Can I Cook Donuts in an Air Fryer Discover the Easy Way

Yes, you can cook donuts in an air fryer—and they come out crispy, fluffy, and ready in under 10 minutes with minimal oil. This easy method works for store-bought or homemade donuts, making it a quick, healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook donuts in an air fryer with minimal oil and great results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Use parchment paper liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure golden, fluffy donuts.
• Adjust time and temperature based on donut size for perfect doneness.
• Glaze or coat immediately after cooking for best flavor and texture absorption.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Might Be the Game-Changer You’ve Been Looking For

Let’s be honest: who hasn’t craved a warm, fluffy donut on a lazy Sunday morning—only to realize that deep-frying is messy, time-consuming, and, let’s face it, a little intimidating? I’ve been there. I’ve stared at a pot of bubbling oil, wondering if I really wanted to risk splattering grease all over my kitchen for a sweet treat. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple but revolutionary idea: can I cook donuts in an air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And it’s not just a gimmick—air fryer donuts are lighter, less greasy, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a pro baker.

Over the past year, I’ve experimented with everything from store-bought donut holes to scratch-made cinnamon sugar rings, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what works (and what doesn’t). Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, air fryer donuts might just become your new go-to. In this post, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of making donuts in an air fryer, from choosing the right ingredients to nailing that perfect golden crust—all without the hassle of deep frying. Let’s dive in!

How Air Frying Works for Donuts (And Why It’s Different)

The Science Behind Air Frying

Before we get into recipes, let’s talk about how air fryers actually work. Unlike deep fryers, which submerge food in hot oil, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp the outside of food while cooking the inside. This method mimics the texture of deep frying but with up to 75% less oil. For donuts, this means a lighter, less greasy result—without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.

Here’s the catch: donuts are delicate. Traditional frying relies on oil’s high heat to puff them up quickly, creating a soft interior and crisp exterior. Air fryers, on the other hand, cook more evenly, which can sometimes lead to denser textures if you’re not careful. The key? Understanding how to adjust time, temperature, and technique to get the best of both worlds.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Healthier (But Still Tasty) Option

Let’s address the elephant in the room: donuts aren’t exactly a health food. But air frying does make them a little less guilty. A typical deep-fried donut can absorb up to 30% of its weight in oil. An air-fried version? Maybe 2–5%, depending on how much you brush on. That’s a big difference—especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or just want to avoid that heavy, greasy feeling after eating.

Plus, air fryer donuts are easier to customize. Want to use whole wheat flour? Go for it. Prefer coconut sugar over white? No problem. You’re in control of the ingredients, which means you can tweak recipes to fit your dietary needs without losing that classic donut vibe. I’ve even made vegan air fryer donuts (using plant-based milk and flax eggs) that my skeptical husband actually enjoyed!

Choosing the Right Donut for Your Air Fryer

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Which Should You Pick?

One of the best things about air frying donuts is that you don’t need to start from scratch. Store-bought donut holes, frozen donuts, or even pre-made dough (like canned biscuit dough) can all work in an air fryer. But each type has its own quirks:

• Store-bought donut holes: These are the easiest option. Just brush them with a little oil or melted butter and air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and develop a light crisp. Pro tip: roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for that classic flavor.
• Frozen donuts: Thaw them first (or cook them straight from frozen at 360°F for 6–7 minutes). They won’t rise as much as fresh dough, but they’ll still get a nice crust.
• Homemade dough: This gives you the most control over texture and flavor. I’ll share my go-to recipe later, but the key is to let the dough rise properly before air frying.

Personally, I love using canned biscuit dough for a quick weekend treat. Just cut out the center with a small cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to make rings, then air fry. They’re not as fluffy as yeast donuts, but they’re fast, fun, and perfect for kids.

Ingredients That Work Best in Air Fryer Donuts

If you’re making your own dough, here are a few ingredient tips to keep in mind:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works fine, but bread flour can give your donuts a chewier texture. For a lighter option, try half all-purpose and half cake flour.
• Leavening agents: Baking powder is a must for quick donuts (like biscuit-style ones). For yeast donuts, you’ll need active dry yeast and a little patience—let the dough rise for at least an hour.
• Oil or butter: Brush the outside with oil or melted butter before air frying. This helps create a golden crust. I prefer melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor.
• Sweeteners: Sugar is traditional, but you can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or even date syrup for a less refined option.

One thing to avoid? Overmixing the dough. Like with muffins or pancakes, overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Just stir until the ingredients come together—it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Donuts (With Tips for Success)

Prepping Your Donuts for the Air Fryer

No matter what type of donuts you’re making, prep is key. Here’s my go-to routine:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
2. Brush with oil or butter: Use a pastry brush to coat each donut lightly. Too much oil can make them soggy, so less is more here.
3. Arrange in the basket: Leave at least ½ inch between each donut. Crowding = uneven cooking. If you’re making rings, you can stack them (but flip halfway through).

For homemade dough, I like to let the shaped donuts sit for 10 minutes before air frying. This gives them a little extra rise and helps prevent deflating in the basket.

Cooking Time and Temperature: What You Need to Know

Here’s where things get tricky: every air fryer is different. My old model ran hot, so I had to drop the temperature by 10–15°F to avoid burning. Newer models tend to be more accurate, but it’s always worth testing with one donut first.

As a general rule:

• Store-bought donut holes: 350°F for 4–5 minutes
• Frozen donuts: 360°F for 6–7 minutes (flip halfway)
• Homemade biscuit-style donuts: 350°F for 6–8 minutes
• Yeast donuts: 340°F for 7–9 minutes (flip halfway)

Watch for a golden-brown color and a slightly puffed appearance. Undercooked donuts will be doughy; overcooked ones will be dry. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check the center.

Pro Tips for Fluffy, Crisp Donuts Every Time

• Spray the basket: Even if you’re brushing the donuts, a light spray of oil on the basket helps prevent sticking.
• Flip halfway: For even browning, flip the donuts halfway through cooking. This is especially important for thicker donuts.
• Use parchment paper: If your air fryer has a perforated basket, line it with parchment paper (cut to fit) to make cleanup easier.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. It’s better to wait a few extra minutes than to end up with undercooked donuts.
• Rest before glazing: Let the donuts cool for 2–3 minutes before adding glaze or sugar. This prevents melting and keeps the coating intact.

Flavor Ideas and Toppings to Try

Classic and Creative Coatings

The fun part? Decorating! Here are a few of my favorite ways to finish air fryer donuts:

• Cinnamon sugar: Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Roll warm donuts in the mixture for a classic treat.
• Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk). Add a splash of vanilla or lemon juice for flavor. Dip the donuts and let the glaze set.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 tbsp coconut oil. Drizzle over cooled donuts and top with sprinkles.
• Crushed nuts or coconut: Press chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut into a glaze or melted chocolate coating.

For a fun twist, try flavored sugars—like lavender sugar (1 cup sugar + 1 tsp dried lavender, ground) or matcha sugar (1 cup sugar + 1 tsp matcha powder). They’re subtle but make your donuts feel extra special.

Fillings and Mix-Ins

Want to take things up a notch? Try these filling ideas:

• Jam or jelly: Poke a hole in the side of a cooled donut and fill with your favorite jam using a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
• Peanut butter or Nutella: Spread a layer inside a sliced donut or pipe it into the center.
• Fruit compote: Simmer diced apples, berries, or peaches with a little sugar and lemon juice. Cool and fill the donuts.
• Spices and zests: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough, or mix in a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for warmth.

One of my favorite combos? A cinnamon sugar donut filled with apple compote. It’s like a mini apple pie—and it’s absolutely delicious.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Why Your Donuts Might Be Dense or Soggy

Let’s talk about the not-so-great outcomes. If your donuts are coming out flat, dense, or soggy, here’s what might be going wrong:

• Overcrowding the basket: This is the #1 culprit. Air needs to circulate freely to crisp the donuts. Cook in smaller batches if needed.
• Too much oil: Brushing the donuts lightly is key. Too much oil = soggy texture.
• Low temperature: If your air fryer is set too low, the donuts won’t crisp up. Start at 350°F and adjust as needed.
• Underproofed dough: For yeast donuts, let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size. Rushing this step leads to dense donuts.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to air fry a whole batch of homemade donuts at once. They came out flat and greasy because I’d overloaded the basket. Lesson learned: patience pays off.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Donuts

Donuts are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them away from moisture to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To revive day-old donuts, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. This restores the crisp exterior. Avoid the microwave—it makes them rubbery.

Pro tip: If you’re making donuts ahead for a party, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Then shape and air fry the next day. It’s a huge time-saver!

Data: Air Fryer vs. Deep-Fried Donuts – A Quick Comparison

Factor	Air Fryer Donuts	Deep-Fried Donuts
Oil Used	1–2 tsp per batch	2–3 cups (for frying)
Cooking Time	5–9 minutes	2–3 minutes (per batch)
Texture	Lighter, less greasy	Rich, crispy, but heavier
Cleanup	Minimal (wipe basket)	Messy (oil disposal)
Calories (per donut)	120–150	200–250
Best For	Quick, healthier treats	Classic, indulgent flavor

As you can see, air fryer donuts aren’t just a convenient option—they’re a smarter choice if you’re watching your oil intake or just want to avoid the mess of deep frying. But if you’re craving that traditional, indulgent texture, deep frying still wins. The good news? You don’t have to choose. Try both and see which you prefer!

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Donuts?

So, can I cook donuts in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own, air fryer donuts are faster, cleaner, and healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. They might not have the exact same texture, but they’re close enough to satisfy your cravings—and they’re a lot more fun to make with kids or friends.

The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull this off. With a little practice, you’ll figure out your air fryer’s quirks and start making donuts that are just as delicious as anything from a bakery. So go ahead: grab your air fryer, pick a recipe, and give it a try. I promise, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. And who knows? You might just find yourself asking, “What else can I air fry?” (Spoiler: the answer is almost everything.) Happy frying! 🍩

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook donuts in an air fryer without using oil?

Yes, you can cook donuts in an air fryer with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. The air fryer circulates hot air to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

What types of donuts can I make in an air fryer?

You can make homemade yeast donuts, cake donuts, or even reheat store-bought donuts in an air fryer. The appliance works well for both fresh and frozen varieties, giving them a warm, golden finish.

How long does it take to cook donuts in an air fryer?

Most donuts take 5–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer, depending on size and recipe. Be sure to flip them halfway for even browning and consistent results.

Do air fryer donuts taste as good as deep-fried ones?

Air fryer donuts have a similar texture and flavor to deep-fried versions, with a slightly crisp outside and tender inside. While not identical, many find the taste just as satisfying with fewer calories.

Can I cook donuts in an air fryer using canned biscuit dough?

Yes, canned biscuit dough is a quick and easy way to make air fryer donuts. Cut out the center, shape into rings, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking donuts?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier result. This step helps the donuts rise better and develop a golden crust, just like in traditional frying.