Can Air Fryer Make Donuts Discover the Crispy Truth

Yes, your air fryer can make delicious, crispy donuts—no deep frying required. With the right dough and temperature, air-fried donuts turn out golden, fluffy, and evenly cooked in under 10 minutes. It’s a faster, healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing that classic crunch.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers can make donuts: Achieve crispy, golden results with less oil.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and perfect texture every time.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Adjust time and temperature: Typically 320°F for 5-7 minutes for ideal donuts.
• Experiment with coatings: Try cinnamon sugar or glaze post-fry for flavor variety.
• Batch cook wisely: Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness and even browning.

Can Air Fryer Make Donuts? Discover the Crispy Truth

Let me take you back to a rainy Sunday morning. I was craving donuts—those golden, slightly crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treats you get from the corner bakery. But the thought of deep-frying, greasy pans, and lingering smells made me hesitate. Then it hit me: can an air fryer make donuts? I grabbed my trusty air fryer, some simple ingredients, and decided to find out. After a few trials (and one slightly overcooked batch), I discovered something surprising—not only can air fryers make donuts, but they do it in a way that’s healthier, easier, and almost as delicious as the real thing.

If you’ve ever wondered the same, you’re not alone. The air fryer revolution has taken kitchens by storm, promising crispy, fried-like results with little to no oil. But when it comes to donuts—those delicate, sugary rings of joy—does the air fryer really deliver? In this post, we’ll dive into the science, the process, the pros and cons, and even some recipes to help you make the perfect air-fried donut. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just starting out, this guide will give you the crispy truth—no fluff, just facts.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They’re Perfect for Donuts

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers use rapid air circulation and high heat to mimic the effects of deep frying. A powerful fan blows hot air around the food at high speed, creating a convection effect that crisps the exterior while cooking the inside evenly. Unlike traditional frying, which submerges food in oil, air fryers rely on a light coating of oil (or sometimes none at all) to achieve a golden, crunchy texture. This makes them ideal for foods that benefit from a crisp crust—like donuts.

But here’s the catch: donuts are delicate. They need the right balance of heat and airflow to puff up, develop a crust, and cook through without drying out. Too much heat, and they burn. Too little, and they turn out dense and rubbery. The good news? Air fryers are surprisingly precise. Most models have adjustable temperature settings (usually between 175°F and 400°F) and timers, giving you control over the cooking process. This precision is key when working with dough-based foods like donuts.

Why Donuts Are a Great Fit for Air Frying

Let’s face it—deep frying donuts is messy. You need a pot, a lot of oil, a thermometer, and the patience to monitor the temperature. Plus, the cleanup is a nightmare. Air fryers solve all these problems. They’re compact, easy to use, and clean up in minutes. But beyond convenience, air-fried donuts have a unique advantage: they’re lighter. Because they’re not soaked in oil, they have a less greasy mouthfeel while still delivering that satisfying crunch. This makes them a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake or just want a healthier alternative to traditional donuts.

Another benefit? Speed. Deep-fried donuts take about 1-2 minutes per side, but you can only cook a few at a time. Air fryers, on the other hand, can hold multiple donuts (depending on size) and cook them simultaneously. Most donuts take 8-12 minutes in an air fryer, depending on the dough and thickness. That’s a win for busy mornings or when you’re craving a quick treat.

Types of Donuts You Can Make in an Air Fryer

Classic Yeast Donuts (The Real Deal)

If you’re after the traditional, fluffy, bakery-style donut, you can absolutely make them in an air fryer. The process starts with a simple yeast dough—flour, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, and yeast. After the dough rises, you roll it out, cut it into rings, and let it proof again. Then, it’s off to the air fryer.

Here’s a pro tip: brush the donuts with melted butter or a light oil spray before cooking. This helps them develop that golden crust and prevents them from drying out. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Light, airy donuts with a slightly crisp exterior—just like the ones from your favorite bakery.

One thing to watch out for: overproofing. If the dough rises too much, the donuts can collapse in the air fryer. Aim for a rise that doubles the dough’s size, but no more. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each donut so the air can circulate properly.

Quick and Easy Baked Donuts (No Yeast, No Fuss)

Not in the mood for kneading and waiting for dough to rise? Try a quick baked donut recipe. These use baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast, so they come together in minutes. Think of them as a cross between a muffin and a donut—denser than yeast donuts but still delicious.

To make them in the air fryer, simply pour the batter into a donut mold (silicone works best) or use a piping bag to create rings directly on the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil and cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes. The result is a tender, cakey donut that’s perfect for glazes or cinnamon sugar.

Bonus: these are great for experimenting with flavors. Add cocoa powder for chocolate donuts, lemon zest for a citrus twist, or even a dash of nutmeg for a spiced treat. The air fryer’s even heat distribution ensures consistent results every time.

Pre-Made and Frozen Donuts (For the Lazy Baker)

Let’s be real—sometimes you just want a donut without the effort. Good news: you can cook store-bought or frozen donuts in an air fryer too. Whether it’s a box of mini donuts from the grocery store or a batch of frozen donut holes, the air fryer brings them back to life with a crisp exterior and a warm, soft center.

For frozen donuts, skip thawing. Just place them directly in the air fryer and cook at 320°F for 5-6 minutes. For pre-made donuts, a quick 3-4 minutes at 350°F is enough to heat them through. Spray with a little oil if you want extra crispiness. This is a game-changer for last-minute cravings or when you’re feeding a crowd.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the basics:

• Dough ingredients: flour, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, yeast (or baking powder for quick donuts), and salt
• For coating: melted butter, cinnamon sugar, or glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)
• Equipment: air fryer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, donut cutter or small round cookie cutters, silicone molds (optional), and a pastry brush

Pro tip: if you don’t have a donut cutter, use a small glass and a bottle cap to cut the center. It works surprisingly well!

The Process: From Dough to Golden Donut

1. Make the dough: Combine ingredients and knead until smooth. For yeast donuts, let it rise for 1-2 hours. For quick donuts, skip the rise.
2. Shape the donuts: Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into rings or use a mold for even shapes.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F and let it heat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
4. Brush with oil: Lightly coat each donut with melted butter or oil spray. This helps with browning and crispiness.
5. Air fry: Place donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8-10 minutes (yeast) or 6-8 minutes (quick), flipping halfway.
6. Coat while warm: Immediately after cooking, roll in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze. The heat helps the coating stick.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overcrowding: Don’t pack the basket too full. Air needs to circulate, or the donuts will steam instead of crisp.
• Wrong temperature: Too hot, and they’ll burn. Too low, and they’ll be doughy. Stick to 350°F for most recipes.
• Skipping the flip: Flipping halfway ensures even browning on both sides.
• Not preheating: A cold basket can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat!

One last tip: if your donuts are browning too fast but not cooking through, lower the temperature to 320°F and add a minute or two to the cook time.

Flavor Ideas and Creative Twists

Classic Glazes and Toppings

Sometimes simple is best. A basic glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is a classic for a reason. But why stop there? Try:

• Chocolate glaze: Melt dark chocolate and mix with powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
• Maple glaze: Combine maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Cinnamon sugar: Mix ½ cup sugar with 1-2 tsp cinnamon. Roll warm donuts in it for that bakery-style crunch.

For extra flair, add toppings after glazing: chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut flakes, or even crushed cookies.

Unique Flavor Combinations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ideas:

• Lemon-blueberry: Add lemon zest and blueberries to the batter, then glaze with lemon icing.
• Matcha-green tea: Mix matcha powder into the dough and glaze with white chocolate.
• Spiced chai: Add chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves) to the dough and top with a honey glaze.
• Peanut butter-chocolate: Swirl peanut butter into the batter and drizzle with melted chocolate after cooking.

The key is balance. Don’t overload the dough with mix-ins, or the donuts won’t rise properly. Aim for ¼ to ⅓ cup per batch.

Healthier Twists (Without Sacrificing Flavor)

Want a guilt-free treat? Try these swaps:

• Whole wheat flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour for a fiber boost.
• Applesauce: Use it instead of some of the oil or butter in the dough.
• Greek yogurt: Add a spoonful to the batter for extra protein and tenderness.
• Nut butter glaze: Blend powdered sugar with almond or cashew butter for a protein-rich topping.

And remember—air frying already reduces oil by up to 80% compared to deep frying. That’s a win before you even start!

Comparing Air-Fried Donuts to Deep-Fried and Baked

Texture and Taste: The Good, the Bad, and the Crispy

Let’s be honest: deep-fried donuts are the gold standard. They have that unmistakable crisp crust and soft, pillowy interior. But air-fried donuts come surprisingly close. The exterior is slightly less greasy but still crunchy, and the inside stays light and airy. The biggest difference? Air-fried donuts don’t have that “fried” flavor from the oil, which some people prefer.

Baked donuts (oven-baked) are the softest of the three. They’re more like cake and lack the crispness that makes donuts so addictive. Air fryers bridge the gap—offering a texture that’s closer to deep-fried than baked, without the oil.

Nutrition Breakdown: A Healthier Alternative

Here’s how the three methods compare (per standard donut, approx. 100g):

Method	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)
Deep-fried	300-350	15-20	35-40	4-5
Air-fried	200-250	5-8	35-40	4-5
Oven-baked	220-270	6-10	35-40	4-5

As you can see, air-fried donuts win in the fat and calorie department. They’re not “healthy” by any means, but they’re a smarter choice if you’re watching your intake.

Convenience and Cleanup: Why Air Fryers Win

Deep frying requires a pot, a lot of oil, and careful temperature monitoring. Baking needs an oven preheated for 20 minutes and a baking sheet. Air fryers? Just a quick wipe of the basket and a rinse. They’re faster, easier, and less messy—perfect for busy households or small kitchens.

And let’s not forget space. Air fryers are compact and store easily, unlike bulky fryers or ovens that take up counter space.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Donuts in an Air Fryer?

So, can air fryers make donuts? Absolutely. They won’t replace deep-fried donuts for die-hard traditionalists, but they come remarkably close—with fewer calories, less mess, and more convenience. Whether you’re making yeast donuts, quick-baked ones, or reviving frozen treats, the air fryer delivers crispy, golden results every time.

The key is experimentation. Try different doughs, glazes, and cook times to find what works best for your air fryer model. Don’t be afraid to tweak recipes—sometimes the best discoveries happen by accident (like my first batch that turned out a little too dark but still tasted amazing).

At the end of the day, the air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget. It’s a tool that makes cooking fun, easy, and a little bit healthier. So go ahead—grab your air fryer, mix up some dough, and discover the crispy truth for yourself. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer make donuts?

Yes, an air fryer can make delicious donuts with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The circulating hot air mimics deep-frying while using significantly less oil, making air fryer donuts a healthier alternative.

How do you make donuts in an air fryer?

Simply roll out your donut dough, cut into shapes, and spray lightly with oil. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Add glaze or toppings after cooking.

Are air fryer donuts healthier than fried ones?

Air fryer donuts require little to no oil, reducing fat and calories by up to 70% compared to deep-fried versions. They retain the same satisfying texture while being a smarter choice for health-conscious bakers.

What type of dough works best for air fryer donuts?

Yeast-based or cake-style doughs work well in an air fryer. For best results, use slightly thicker dough to prevent drying out and ensure a soft, airy center after cooking.

Can I use store-bought dough to make air fryer donuts?

Absolutely! Pre-made biscuit or crescent roll dough can be shaped into donuts and air fried. Just adjust cooking time to 4-6 minutes and monitor for even browning.

Do air fryer donuts get as crispy as deep-fried ones?

While air fryer donuts are slightly less crispy than deep-fried, a light oil spray and proper temperature (350°F) deliver a satisfying crunch. The trade-off is a lighter, less greasy treat with minimal effort.