Dreaming of warm, golden-brown donuts without the guilt of deep-frying? You’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier way to enjoy our favorite “fried” foods. And yes, that includes donuts! Making homemade donuts in an air fryer means less oil, fewer calories, and surprisingly delicious results. If you’re passionate about whipping up these sweet treats at home, you’re probably on the hunt for the best air fryer for donuts – or at least the best tools to help you get there.
But it’s not just about the air fryer itself. The right accessories, like silicone donut molds, can make all the difference in achieving that perfect shape and texture. In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 top-notch products, including powerful air fryers and essential donut molds, to help you bake your way to healthier, happier donuts. Let’s dive in and find your new kitchen heroes!
Product Reviews: Your Donut-Making Arsenal
Here’s our list of the best air fryer for donuts setups and the must-have accessories to go with them, helping you create delectable, healthier treats.
1. Set of 4 – EM Silicone Air Fryer Liners
These versatile EM Silicone Air Fryer Liners are a game-changer for anyone who loves to bake and cook in their air fryer. This set isn’t just for liners; it includes specific molds for cupcakes, brownies, waffles, and yes, donuts! Made from high-quality, food-grade silicone, they offer a safe, reusable, and eco-friendly alternative to disposable options, fitting perfectly into various air fryer baskets like Ninja and Gourmia models.
– Key Features:
– Includes molds for donuts, cupcakes, brownies, and waffles
– Made from heat-resistant, food-grade silicone
– Reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable liners
– Compatible with popular air fryer models (Ninja, Gourmia, etc.)
– Non-stick surface for easy food release and effortless cleaning
– Pros:
– Highly versatile for various baking needs
– Environmentally friendly and cost-effective
– Easy to clean and store
– Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking
– Cons:
– May take up basket space for larger items
– Requires pre-greasing for some batters
– User Impressions: Customers rave about the versatility and durability of these liners, noting how much easier cleanup becomes. They especially appreciate the specific donut mold for making perfectly shaped, healthier baked goods in their air fryers.
– See it on Amazon here
2. AWEELON 3 PCS Silicone Donut Mold for 4QT-8QT Air Fryer
If you’re serious about perfectly formed air-fried donuts, the AWEELON silicone donut molds are an excellent choice. This set of three molds is designed to fit a wide range of air fryer sizes (4QT-8QT), ensuring you can make regular-sized donuts with ease. Their smooth, soft material makes demolding a breeze, meaning your donuts pop right out without fuss, and cleanup is incredibly simple – no more sticky messes!
– Key Features:
– Set of 3 silicone donut molds
– Perfect 3-inch diameter for regular-sized donuts
– Made from smooth, soft, and easy-to-clean material
– Versatile for making small cakes, muffins, chocolates, etc.
– Designed for 4QT-8QT air fryers
– Pros:
– Donut molds are the ideal size
– Super easy to clean and demold
– Durable and reusable
– Great for gifting
– Cons:
– May require multiple batches for large families
– No handles for easy removal
– User Impressions: Users love how effortlessly their donuts release from these molds and how simple they are to wash. Many highlight them as a fantastic gift for baking enthusiasts, praising their perfect size for air fryer use.
– See it on Amazon here
3. Webake Silicone Air Fryer Donut Pan for Baking, 4-Cavity
The Webake Silicone Air Fryer Donut Pan stands out with its thoughtful design, especially the collapsible handles that make removing hot donuts from your air fryer or oven incredibly safe and easy. Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, these molds are designed for direct food contact and ensure your baked goods pop out effortlessly. It’s perfect for hobbyists and chefs alike who want to make healthier, low-fat donuts and other treats with minimal oil.
– Key Features:
– Collapsible handles for safe removal from hot appliances
– Made from food-grade, BPA-free, reusable silicone
– Non-stick for easy demolding of baked goods
– Each pan makes 4 individual donuts (2.8″ wide x 1″ height cavities)
– Suitable for both regular ovens and air fryers
– Pros:
– Handles provide added safety and convenience
– Promotes healthier, low-fat baking
– Durable and easy to clean
– Ideal for small batches
– Cons:
– Only 4 cavities per pan might mean longer baking times for larger quantities
– Can be a bit floppy when full, requiring careful handling
– User Impressions: Customers appreciate the innovative collapsible handles, which make these molds much easier to use than others. They also commend the non-stick quality and the perfectly sized donuts these pans produce.
– See it on Amazon here
4. MiroCore 2 PCS Silicone Donut Molds for Air Fryer Baking
Specifically designed for larger dual-zone air fryers like the Ninja DZ series (8QT-10QT) and Cosori Dual 9QT, the MiroCore Silicone Donut Molds are a perfect fit for bigger families or those who love to bake in bulk. This 2-pack in vibrant pink is made from safe, BPA-free, food-grade silicone that can withstand extreme temperatures. Its non-stick flexibility ensures easy release, making cleanup a snap, and encourages family fun in the kitchen with healthy, homemade treats.
– Key Features:
– Perfect fit for Ninja Dual-Zone (DZ201, DZ302, DZ401, DZ550, SL201, SL400, SL401) and Cosori Dual 9QT air fryers
– Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone
– Temperature resistant from -40°F to 446°F
– Non-stick and flexible for easy food release
– Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
– Pros:
– Ideal for larger dual-basket air fryers
– Encourages kid-friendly baking activities
– Easy to clean and store
– Durable and safe for repeated use
– Cons:
– May be too large for smaller, single-basket air fryers
– Some users recommend light greasing for sticky batters
– User Impressions: Reviewers with Ninja Dual-Zone air fryers are thrilled with the perfect fit of these molds. They love the vibrant color and the ease of use, making homemade donuts a regular, fun activity.
– See it on Amazon here
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a versatile multi-cooker powerhouse that can elevate virtually any meal – including your homemade donuts! The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven boasts a massive 26-quart capacity, perfect for preparing food for 4-6 people, and its 25 cooking presets make it incredibly easy to switch between air frying, baking, roasting, and more. The dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure golden-fried crisping, making it an excellent candidate for the best air fryer for donuts if you prefer a large, multi-functional appliance.
– Key Features:
– Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker with 25 cooking presets
– Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 12” pizza
– Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation for crisping
– Automatic shut-off for toast countdown
– Elegant stainless steel exterior with French doors and interior light
– Pros:
– Highly versatile for various cooking methods
– Large capacity suitable for families
– Precise cooking control with presets
– Stylish design enhances kitchen aesthetics
– Excellent for baking, including donuts
– Cons:
– Large footprint requires significant counter space
– Can be a higher price point compared to smaller air fryers
– User Impressions: Users praise its multi-functionality and large capacity, making it a go-to for everything from roasting chickens to baking pastries. The French doors and interior light are often highlighted as convenient features.
– See it on Amazon here
6. Silicone Doughnut Molds for Air Fryer, Set of 2, 8-Cavity
This set of two 8-cavity silicone doughnut molds is designed to make your air fryer donut baking experience as smooth as possible. Featuring a non-stick surface, these molds ensure effortless release of your delicious treats, though a little butter beforehand is recommended for the best demolding effect. Made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone, they’re safe for use across a wide temperature range and are incredibly easy to clean, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
– Key Features:
– Set of 2, 8-cavity silicone donut molds
– Non-stick design for easy release
– Made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone
– Withstands temperatures from -40°F to 446°F
– Stackable design for compact storage
– Pros:
– Large batch capacity (8 donuts per mold)
– Easy to clean and store
– Highly durable and flexible
– Versatile for donuts, bagels, or mini cakes
– Cons:
– Requires pre-greasing for optimal non-stick performance
– No handles for easy removal
– User Impressions: Customers love the non-stick quality and the large number of cavities, which allows them to bake more donuts at once. They find them easy to clean and perfect for making healthier baked versions of their favorite treats.
– See it on Amazon here
7. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a compact yet powerful air fryer that excels at baking, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for donuts. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, ensuring your donuts are cooked evenly with a perfectly balanced texture. With a 6-quart square basket, it offers ample space for family meals and is wonderfully quiet, making your kitchen experience more enjoyable.
– Key Features:
– TurboBlaze Technology for fast, even cooking
– 9-in-1 functionality with 5-fan speed system
– Precise temperature control from 90°F–450°F
– Large 6-quart square basket, ideal for family meals
– Operates at less than 53 dB for quiet performance
– Up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories
– Pros:
– Extremely fast cooking times
– Excellent for achieving crispy, evenly cooked results
– Large capacity fits family-sized portions
– Very quiet operation
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
– Cons:
– Some users might prefer more physical buttons over digital touch
– Preheating is optional, but recommended for consistent results
– User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the COSORI for its speed and efficiency, noting how well it cooks a variety of foods, including baked goods. The quiet operation and easy cleanup are frequently highlighted as major positives.
– See it on Amazon here
8. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 leverages Air Crisp Technology to surround your food with 400℉ superheated air, delivering hot, crispy results with little to no oil. Its 5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate are generously sized, making it perfect for baking batches of air-fried donuts. This appliance is also fantastic for roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, offering versatility that earns it a spot on any list of top air fryers, especially if you’re aiming for the best air-fried donuts with that signature crispy exterior.
– Key Features:
– Air Crisp Technology for up to 75% less fat than traditional methods
– Large 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate
– 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
– Cooks frozen foods to crispy perfection in minutes
– Space-saving design
– Easy-to-clean nonstick basket and crisper plate
– Pros:
– Achieves excellent crispy texture
– Good capacity for small to medium families
– Versatile for multiple cooking needs
– Quick cooking, even from frozen
– Easy to clean
– Cons:
– Limited advanced features compared to more expensive models
– No specific baking pre-sets
– User Impressions: Users love the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its consistent performance and how well it crisps food. It’s often praised for its ability to transform everyday snacks and meals into healthier, delicious options with minimal effort.
– See it on Amazon here
9. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving
Don’t let its mini size fool you; the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a mighty contender, especially if you’re looking for a compact appliance to make delicious, healthy donuts for 1-2 people. This digital air fryer features a capacitive touch screen to customize cooking time and temperature up to 400°F, cooking food up to three times quicker than a conventional oven. Its square basket maximizes the 2-quart capacity while maintaining a sleek, narrow design that saves precious countertop space.
– Key Features:
– Compact 2-quart capacity, ideal for 1-2 people
– Digital touch screen display with customizable time and temperature (up to 400°F)
– Cooks up to three times quicker than an oven
– Uses little-to-no oil for healthier meals
– LED shake notifications for even crisping
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack
– Pros:
– Excellent for small living spaces or single/couple households
– Very fast cooking
– Promotes healthy cooking with less oil
– Easy digital controls
– Simple to clean
– Cons:
– Limited capacity for larger families or batches
– No specific pre-sets for baking
– User Impressions: Reviewers adore this mini air fryer for its small footprint and quick cooking times. It’s frequently recommended for individuals or couples who want to enjoy air-fried foods without a bulky appliance.
– See it on Amazon here
10. Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick
The Chefman 6 QT Compact Airfryer strikes a fantastic balance between capacity and countertop presence, making it a great choice if you’re aiming to make batches of donuts for 3-5 people. With a digital touch screen and four preset functions, it’s incredibly easy to use. Its unique 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY allows you to add a final burst of heat for the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites, ensuring your donuts are golden and irresistible.
– Key Features:
– 6-quart capacity, suitable for 3-5 people
– Digital touch screen with four preset functions
– 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for extra crispiness
– Sleek, narrow, and space-saving design
– Uses little-to-no oil for healthy cooking
– LED shake notifications and automatic shut-off
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack
– Pros:
– Good capacity for families
– HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY provides superior crisping
– Stylish and compact design
– User-friendly digital controls and presets
– Easy to clean
– Cons:
– Some specific baking features are not present
– Fan can be a bit noisy on high settings
– User Impressions: Customers love this Chefman air fryer for its generous capacity and how effectively it crisps food. The HI-FRY technology is often cited as a standout feature, creating results comparable to deep frying but much healthier.
– See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Frying Donuts
Air frying donuts is a fun and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Here are some common questions answered:
1. Can you really make donuts in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are surprisingly great for making donuts. Instead of deep-frying, they bake the donuts using circulating hot air, resulting in a lighter, less greasy treat that’s still deliciously golden brown.
2. Do I need a special mold for air fryer donuts?
While you can make cut-out donuts without a mold, using silicone donut molds or pans designed for air fryers is highly recommended. Molds help maintain the donut’s classic shape, prevent spreading, and ensure even cooking, especially for cake-style donuts. They also make cleanup a breeze!
3. Are air-fried donuts healthier than deep-fried?
Yes, significantly! Air-fried donuts use little to no oil, drastically reducing the fat and calorie content compared to traditional deep-fried versions. You get the crispy exterior and soft interior without the guilt.
4. What kind of dough works best for air fryer donuts?
Both yeast-risen doughs and cake-style batters work well. Yeast donuts tend to be lighter and chewier, while cake donuts are denser and more tender. For air frying, slightly stickier cake batters in molds often yield excellent results. If using yeast dough, ensure it’s not too soft.
5. How do I prevent my air-fried donuts from drying out?
The key is not to overcook them! Air fryers can dry out food quickly. Keep an eye on them, use a lower temperature (e.g., 325-350°F or 160-175°C), and check for doneness frequently. Brushing them lightly with oil or melted butter before cooking can also help retain moisture.
6. What are the ideal temperature and time for air fryer donuts?
This can vary based on your air fryer model and donut size/recipe. A good starting point is around 325-350°F (160-175°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check for golden brown color and doneness with a toothpick. Molds might require slightly longer cooking times.
7. How do I clean silicone donut molds?
Most silicone donut molds are dishwasher safe, making cleanup super easy. For handwashing, simply use warm, soapy water and a sponge. Their non-stick properties mean very little residue, so scrubbing is rarely needed.
Conclusion
Making homemade donuts in your air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat with a healthier twist. Whether you’re investing in a powerful, versatile air fryer like the COSORI or Ninja, or simply upgrading your baking game with dedicated silicone donut molds, you’re well on your way to delicious results. Finding the best air fryer for donuts setup for your kitchen is now easier than ever, offering you the tools to create perfect, guilt-free sweet treats anytime. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your air-frying prowess!