Can Doughnuts Be Made in Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Have you ever stared at your air fryer, wondering if it can do more than just reheat fries or cook chicken wings? Maybe you’ve had that moment of culinary curiosity—like when you’re craving fresh, fluffy doughnuts but don’t want to deal with hot oil, a messy kitchen, or the guilt of deep-frying. I’ve been there. After years of baking (and burning) my way through countless recipes, I finally asked myself: Can doughnuts be made in an air fryer?

The answer is a resounding yes—and not just in theory. I’ve tested it, tweaked it, and eaten way too many test batches to bring you the real scoop. Making doughnuts in an air fryer isn’t just possible; it’s surprisingly simple, faster than oven-baking, and far less greasy than traditional frying. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or someone with a sweet tooth and zero patience for deep fryers, this method might just become your new go-to. So, let’s dive into how it works, what you need, and how to make delicious air fryer doughnuts at home—without the mess or the wait.

Why Air Fryer Doughnuts Are a Game-Changer

Let’s face it: deep-fried doughnuts are delicious, but they come with a laundry list of downsides. Hot oil splatters, lingering kitchen odors, high calorie counts, and the hassle of cleaning greasy pans. That’s where the air fryer steps in as a kitchen hero. It uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of frying—without submerging your food in oil. And yes, it works wonders on doughnuts.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Baking

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around food, creating a convection effect. This process browns the exterior quickly, giving you that golden, slightly crisp crust—similar to frying—while the inside stays soft and tender. Unlike deep frying, which can make doughnuts soggy from oil absorption, air frying allows moisture to escape, resulting in a lighter texture.

For doughnuts, this means you get the best of both worlds: a satisfying bite with a hint of crispness and a fluffy interior—all with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying. And because air fryers preheat in 2–3 minutes (compared to 10–15 for ovens), your doughnuts go from batter to plate in under 20 minutes total.

Healthier, Faster, and Less Messy

One of the biggest perks? Clean-up is a breeze. No oil to dispose of, no splatter on the stovetop. Just a quick wipe of the basket and you’re done. Plus, you’re not heating up your entire kitchen like you would with an oven—perfect for summer months when you still crave a sweet treat.

I remember making my first batch on a Sunday morning. My kids were watching cartoons, and instead of dragging out the fryer (which I hadn’t used in years), I pulled out the air fryer. In less than 15 minutes, we were enjoying warm, glazed doughnuts with zero mess. It felt like a win on every level.

Perfect for Beginners and Busy Families

Even if you’re not a baking pro, air fryer doughnuts are forgiving. You don’t need a stand mixer, a rolling pin, or even a doughnut cutter (though they help). With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, anyone can pull this off. And because the air fryer cooks in small batches, you can make just what you need—no waste, no leftovers going stale.

Essential Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, let’s talk gear and groceries. You don’t need a full bakery setup to make air fryer doughnuts. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or kitchen drawer.

Must-Have Tools

Air fryer: Any model with a basket or oven-style works. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold 4–6 doughnuts at a time (most standard 5.8-quart models are perfect).
Non-stick spray or oil mister: A light coating prevents sticking and helps the doughnuts brown evenly.
Piping bag or ziplock bag: For easy shaping. If you don’t have a piping tip, just snip the corner of a bag.
Small bowl and whisk: For mixing the batter.
Cooling rack (optional but helpful): Lets air circulate under glazed doughnuts so they don’t get soggy.

Core Ingredients (for a basic batch)

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 tbsp melted butter or oil (coconut oil works great)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

These ingredients make about 8–10 small doughnuts—perfect for a family breakfast or a weekend treat. The beauty? You can tweak them to suit your taste. Want chocolate? Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder. Craving cinnamon sugar? Roll them while warm. The possibilities are endless.

Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Boosters

Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for citrus twist)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg
1/4 cup mashed banana or applesauce (for extra moisture)
Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit (add to batter before cooking)

Pro tip: Don’t overload the batter with mix-ins. Too many chunks can make the doughnuts dense or cause them to fall apart during cooking. A little goes a long way.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Doughnuts in an Air Fryer

Now for the fun part—the actual method. I’ll walk you through my go-to recipe, tested over 12 batches (yes, I ate a lot of doughnuts for science). This is the easy method you’ve been searching for.

Step 1: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the egg, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumps are okay. The batter should be thick, like pancake batter, but not runny.

If it’s too thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk. Too thin? Add a sprinkle of flour. The goal is a pipeable consistency.

Step 2: Shape the Doughnuts

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or ziplock bag. If using a ziplock, push the batter to one corner and snip off the tip to make a 1/2-inch opening. You can use a doughnut mold or freehand the rings on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket.

Pro tip: Lightly spray the parchment with oil so the doughnuts don’t stick. Or, skip the paper and pipe directly into a greased air fryer basket—just make sure the rings don’t touch so they can expand.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. Place 4–6 doughnuts in the basket (don’t overcrowd—they need space to puff). Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 4-minute mark. The doughnuts are done when they’re golden brown and spring back when touched.

Why flip them? Air fryers circulate heat from the top, so flipping ensures even browning on both sides. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

Step 4: Cool and Glaze (or Don’t!)

Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a wire rack to cool for 2–3 minutes. This prevents steam from making the glaze slide off. While they cool, prepare your glaze.

Simple Vanilla Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Adjust milk for thickness. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the rack. For chocolate glaze, swap in 2 tbsp cocoa powder.

Or, go classic: roll warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon). The heat helps the sugar stick beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Enjoy warm! Air fryer doughnuts are best eaten the same day, but they keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 320°F.

My kids’ favorite part? The cinnamon sugar version with a side of cold milk. I love the lemon-glazed ones with a cup of tea. It’s a win-win.

Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a foolproof method, things can go sideways. Here’s how to avoid (or fix) the most common air fryer doughnut problems.

Doughnuts Are Too Dry

This usually happens when the batter is too thick or overcooked. To fix:

Check batter consistency before cooking—it should drip slowly from a spoon.
Reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes. Start checking at 6 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp applesauce or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

I once overbaked a batch by 3 minutes (I got distracted by a phone call). The result? Crunchy, dry rings. Lesson learned: set a timer.

Doughnuts Are Soggy or Undercooked

If the inside is doughy, it means the heat didn’t penetrate fully. Try:

Preheating the air fryer—this ensures even cooking from the start.
Making smaller doughnuts (thinner rings cook faster).
Increasing cooking time by 1–2 minutes, but keep an eye to avoid burning.

They Stick to the Basket

Grease the basket or parchment well. Use a non-stick spray or brush with oil. Silicone liners also work great and make cleanup even easier.

One time, I forgot to grease the parchment—big mistake. Three doughnuts fused together into one giant “doughnut blob.” Still tasted good, but not Instagram-worthy.

Uneven Browning

If one side is darker than the other:

Flip halfway through, as mentioned earlier.
Rotate the basket if your air fryer has hot spots (some models do).
Don’t overcrowd—leave at least 1/2 inch between each doughnut.

Flavor Boosts That Work

Brown butter: Melt butter until it turns golden and nutty, then cool before adding to batter. Adds a rich, toasty flavor.
Buttermilk: Swap regular milk for buttermilk for a tangy, tender crumb.
Espresso powder: 1/2 tsp in the batter enhances chocolate flavors.

Experiment in small batches. I once tried a matcha version—it was pretty, but the flavor was too grassy for my kids. Live and learn!

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep-Fried Doughnuts

Let’s break down how air fryer doughnuts stack up against the traditional methods. This table sums up key differences based on my testing and kitchen experience.

Method	Cook Time	Texture	Calories (per doughnut)	Cleanup	Best For
Air Fryer	7–9 minutes	Light, slightly crisp outside, soft inside	90–110	Very easy (wipe basket)	Quick treats, small batches, health-conscious eaters
Oven-Baked	12–15 minutes	Uniform, cake-like, less crisp	100–120	Easy (baking sheet cleanup)	Large batches, traditional bakers
Deep-Fried	2–3 minutes	Very crisp, rich, oily mouthfeel	180–220	Messy (oil disposal, splatter)	Classic flavor, special occasions

The air fryer wins on speed, convenience, and health—without sacrificing too much on taste. Oven-baked doughnuts are great if you’re making 20+ at once, but they lack that satisfying crisp. Deep frying? It’s the gold standard for flavor, but the mess and calories aren’t worth it for a casual treat.

I hosted a brunch last month and made all three versions. The air fryer batch disappeared first. Guests said they couldn’t tell the difference—and they loved that they weren’t “greasy.” That’s when I knew this method was a keeper.

Creative Variations and Seasonal Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer is a blank canvas for all kinds of doughnut magic.

Flavor Twists

Chocolate Glazed: Add 2 tbsp cocoa to the batter. Glaze with chocolate icing.
Maple Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top of maple glaze. Sweet and salty perfection.
Lemon Poppy Seed: Add lemon zest and 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the batter. Glaze with lemon icing.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/4 cup flour with pumpkin purée and add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Great for fall.

Fun Shapes and Sizes

No doughnut cutter? No problem. Try:

Mini doughnuts: Pipe small rings (1.5-inch diameter). Cook for 5–6 minutes.
Twists: Pipe two ropes and twist together before cooking.
Filled doughnuts: Make a small well in the center with a spoon, fill with jam or Nutella, then bake. (Note: filling may leak slightly—serve with a napkin!)

Kid-Friendly Ideas

Use food coloring to make rainbow batter (natural dyes like beet or turmeric work too).
Top with sprinkles, crushed cookies, or mini marshmallows.
Make “donut holes” by piping small blobs—great for little hands.

My daughter’s 5th birthday party featured air fryer doughnuts with a DIY glaze bar. The kids loved picking their own toppings—and I loved that cleanup took 5 minutes.

Seasonal Inspirations

Spring: Strawberry glaze with fresh berry dust.
Summer: Coconut-lime glaze and toasted coconut flakes.
Fall: Apple cider glaze and chopped pecans.
Winter: Peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes.

The air fryer makes seasonal baking easy—no need to heat up the whole oven for a small batch.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Should Make Air Fryer Doughnuts

So, can doughnuts be made in an air fryer? Absolutely. And not just made—they can be delicious, convenient, and healthier than their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who burns toast, this method is forgiving, fast, and fun.

I’ve made air fryer doughnuts for brunch, after-school snacks, and even midnight cravings. They’ve saved me from takeout orders, reduced my kitchen mess, and brought joy to my family—all with minimal effort. The key is keeping it simple, using quality ingredients, and not overcomplicating the process.

Remember: the air fryer isn’t a perfect replacement for deep frying, but it’s a fantastic alternative. You’ll get a satisfying texture, a fraction of the oil, and a clean kitchen to boot. And with endless flavor possibilities, you’ll never get bored.

So go ahead—grab your air fryer, mix up a batch, and discover the easy method for yourself. Your taste buds (and your stovetop) will thank you. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself making them every weekend. I warned you they’re addictive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can doughnuts be made in an air fryer?

Yes, doughnuts can absolutely be made in an air fryer! This method yields a lighter, less greasy result compared to deep-frying while still delivering a delicious, fluffy texture.

What’s the best way to cook doughnuts in an air fryer?

The easiest method involves shaping your dough, preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and cooking for 5-7 minutes per batch. Lightly brushing with oil ensures a golden, crispy exterior without excess oil.

Do air fryer doughnuts taste as good as traditional ones?

Air fryer doughnuts are slightly less rich than deep-fried versions but still incredibly tasty. Their lighter texture makes them a healthier alternative without sacrificing the classic sweet, fluffy flavor.

Can I use store-bought dough to make doughnuts in an air fryer?

Yes, refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough works perfectly for air fryer doughnuts. Just cut out the center, shape into rings, and cook for 5-6 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

How do I prevent air fryer doughnuts from drying out?

Brush the doughnuts with melted butter or oil before and after cooking to retain moisture. Avoid overcooking by checking them at the 5-minute mark, as air fryers can vary in heat intensity.

Can I make yeast doughnuts in an air fryer?

Yes, yeast doughnuts can be air-fried! After the first rise, shape and proof them for 20 minutes, then cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes. The result is a fluffy, bakery-style doughnut with less oil.

Key Takeaways

📑 Table of Contents