Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Making donuts in an air fryer allows you to achieve a fluffy texture on the inside and a golden exterior without deep-frying them in oil. The result is not exactly the same as a traditional fried donut, but it comes surprisingly close and is considerably lighter than deep-fried donuts.
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Why Does an Air Fryer Work Well for Donuts?
An air fryer browns the surface of the dough by circulating hot air at high speed, creating an effect somewhat similar to frying without submerging the donut in oil.
Because the cooking chamber is relatively small, the heat reaches the dough quickly and evenly. This allows the donuts to rise nicely and become golden on the outside without requiring much cooking time.
Ingredients for the Donut Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread flour | 300 g |
| Lukewarm milk | 120 ml |
| Fresh baker’s yeast | 15 g (or 5 g dry yeast) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter, at room temperature | 40 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
These quantities make approximately 8 medium-sized donuts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Donuts
1. Activate the Yeast
Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk together with a teaspoon of the sugar.
Leave it to rest for 5–10 minutes until it begins to foam. If you are using instant dry yeast, this step is not always necessary, but it can still be useful for checking that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients and Add the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar and salt.
Add the egg, the milk and yeast mixture, and the butter cut into small pieces.
Knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough. This should take around 8–10 minutes by hand or approximately 5 minutes using a stand mixer.
3. Let the Dough Rise Until It Doubles in Size
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave the dough to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
The exact rising time will depend on the temperature of the room and the activity of the yeast.
4. Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is approximately 1–1.5 cm thick.
Cut out the donuts using a round cutter, then make the center hole with a smaller cutter.
Place the donuts on parchment paper cut to fit the air fryer basket and leave them to rest for another 20–30 minutes.
This second rise is important because it allows the shaped donuts to become lighter and fluffier before cooking.
5. Cook at 160°C for 5–7 Minutes
Place the donuts in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them because they will expand during cooking.
Cook at 160°C for approximately 5–7 minutes.
They are ready when they are golden on the outside and feel firm when lightly touched.
Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes because air fryers can vary considerably in cooking speed.
6. Let Them Cool Before Adding the Glaze
Transfer the donuts to a cooling rack and let them cool slightly before covering them with glaze or chocolate.
If the donuts are still very hot, the glaze or chocolate may melt completely and become difficult to control.
Temperature and Cooking Time by Donut Type
| Donut Type | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic yeast dough | 160°C | 5–7 minutes |
| Cake-style dough without baker’s yeast | 165°C | 6–8 minutes |
| Mini donuts | 165°C | 4–5 minutes |
| Frozen, pre-shaped donuts | 160°C | 6–8 minutes |
These times are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the donuts, the thickness of the dough and the specific air fryer.
Tips for Making Fluffy Air Fryer Donuts
Do Not Make the Center Hole Too Small
If the hole is too narrow, it can partially close during the second rise or while cooking.
A slightly larger hole also helps the donut maintain its characteristic shape.
Do Not Overcrowd the Basket
Donuts expand as they cook, so they need enough space between them.
Overcrowding can cause them to stick together and prevent the hot air from circulating properly.
If necessary, cook them in several batches.
Brush Them Lightly With Melted Butter
Brushing the donuts with a small amount of melted butter before cooking can help achieve a more even golden color and a finish that is somewhat closer to a traditional fried donut.
You do not need a large amount of butter.
Do Not Skip the Second Rise
The second resting period is one of the most important steps for achieving fluffy donuts.
It allows the dough to develop more air before it enters the air fryer, helping prevent a dense texture.
If you want to try another dessert, you can also make an air fryer cake.
Common Mistakes When Making Donuts in an Air Fryer
Skipping the Second Rise
If you skip the second rise, the dough may not have enough time to become light and airy, resulting in dense donuts.
Using Too High a Temperature
A temperature that is too high can cause the outside to brown very quickly while the center remains undercooked, particularly if the donuts are thick.
Overcrowding the Basket
If the donuts are too close together, they can stick to one another as they expand and may not brown evenly.
Glazing Them While They Are Still Very Hot
Adding glaze immediately after cooking can cause it to melt completely and run off the donut instead of creating an attractive coating.
Let the donuts cool slightly before decorating them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Air Fryer Donuts Taste the Same as Fried Donuts?
Not exactly.
They can be quite similar in terms of texture and flavor, but traditional deep-fried donuts have a slightly crispier and richer exterior because they are cooked directly in oil.
Air fryer donuts do not reproduce that effect perfectly, but they can still be very soft, fluffy and delicious while being considerably lighter.
What Temperature Should You Use for Air Fryer Donuts?
A temperature between 160°C and 165°C generally works well, depending on the type of dough.
Using a relatively moderate temperature helps prevent the outside from browning too quickly before the inside is properly cooked.
How Long Do Donuts Take in an Air Fryer?
Most homemade donuts take approximately 5–8 minutes, depending on their size and the thickness of the dough.
It is best to start checking them toward the lower end of the recommended cooking time.
Can You Cook Frozen Pre-Shaped Donuts in an Air Fryer?
Yes.
Frozen, pre-shaped donuts can generally be cooked directly from frozen without thawing first.
You may need to add approximately 1–2 minutes to the cooking time compared with freshly prepared donuts.
However, always check the product instructions if you are using commercially prepared frozen donuts.
Do You Need to Let Donut Dough Rise Twice?
Yes, for a classic yeast-based donut dough, two resting periods are recommended.
The first rise allows the dough to increase in volume before shaping the donuts.
The second rise takes place after shaping and helps the donuts become light and fluffy during cooking.
Why Are My Air Fryer Donuts Dense?
In most cases, dense donuts are caused by insufficient rising time or yeast that was not active enough.
The dough needs enough time to develop air before cooking. Make sure your yeast is active and allow both rising stages to take place.
Conclusion
Making homemade donuts in an air fryer is a simple way to enjoy fluffy, golden donuts without deep-frying them in oil.
The key to getting a good result is not just the cooking temperature. The yeast, kneading, rising times and spacing inside the basket are equally important.
For classic yeast donuts, a temperature of around 160°C for 5–7 minutes is a good starting point.
Remember to leave enough space between the donuts, allow the dough to rise properly and avoid cooking them at an excessively high temperature.
Once they have cooled slightly, you can finish them with a simple sugar glaze, melted chocolate, cinnamon sugar or any other topping you enjoy.
With the right technique, your air fryer can turn homemade donut dough into a light, fluffy and delicious treat without the need for deep frying.
