Can I Make Donuts in an Air Fryer The Surprising Answer Here

Yes, you can make donuts in an air fryer—and they come out golden, fluffy, and with a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying. With minimal prep and quick cook times, air fryer donuts are a game-changer for easy, healthier treats at home.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can make donuts in an air fryer—they cook faster with less oil.
• Use pre-made dough for convenience—saves time and effort without sacrificing taste.
• Lightly spray donuts with oil—ensures a golden, crispy exterior every time.
• Adjust cooking time (8-12 mins)—prevents burning and ensures even doneness.
• Glaze or coat immediately post-cook—maximizes flavor absorption while warm.
• Batch cook for best results—air fryers work better with spaced-out donuts.

Can I Make Donuts in an Air Fryer? The Surprising Answer Here

Have you ever stood in front of your air fryer, staring at that golden-brown, puffed-up donut on your Instagram feed, wondering: *Can I make donuts in an air fryer?* I’ve been there. That craving hits hard—warm, soft, slightly crispy on the outside, maybe even glazed or dusted with cinnamon sugar. But the thought of deep frying? Not so appealing. Oil splatters, lingering kitchen smells, and the guilt of using half a bottle of oil just for a few treats. Then I thought: *What if I could air fry them instead?* Spoiler alert: I did. And the answer isn’t just a simple yes or no. It’s more nuanced, more delicious, and honestly, kind of magical.

I’ve tested everything—from store-bought dough to homemade yeast donuts, from chocolate glaze to powdered sugar, from frozen to fresh. Along the way, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to make air fryer donuts that rival your local bakery. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who wants a donut without the mess, this is your ultimate guide. No fluff, no gimmicks—just real talk from someone who’s burned (and eaten) more than a few donuts in the name of science.

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Game-Changer

Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

Let’s be honest: traditional donuts are deep-fried in oil, which means they’re loaded with fat and calories. A single classic glazed donut can have 250–300 calories and 14+ grams of fat. Air frying, on the other hand, uses hot air circulation to crisp the outside while keeping the inside soft—with little to no oil. I’ve made donuts using just a light spritz of cooking spray, cutting the fat by up to 70%. That’s not just better for your waistline; it’s better for your heart.

But here’s the kicker: they still *taste* like donuts. The exterior gets that slight crispness—like a light sear—while the inside stays fluffy and tender. No rubbery texture, no sogginess. Just a satisfying bite that makes you forget it’s “healthier.”

Faster, Cleaner, and More Convenient

Deep frying takes time. You need to heat oil, monitor temperature, and deal with cleanup. With an air fryer, you’re ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish. No oil splatter on your stovetop, no greasy residue on your cabinets. Just pop the donuts in, set the timer, and walk away.

I remember one Saturday morning, my kids were begging for donuts, but I didn’t want to leave the house. Instead, I pulled out some frozen biscuit dough, shaped them into rings, and air fried them in 10 minutes. Glazed them while they cooled. Total time? 18 minutes. My kids didn’t notice the difference. My kitchen didn’t look like a donut factory. Win-win.

Perfect for Small Batches and Customization

Air fryers are ideal for making 4–6 donuts at a time—perfect for a small family or a solo treat. No need to bake a full dozen when you only want a few. Plus, it’s easy to customize. Want chocolate donuts? Sprinkle cocoa powder before frying. Craving cinnamon sugar? Toss them right after they come out. You can even make mini donut holes for kids (or adults who want to pretend they’re eating “just one”).

And if you’re experimenting? The small batch size means less waste if something goes wrong. I’ve tried adding sprinkles, crushed cookies, and even fruit zest—all without overcommitting to a full recipe.

What Types of Donuts Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Store-Bought or Refrigerated Dough (The Lazy Win)

If you’re short on time or just want a quick fix, **refrigerated biscuit dough** is your best friend. Pillsbury Grands, store-brand flaky biscuits—anything that comes in a can. Here’s how I do it:

• Pop open the can and separate the biscuits.
• Use a small round cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center of each biscuit.
• Place 2–3 donuts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them (they expand!).
• Lightly spray with oil (optional but recommended for browning).
• Air fry at 350°F for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway.

They come out golden, slightly puffed, and ready for glaze or cinnamon sugar. I’ve made these for weekend brunches, and guests always ask if I bought them from a bakery. Nope—just 10 minutes and a can of dough.

Pro tip: Save the dough holes! Air fry them for 3–4 minutes. Instant donut holes. Kids love them.

Homemade Yeast Donuts (For the Adventurous)

Yes, you can make *real* yeast donuts in an air fryer. I was skeptical at first—yeast needs time to rise, and I wasn’t sure the air fryer could replicate the soft, airy texture of deep-fried yeast donuts. But after a few tries, I cracked the code.

Here’s my go-to method:

• Prepare a basic yeast dough (flour, milk, sugar, yeast, egg, butter, pinch of salt). Let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
• Punch down the dough, roll it out, and cut into rings (use a 3-inch cutter and a 1-inch hole cutter).
• Let the donuts rest for 15–20 minutes to rise slightly.
• Preheat air fryer to 320°F (lower temp prevents burning).
• Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flip, then 3–4 more minutes. They should be puffed and golden.

The result? Light, pillowy donuts with a delicate crust. Not *exactly* like deep-fried, but 90% there—and way better for you. I like to glaze them with a simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + vanilla) while they’re still warm.

Frozen Donuts (Yes, Really)

Got frozen donuts from the grocery store? Don’t throw them in the microwave. Air fry them instead. I’ve revived stale-looking frozen donuts with just 4–5 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F. They come out warm, slightly crispy, and ready for glaze or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Just make sure to thaw them slightly first (10–15 minutes on the counter) so the center heats evenly. I once forgot and ended up with a cold center—lesson learned!

How to Get That Perfect Donut Texture

The Oil Spray Trick

Here’s the secret to browning: **a light spritz of oil**. Without it, air fryer donuts can come out pale and dry. I use a refillable oil spray bottle (olive oil, avocado oil, or canola work well). One quick spray on each side before frying makes all the difference.

Why? Oil helps the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that creates browning and flavor. Think of it like searing a steak. No oil, no crust. A little oil? Golden, flavorful perfection.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If you pile donuts too close together, they steam instead of crisp. I learned this the hard way when I tried to fit 6 biscuit donuts in my 5.8-quart air fryer. They stuck together, cooked unevenly, and some were still doughy in the middle.

Rule of thumb: leave at least ½ inch between donuts. If you’re making yeast donuts, give them even more space—they puff up a lot. For my model, 3–4 donuts is the max for even cooking.

Flip Them Halfway

Most air fryers have a fan on the top, so the top gets more direct heat. Flipping halfway ensures both sides brown evenly. I use silicone tongs or a spatula—just be gentle so you don’t deflate the donuts.

Timing tip: Flip at the 3–4 minute mark for biscuit dough, 2–3 minutes for yeast donuts. Watch closely—air fryers vary in power.

Glaze While Warm (But Not Too Hot)

Glaze sets best on warm donuts. Too hot? The glaze melts and slides off. Too cold? It doesn’t soak in. I let my donuts cool for 1–2 minutes after air frying, then dip or drizzle the glaze. For powdered sugar, I wait until they’re just warm to the touch—about 3 minutes.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, lemon zest, or vanilla extract to your glaze. I once used a splash of bourbon in chocolate glaze—game-changer.

Creative Donut Ideas You Can Air Fry

Glazed, Sprinkled, and Everything in Between

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to get creative. Here are some of my favorite air fryer donut variations:

• Classic Glazed: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla. Dip while warm.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ¼ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon. Toss donuts immediately after air frying.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt ½ cup dark chocolate chips + 1 tsp coconut oil. Drizzle with a fork.
• Strawberry Shortcake: Fill donuts with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Use a piping bag.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the dough before shaping. Glaze with cream cheese icing.

I once made “cereal milk” donuts by soaking crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch in milk, then using it in the dough. The kids went wild. (And so did I.)

Savory Donuts? Yes, Please

Don’t limit yourself to sweet. I’ve made savory air fryer donuts that are perfect for brunch:

• Everything Bagel: Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
• Cheese & Herb: Add shredded cheddar and dried herbs to the dough. Serve with marinara for dipping.
• Jalapeño Cheddar: Mix diced jalapeños and cheese into the dough. Spicy, cheesy, and addictive.

These are great as appetizers or side dishes. I served jalapeño cheddar donuts at a game night—they were gone in minutes.

Mini Donut Holes for Parties

Cut your dough into 1-inch balls instead of rings. Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway. They cook faster and are perfect for dipping in chocolate, caramel, or fruit compote. I made 50 for a birthday party—no one could stop eating them.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Undercooking or Overcooking

Undercooked donuts are doughy and unappetizing. Overcooked ones are dry and tough. The key is **timing and temperature**. Here’s a quick reference:

Type of Donut	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Flip?	Notes
Biscuit Dough	350°F	6–7 minutes	Yes, at 3 min	Light spray of oil
Yeast Dough	320°F	8–10 minutes	Yes, at 4 min	Let rise before frying
Frozen Donuts	350°F	4–5 minutes	No	Thaw slightly first
Donut Holes	350°F	3–4 minutes	Yes, at 2 min	Shake basket gently

Always check for doneness: the donut should be golden brown and spring back when pressed. If it’s still soft or doughy, add 1–2 more minutes.

Forgetting to Preheat

Some air fryers don’t need preheating, but most do. A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking from the first minute. I set mine to the target temperature and let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding the donuts.

Using Too Much Oil

A light spritz is enough. Too much oil can cause smoke or make the donuts greasy. I once used a heavy hand with olive oil—smoke alarm went off, and the donuts tasted like a salad. Lesson learned: less is more.

Not Letting Dough Rest

For yeast or biscuit dough, letting the donuts rest for 10–15 minutes before air frying helps them rise better. Skipping this step can result in flat, dense donuts. Trust me, the extra 10 minutes is worth it.

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

So—can you make donuts in an air fryer? Absolutely. It’s not just possible; it’s practical, fun, and surprisingly delicious. You’ll save time, reduce oil, and still get that warm, comforting donut experience. Whether you’re using store-bought dough, homemade yeast, or frozen treats, the air fryer delivers.

Is it *exactly* like deep-fried? Not quite. The texture is slightly different—less greasy, more “baked” than “fried.” But for most people, that’s a good thing. It’s a lighter, fresher take on a classic treat. And honestly, once you taste a warm, cinnamon-sugar air fryer donut, you might never go back to deep frying.

The best part? You’re in control. You choose the ingredients, the flavor, the toppings. No mystery oil, no unknown additives. Just pure, simple, homemade joy. So go ahead—grab your air fryer, open a can of dough, and make your first batch. I promise, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. And who knows? You might just become the donut hero of your household.

Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make donuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make donuts in an air fryer! This method yields a crispy exterior and fluffy interior with less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier alternative.

What type of donuts work best in an air fryer?

Homemade or store-bought dough-based donuts, like yeast or cake donuts, cook well in an air fryer. Avoid overly sticky batters, as they may not hold their shape during cooking.

Do air fryer donuts taste as good as fried ones?

Air fryer donuts have a slightly different texture—less greasy but still crisp—and retain great flavor. With proper glazing or toppings, they can taste just as delicious as deep-fried versions.

How long do donuts take to cook in an air fryer?

Most donuts take 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer. Flip them halfway for even browning, and check for a golden crust before removing.

Can I use canned biscuit dough to make air fryer donuts?

Yes, canned biscuit dough is a popular shortcut for easy air fryer donuts. Cut out the center to create a ring, then cook at 350°F for 5–6 minutes until puffed and golden.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for donuts?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and helps the donuts rise properly. This step improves texture and reduces overall cook time.