Craving warm, fluffy donuts without all the oil and guilt? You’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite “fried” treats, and donuts are no exception. Using an air fryer means you can whip up healthier versions of classic cake donuts or even yeast-raised beauties with significantly less fat. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best air fryer for donuts?
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a curated list of top air fryers and essential accessories that will help you achieve donut perfection right in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a new appliance or just the right molds to get started, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to bake, crisp, and enjoy!
Our Top Picks for Air Fryer Donut Making
EM Silicone Air Fryer Liners – Set of 4
These versatile silicone liners are a game-changer for any air fryer enthusiast, especially if you’re keen on baking smaller treats like mini donuts, muffins, or cupcakes. Made from high-quality, food-grade silicone, they offer a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable liners, ensuring your air fryer basket stays clean while your food cooks perfectly. They’re designed to fit popular air fryer models, making them a super handy accessory.
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Key Features:
- Versatile set includes cupcake, donut, brownie, and waffle molds.
- Made from heat-resistant, food-grade silicone.
- Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable liners.
- Compatible with Ninja, Gourmia, and other popular air fryers.
- Non-stick surface ensures easy food release and cleaning.
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Pros:
- Reduces mess and simplifies cleanup.
- Multi-functional for various baked goods.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Safe and chemical-free material.
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Cons:
- May require slight adjustment for a perfect fit in some unique air fryer basket shapes.
- Some users might prefer larger single donut molds.
User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and versatility of these liners. They highlight how easy they are to clean and the peace of mind knowing they’re using a safe, reusable option. Many have successfully used them for different pastries, not just donuts.
AWEELON 3 PCS Silicone Donut Mold for 4QT-8QT Air Fryer
If you’re serious about making perfectly shaped, standard-sized donuts in your air fryer, this 3-piece silicone donut mold set from AWEELON is a fantastic choice. Crafted from smooth, soft silicone, these molds make popping out your freshly baked donuts an absolute breeze. Plus, cleanup is incredibly simple, letting you spend more time enjoying your treats and less time scrubbing.
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Key Features:
- Set of 3 silicone donut baking molds.
- Perfect 3-inch diameter for regular-sized donuts.
- Made from smooth, soft, and easy-to-clean material.
- Can also be used for muffins, cupcakes, and other small baked goods.
- Ideal for gifting to baking enthusiasts.
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Pros:
- Excellent for achieving uniform donut shapes.
- Super easy to release baked goods.
- Hassle-free cleaning.
- Versatile for other baking projects.
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Cons:
- Only for donuts of a specific size.
- May need to be handled carefully when full to avoid spillage before placing in air fryer.
User Impressions: Users rave about how easy these molds are to use and clean. They appreciate the perfect donut size and the non-stick quality, which ensures their donuts come out perfectly every time. Many mention them being a great value.
Webake Silicone Air Fryer Donut Pan for Baking, 4-Cavity
The Webake Silicone Air Fryer Donut Pan offers a clever design feature that sets it apart: collapsible handles! This makes it incredibly easy and safe to remove your hot, freshly baked donuts from the air fryer or oven. Each pan makes four individual donuts, perfect for a small batch. It’s made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, ensuring your homemade donuts are not only delicious but also healthy.
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Key Features:
- Collapsible handles for safe and easy removal from air fryer/oven.
- Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, safe for direct food contact.
- Each mold makes 4 individual donuts (2.8″ wide x 1″ height).
- Designed for healthier, low-fat donuts (less oil, no frying calories).
- Comes as a set of 2 pieces, allowing you to bake 8 donuts at once.
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Pros:
- Unique collapsible handles improve safety and convenience.
- Made from high-quality, safe silicone.
- Promotes healthier baking with less oil.
- Easy to pop out baked goods and clean.
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Cons:
- Limited to 4 cavities per pan, so larger batches require multiple rounds.
- Handle design, while convenient, takes up a bit more space when stored flat.
User Impressions: Customers absolutely love the collapsible handles, calling them a “game-changer” for safe retrieval. They praise the quality of the silicone and how easily their donuts release, making cleanup a breeze.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
While our previous picks were molds, this is the actual appliance you need to make air-fried donuts a reality! The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a truly versatile kitchen powerhouse. With its generous 26-quart capacity, it’s not just for small batches; you can cook for the whole family! It combines the functions of an air fryer, toaster oven, and multi-cooker, making it an excellent choice for general cooking as well as baking your favorite donut recipes to golden perfection.
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Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
- 25 cooking presets including Bake, Roast, and Pastry.
- Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation for crisping.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people.
- Elegant French doors with interior light for easy monitoring.
- Durable stainless steel exterior.
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Pros:
- Huge capacity allows for larger batches and varied cooking.
- Extremely versatile with numerous presets.
- French doors add a touch of elegance and convenience.
- Powerful air frying capability for crispy results.
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Cons:
- Larger footprint, requires more counter space.
- Higher price point compared to smaller, single-function air fryers.
User Impressions: Owners are consistently impressed by the sheer versatility and large capacity of this Emeril Lagasse appliance. They appreciate its ability to handle everything from toast to a whole chicken, with many noting the excellent air frying results – perfect for getting that crispy exterior on donuts.
MiroCore 2 PCS Silicone Donut Molds for Air Fryer Baking
Specifically designed with dual-zone air fryers like the Ninja DZ201/DZ302/DZ401 in mind, these MiroCore silicone donut molds are perfect for those with split-basket fryers. You get two vibrant pink molds, doubling your baking output and making it easy to create homemade treats. Made from safe, food-grade silicone, they’re non-stick and a breeze to clean, encouraging family fun in the kitchen with healthy, homemade snacks.
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Key Features:
- Perfect fit for Ninja Dual-Zone Air Fryers (8QT-10QT) and other large dual basket models.
- Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, safe for temperatures from -40°F to 446°F.
- Non-stick surface allows for easy removal of baked goods.
- Dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup.
- Kid-friendly and promotes family baking activities.
- 2-pack in vibrant pink to double your baking capacity.
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Pros:
- Ideal for dual-zone air fryers, maximizing efficiency.
- High-quality, safe, and durable material.
- Very easy to clean due to non-stick properties.
- Fun design and encourages participation from kids.
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Cons:
- Primarily designed for dual-zone air fryers, might not fit single baskets as optimally.
- Limited to making donuts, less versatile than multi-mold sets.
User Impressions: Users with Ninja Dual-Zone air fryers absolutely love how these molds fit perfectly. They commend the non-stick quality and the vibrant color, making baking a fun and easy experience for the whole family. Many mention using them weekly.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze
The COSORI Air Fryer is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a dedicated air fryer that can handle a wide range of dishes, including making the best air fryer for donuts possible. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, ensuring your donuts are cooked to beyond-crispy, juicy perfection. With a spacious 6-quart square basket, you can easily bake a good batch of donuts for the family in one go, all while using up to 95% less oil than traditional frying.
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Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology for fast cooking and crispy results.
- 9-in-1 functionality with various cooking modes.
- Wide 90°-450°F temperature control.
- 6-quart square basket for family-sized meals.
- Operates quietly at less than 53 dB.
- Up to 95% less oil for healthier cooking.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories.
- Customizable Preheat function.
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Pros:
- Super fast cooking with excellent crisping ability.
- Large capacity fits a good amount of food.
- Very quiet operation.
- Healthier cooking option with minimal oil.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
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Cons:
- Only comes with one basket, limiting multi-food cooking at once.
- The learning curve for the various settings might take a few uses.
User Impressions: COSORI users consistently praise its speed and the quality of cooking results, particularly how crispy food gets with so little oil. They love the large basket size and remark on how surprisingly quiet it is, making it a favorite for daily use.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
Rounding out our list of top air fryers, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is another excellent contender for creating delicious, guilt-free donuts. Its Air Crisp Technology circulates 400℉ superheated air around your food, guaranteeing hot, crispy results with little to no oil – perfect for achieving that delightful fried texture without the deep-fryer mess. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s just right for preparing family-sized batches of donuts or other snacks, and its compact design saves precious counter space.
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Key Features:
- Air Crisp Technology for crispy results with little to no oil.
- 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying.
- Cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection in minutes.
- Space-saving design for your countertop.
- Easy to clean nonstick basket and crisper plate.
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Pros:
- Excellent at achieving crispy texture.
- Decent capacity for family meals or batch cooking.
- Versatile with multiple functions beyond air frying.
- Significant reduction in fat compared to deep frying.
- Compact footprint for smaller kitchens.
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Cons:
- Slightly smaller capacity than some other air fryers on this list.
- Fewer specialized presets than more advanced models.
User Impressions: Ninja Air Fryer Pro owners are highly satisfied with its crisping ability and ease of use. Many appreciate its compact size while still offering ample capacity for daily meals and snacks. The simple cleanup is also a frequently highlighted positive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I really make donuts in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for making baked donuts that have a delightful texture similar to traditional fried donuts but with significantly less oil. You’ll typically get a crispy exterior and a soft, cake-like interior.
Q2: Do I need special equipment to make donuts in an air fryer?
A: While you can technically free-form some donut dough, for best results and perfectly shaped donuts, we highly recommend using silicone donut molds. These fit perfectly into your air fryer basket and ensure consistent shape and even cooking.
Q3: Are air-fried donuts healthier than deep-fried donuts?
A: Yes, definitely! Air frying uses very little oil (often just a light spray), dramatically reducing the fat and calorie content compared to deep-frying. You get to enjoy the flavor and texture of donuts with less guilt.
Q4: What kind of donuts work best in an air fryer?
A: Cake donuts generally work best in an air fryer as they hold their shape well and achieve a great texture. Yeast-raised donuts can also be air-fried, but they might require a bit more experimentation to get the perfect rise and crispness.
Q5: What’s the best temperature and time for air frying donuts?
A: Most air fryer donut recipes call for temperatures between 325°F and 375°F. Cooking times can vary from 5-10 minutes per batch, depending on the donut size and your air fryer model. Always check for doneness!
Q6: How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the mold or air fryer basket?
A: Even with non-stick silicone molds, it’s a good idea to lightly grease them with a bit of cooking spray before adding your batter. If cooking directly in the basket (for yeast donuts), use parchment paper or a perforated air fryer liner.
Q7: Can I air fry frozen donuts?
A: Yes, many types of frozen donuts (especially the pre-cooked, glazed varieties) can be warmed and crisped in an air fryer. Follow the package instructions, but generally, a few minutes at 300-350°F should do the trick to warm them through and give them a nice texture.
Making donuts in an air fryer opens up a world of healthier, homemade treats. With the right air fryer and a good set of silicone molds, you’ll be enjoying delicious, guilt-free donuts in no time. Happy air frying!