Can You Make Donuts in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make delicious, fluffy donuts in the air fryer—no deep frying required! This quick and easy method cuts down on oil and cooking time while delivering crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside results. From store-bought dough to homemade recipes, the air fryer is a game-changer for hassle-free donuts in under 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryer donuts are quick, crispy, and healthier than deep-fried versions.
• Use minimal oil: A light spray ensures golden, fluffy results without excess grease.
• Preheat for perfection: Always preheat the air fryer for even, consistent cooking.
• Batch carefully: Space donuts apart to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
• Customize easily: Try store-bought dough or homemade recipes for unique flavors.
• Glaze while warm: Apply glaze right after cooking for maximum flavor absorption.

Can You Make Donuts in the Air Fryer? Discover How

Imagine waking up on a lazy weekend morning, craving a warm, golden donut with a crisp exterior and a soft, pillowy inside. You don’t want to drive to the bakery, and you’re not in the mood for deep-frying. Then it hits you—what if you could make donuts in your air fryer? That sleek, countertop appliance you’ve been using for crispy fries and reheating pizza might just be the secret to your next sweet treat. I’ve been there. After years of experimenting with air fryer recipes, I decided to test the limits of this gadget and answer the burning question: can you make donuts in the air fryer?

Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can—and the results might surprise you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants a quick, less-greasy donut fix, the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities. No deep fryer? No problem. No oven space? The air fryer’s got your back. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the science behind air-fried donuts to step-by-step methods, flavor variations, and even troubleshooting tips. Think of this as your friendly kitchen companion, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how to get that bakery-style bite without the mess or guilt.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Donut Lovers

The Science of Crispy, Fluffy Donuts Without the Oil

Let’s start with the basics. Traditional donuts are deep-fried in oil, which gives them that iconic golden crust and soft interior. But that process can be messy, time-consuming, and—let’s be honest—a bit unhealthy. Enter the air fryer. This appliance uses rapid hot air circulation (convection) to crisp food from the outside while cooking it evenly inside. It’s like a mini convection oven that fits on your countertop.

When you make donuts in the air fryer, the hot air hits the surface of the dough, creating a light crust similar to frying. But because there’s no oil submersion, the inside stays moist and fluffy. Think of it as a dry fry—you get the texture you love with up to 75% less oil. That means fewer calories, less mess, and no lingering fry smell in your kitchen. Plus, the air fryer preheats in minutes and cooks faster than a conventional oven.

Benefits Beyond Convenience

Beyond being faster and cleaner, the air fryer offers several advantages for donut-making:

• Healthier results: Less oil means fewer trans fats and lower calorie counts. You can even use whole wheat flour or alternative sweeteners without sacrificing texture.
• Energy-efficient: Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, making them eco-friendlier and cost-effective.
• Perfect for small batches: Want just 2–4 donuts? The air fryer is ideal for personal servings without wasting ingredients or energy.
• Versatility: You can use store-bought dough, homemade dough, or even repurpose leftover cake into cake donuts.

One time, I made a batch of cinnamon sugar donuts for my kids after school. I used a simple store-bought biscuit dough, rolled it into rounds, and air-fried them for 6 minutes. The result? Golden, slightly crisp on the outside, tender inside—and my kids thought I’d gone full bakery mode. They never knew it was so easy (or so low-oil).

Types of Donuts You Can Make in the Air Fryer

1. Homemade Yeast Donuts (From Scratch)

Yes, you can make yeast donuts in the air fryer—and they’re surprisingly close to the real deal. The key is letting the dough rise properly and shaping it into rounds or rings. I recommend using a simple recipe with:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp salt

Mix, knead, let rise for 1–2 hours, then roll and cut into donut shapes. Pro tip: use a donut cutter or a wide-mouth jar lid and a small shot glass for the hole. Air fry in batches at 360°F (182°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll puff up beautifully and develop a light crust.

I tried this recipe on a rainy Sunday. My first batch was slightly dense because I rushed the rise. The second time, I let the dough double in size—game changer. The texture was airy, with a delicate chew. I brushed them with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Total win.

2. Store-Bought Dough Hacks (Biscuit or Crescent Donuts)

Not into kneading? No problem. Biscuit donuts in the air fryer are a lifesaver. Use canned refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury). Separate the layers for extra fluff, then roll into balls or flatten into rounds. For rings, pinch the center to create a hole.

Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–7 minutes, flipping once. They’ll rise slightly and turn golden. For crescent roll donuts, unroll, cut into strips, twist, and shape into rings. These cook in just 5 minutes and have a flaky, buttery texture.

I once made these for a last-minute brunch. Guests were shocked they weren’t from a bakery. I served them with a side of maple glaze and fresh berries. Total crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

3. Cake Donuts (Moist and Rich)

Cake donuts are denser and sweeter than yeast donuts—and they work great in the air fryer. Use a boxed cake mix (yellow, chocolate, or spiced) or make your own with flour, baking powder, sugar, egg, milk, and melted butter.

Pipe or spoon the batter into greased donut molds or form small rounds. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 7–9 minutes. They’ll be moist and cake-like, perfect for glazing. I love chocolate cake donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze and rainbow sprinkles. My niece calls them “unicorn donuts” and requests them weekly.

4. Leftover Dessert Transformations

Got leftover banana bread or pound cake? Crumble it, mix with a little milk to form a dough, shape into donuts, and air fry. This is my favorite “no-waste” hack. I once used stale cinnamon rolls, flattened them, and made cinnamon roll donuts. Air-fried for 6 minutes, then drizzled with cream cheese glaze. My husband said they were better than the original.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Donuts Perfectly

Equipment You’ll Need

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Donut cutter or round cookie cutters
• Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
• Pastry brush (for butter or egg wash)
• Small bowls (for glazes or coatings)
• Silicone or parchment liners (optional, for easy cleanup)

Most air fryers have a capacity of 3.5–6 quarts. For donuts, you’ll fit 4–6 at a time, depending on size. Avoid overcrowding—air needs to circulate for even cooking.

Prepping the Donuts

Whether using homemade or store-bought dough, shape your donuts into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking. For rings, make sure the center hole is at least 1 inch wide. Too small, and it’ll cook faster than the outer ring, leading to uneven results.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray. You can also use parchment paper with holes cut out to prevent sticking. Pro tip: lightly dust the basket with flour if using sticky dough.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guide based on donut type:

Donut Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Yeast Donuts	360°F (182°C)	5–7 minutes	Flip halfway, let rest 1 minute before coating
Biscuit Donuts	350°F (177°C)	6–7 minutes	Separate layers for fluffiness
Cake Donuts	325°F (163°C)	7–9 minutes	Use molds or shape by hand
Twist Donuts (Crescent Rolls)	350°F (177°C)	5–6 minutes	Watch closely—can brown quickly

Always check for doneness: donuts should spring back when touched and have a golden-brown exterior. If undercooked, add 1–2 more minutes. If browning too fast, reduce heat by 25°F.

Flipping and Finishing

Most air fryers require flipping halfway through. Use tongs or a fork—don’t pierce the center. After cooking, let donuts cool for 1–2 minutes. This makes them easier to handle and prevents glaze from melting off.

For coatings:

• Cinnamon sugar: Brush with melted butter, then roll in sugar + cinnamon.
• Glaze: Dip in powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp milk + 1 tsp vanilla).
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate chips with a little oil, drizzle over cooled donuts.

I always make extra glaze—my kids love “dipping donuts” like a dessert fondue.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Donuts Are Too Dense or Doughy

This usually happens with yeast donuts that didn’t rise enough or were overworked. Solution: let the dough rise until doubled (1–2 hours). Punch down gently, then let it rest 10 minutes before shaping. Also, don’t over-knead—this develops gluten and leads to toughness.

I once made a batch after a long day and skipped the second rise. The donuts were edible but chewy. Lesson learned: patience is key.

2. Uneven Cooking or Burnt Edges

Air fryers circulate air from the bottom, so the bottom of the donut often browns faster. Always flip halfway. If your donut rings are browning too fast, reduce temperature to 340°F and extend cook time by 1–2 minutes.

For oven-style air fryers (like the Ninja Foodi), place donuts in the middle rack for even heat distribution.

3. Sticking to the Basket

Even with greasing, sticky doughs (like cake batter) can cling. Use parchment liners with small holes cut out, or lightly coat the basket with non-stick spray between batches. Avoid metal utensils—they can scratch the coating.

4. Glaze Melting Off

Hot donuts melt glaze instantly. Let them cool for at least 2 minutes before glazing. For a thicker glaze, add a little cornstarch (1 tsp per cup of glaze) to help it set.

One time, I glazed hot donuts and served them immediately. The glaze slid off like a waterfall. My kids laughed and called them “donut soup.” Now, I always set a timer for cooling.

5. Overcrowding the Basket

Stacking donuts blocks airflow. Cook in batches, and leave at least ½ inch between each. If you’re in a rush, cook half, then reheat the rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Creative Variations and Flavor Ideas

Seasonal and Themed Donuts

Why stop at cinnamon sugar? Try these fun ideas:

• Pumpkin spice donuts: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to cake batter. Glaze with maple cream.
• Lemon glaze donuts: Use lemon zest in the dough, then glaze with lemon juice + powdered sugar.
• Matcha donuts: Add 1–2 tbsp matcha powder to cake batter. Top with white chocolate drizzle.
• Halloween “spooky” donuts: Use black cocoa powder, add edible eyes, or pipe spiderweb glaze.

For my daughter’s birthday, I made rainbow donuts using food coloring in the dough. I divided the batter into 3 bowls, colored them red, yellow, and blue, then swirled together. Air-fried, then glazed with white icing and sprinkles. She still talks about them.

Healthier Swaps

Want to make air fryer donuts a little more wholesome? Try:

• Whole wheat or oat flour (replace ½ of all-purpose)
• Applesauce or mashed banana (replace some butter or oil)
• Honey or maple syrup (instead of refined sugar)
• Greek yogurt (adds protein and moisture)

I made a batch with 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup applesauce, and honey. They were slightly denser but still delicious—and my husband didn’t notice the swap. Win-win.

Global Inspirations

Get creative with flavors from around the world:

• Churro donuts: Roll in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with dulce de leche.
• Matcha red bean donuts: Add sweet red bean paste in the center.
• Cardamom rose donuts: Add ground cardamom and rose water to the dough, glaze with rose syrup.

I once made cardamom donuts after a trip to Turkey. They were fragrant, floral, and felt fancy—without needing a plane ticket.

Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Donuts Worth It?

So, can you make donuts in the air fryer? Without a doubt. While they won’t have the exact oil-saturated crispness of deep-fried donuts, they come incredibly close—with far less mess, fewer calories, and more convenience. You get the joy of fresh, warm donuts in under 15 minutes (or 1–2 hours if making from scratch), and the flexibility to experiment with flavors, textures, and dietary needs.

From my experience, air fryer donuts are perfect for:

• Weekend treats with minimal cleanup
• Kid-friendly baking projects
• Healthier indulgences (without sacrificing taste)
• Last-minute desserts or breakfasts

They’re not a replacement for a bakery’s deep-fried masterpiece, but they’re a fantastic alternative—especially when you want something quick, customizable, and less greasy. Plus, the air fryer’s versatility means you can make donuts today and crispy tofu tomorrow, all in the same appliance.

My advice? Start simple. Try store-bought biscuit donuts first. Once you nail the timing and coating, move on to homemade dough. Keep notes on what works—like which temperature browns best or which glaze sets fastest. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of my best recipes came from “oops” moments (like the time I accidentally doubled the cinnamon and loved it).

At the end of the day, donuts are about joy. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a rainy day, or just because you deserve it, the air fryer makes that joy more accessible. So go ahead—grab your dough, preheat your air fryer, and discover how easy (and delicious) homemade donuts can be. Your taste buds—and your kitchen—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make donuts in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make delicious, fluffy donuts in the air fryer with minimal oil and effort. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, mimicking traditional fried donuts.

How do I make donuts in the air fryer?

Simply prepare your donut dough or use store-bought biscuit dough, shape into rings, and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning and finish with glaze or cinnamon sugar.

What type of donuts work best in an air fryer?

Air fryers work well with both homemade yeast donuts and quick recipes using canned biscuit dough. For best results, choose smaller donuts to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Do air fryer donuts taste like regular fried donuts?

Air fryer donuts have a slightly lighter texture but still deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. With the right glaze or coating, they’re nearly indistinguishable from deep-fried versions—minus the extra oil.

How long do you air fry donuts?

Most donuts take 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in the air fryer. Cooking time may vary slightly based on donut size and air fryer model, so check for golden-brown color and a springy texture.

Can I make gluten-free donuts in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free donut recipe or pre-made mix, and follow the same air frying instructions. Just ensure the dough holds its shape and adjust cooking time if needed for texture.