best parts about making donuts in the air fryer is the ability to experiment with different flavors, glazes, and fillings. Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to try something unique, air fryer donuts are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

1. Flavored Donuts

You can easily adjust the flavor of your donuts by adding different spices or flavorings to the batter. Try incorporating these to add a personal twist:

Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients for a fall-inspired donut.
Chocolate Donuts: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients to create a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Lemon Donuts: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon extract for a fresh, citrusy twist.

2. Filled Donuts

If you’re craving a filled donut, the air fryer can make this treat easy to achieve! After shaping your donuts, you can stuff them with your favorite fillings:

Jam or Jelly: Before sealing the donuts, add a small spoonful of your favorite jam or jelly (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry work well). Seal the edges tightly, then air fry as usual.
Cream Filling: For a creamy donut, pipe in some vanilla or chocolate cream filling once the donuts are cooked and cooled. You can use whipped cream or a thicker pastry cream.
Chocolate: For a chocolate-filled version, melt chocolate and spoon a small amount into the center of the donuts before sealing.

3. Glaze Options

While cinnamon sugar is the classic choice, there are endless possibilities for glazing your donuts. Here are a few fun ideas:

Chocolate Glaze: Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and mix with 1 tablespoon of milk. Dip the donuts into the glaze, then let them set for a few minutes.
Maple Glaze: Combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk for a sweet maple glaze.
Vanilla Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth, sweet glaze.

4. Toppings for Extra Crunch

If you prefer a little extra crunch, top your air fryer donuts with these fun additions:

Chopped Nuts: After glazing, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top.
Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist, top the donuts with shredded coconut.
Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can make the donuts more festive, perfect for birthdays or special celebrations.

Common Air Fryer Donut Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Although air fryer donuts are easy to make, some common mistakes can result in less-than-perfect donuts. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

It’s tempting to try and cook as many donuts as possible in one batch, but overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent the hot air from circulating properly. This results in uneven cooking and soggy donuts. Make sure there’s enough space between the donuts for the air to circulate.

2. Wrong Dough Consistency

If your dough is too sticky, the donuts might end up dense and hard. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, add a little extra flour. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, add a little more milk. The dough should be thick but manageable.

3. Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer ensures that the donuts cook evenly and quickly. Skipping this step might result in unevenly cooked donuts that are overdone on the outside but undercooked inside.

4. Overbaking or Underbaking

The key to perfect air fryer donuts is finding the right cooking time. Start checking the donuts at 8 minutes and continue checking them until they are golden brown. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the donuts and the type of air fryer, so keep an eye on them.

5. Skipping the Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating is what makes these donuts so delicious! Don’t skip this step, as it adds both flavor and texture. For an extra indulgence, you can also dip the donuts in glaze before coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Donuts

Air fryer donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later if you have leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing:

At Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.
In the Refrigerator: If you plan to store them for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to bring back their freshness.

Reheating:

In the Air Fryer: To reheat your donuts, simply place them in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for 1-2 minutes. This will crisp them up without overcooking.
In the Microwave: You can also microwave your donuts for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Donuts

Although donuts are typically seen as an indulgence, air fryer donuts offer a healthier alternative compared to traditional fried donuts. Here’s how they stack up nutritionally:

Lower in Fat: Since these donuts are air fried, they use much less oil, significantly reducing their fat content compared to deep-fried donuts.
Customization: You control the ingredients, allowing you to use healthier substitutes like plant-based butter or non-dairy milk.
Fewer Calories: With less oil and healthier ingredients, air fryer donuts typically contain fewer calories than their fried counterparts, making them a great treat without the guilt.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Game-Changer

Making donuts in an air fryer is not only about saving time—it’s about transforming your donut experience. Traditional donut recipes require deep frying, which can be messy, unhealthy, and time-consuming. Air fryers, on the other hand, allow you to achieve a crispy, golden exterior with a light and fluffy interior, all with a fraction of the oil. Here’s why air fryer donuts should become a regular part of your baking routine:

1. Quick and Easy

Air fryer donuts cook in just 8 to 10 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy mornings when you want something delicious but don’t have time for complicated recipes or long cooking times. With air fryer donuts, breakfast or dessert can be ready in no time, giving you more time to enjoy them.

2. Healthier Alternative

Air fryers use hot air circulation instead of oil to cook the food, making it a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying. You can indulge in your favorite donuts without the guilt of consuming excess fat and calories.

3. Perfect Texture

Air fryer donuts are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Achieving this texture using traditional frying or even baking can be difficult, but the air fryer gives the perfect balance of crunch and softness.

4. Customizable

From flavorings to toppings, air fryer donuts are endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer a classic cinnamon sugar coating or want to experiment with chocolate glaze or fruity toppings, you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

5. No Mess

Forget about splattering oil everywhere. With the air fryer, you don’t need to worry about hot oil or messy cleanups. Just pop the donuts into the air fryer basket, and you’re done. It’s as easy as it gets!

Final Thoughts on 10 Minute Air Fryer Donuts

Making donuts in the air fryer is a total game-changer. Not only does it save you time, but it also allows you to enjoy the sweet, fluffy goodness of fresh donuts without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a special treat, these 10-minute air fryer donuts are sure to be a hit.

The beauty of air fryer donuts is in their versatility. You can adjust the flavors, toppings, and fillings to match any occasion or personal taste. They’re quick, customizable, and healthier than traditional donuts, making them the perfect indulgence for any time of day.

So, why wait? Grab your air fryer, whip up a batch of these delicious donuts, and enjoy a warm, freshly made treat in just 10 minutes!