Can You Make Doughnuts in an Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can make delicious, golden doughnuts in an air fryer—no deep frying required! This easy method cuts down on oil and cleanup while delivering crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside treats in under 15 minutes, making it a game-changer for quick homemade desserts.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers make crispy, fluffy doughnuts quickly with less oil.
• Prep is simple: Use store-bought or homemade dough for effortless air-fried treats.
• No deep frying: Achieve golden results with minimal oil—healthier and mess-free.
• Customize easily: Glaze, sugar, or spice your doughnuts post-cooking for endless variety.
• Timing matters: Cook in batches at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Clean quickly: Air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Can You Make Doughnuts in an Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Method

Let’s be honest—there’s something magical about a warm, fluffy doughnut. Whether it’s the smell of cinnamon sugar, the soft give of a yeast-raised bite, or the crisp glaze melting on your tongue, doughnuts are pure comfort food. But here’s the catch: traditional frying can be messy, time-consuming, and a little intimidating. That’s where your air fryer comes in. Yes, you read that right. Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s easier than you think.

I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical. Could an air fryer really replicate the golden, tender texture of a classic doughnut without a vat of hot oil? I grabbed a batch of store-bought biscuit dough (yes, the kind from the can), dusted off my air fryer, and gave it a shot. In under 15 minutes, I had six perfectly golden, puffed-up rings that tasted just like the real deal—minus the greasy aftermath. Since then, I’ve experimented with everything from scratch-made yeast doughnuts to chocolate-glazed wonders. And now, I’m sharing my hard-earned tips, tricks, and even a few mistakes so you can skip the guesswork.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Doughnuts?

Healthier Without Sacrificing Flavor

Let’s start with the big win: air fryer doughnuts are significantly lighter than their deep-fried cousins. Instead of submerging dough in oil, the air fryer uses rapid hot air to crisp the outside while keeping the inside soft and airy. A typical deep-fried doughnut can have 200–300 calories and 12–18g of fat. In contrast, an air-fried version using minimal oil (or none at all) cuts fat by up to 70%. That’s not just a win for your waistline—it’s a win for your taste buds too. The result? A lighter, less greasy bite that still delivers that satisfying crunch.

Less Mess, More Convenience

Ever tried frying doughnuts at home? The splatter, the smoke, the lingering smell of oil in your kitchen—it’s a hassle. With an air fryer, you skip the oil entirely (or use a light spray). No splatter. No stovetop cleanup. Just pop your doughnuts in the basket, set the timer, and walk away. Plus, air fryers heat up faster than ovens and use less energy. For a quick weekend treat or a surprise breakfast, it’s a game-changer.

Perfect for Small Batches

Love fresh doughnuts but hate making a dozen at a time? Air fryers are ideal for small batches. Most models fit 4–6 doughnuts at once, so you can make just enough for your family (or yourself—no judgment). And if you’re craving a single midnight snack, you can even cook one doughnut in under 10 minutes.

Choosing the Right Dough: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Store-Bought Shortcuts (Yes, Really!)

Don’t have time to make dough from scratch? No problem. Store-bought biscuit dough is a secret weapon for air fryer doughnuts. Here’s how it works:

• Refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g., Pillsbury Grands): Pop open the can, separate the biscuits, and use a small round cutter (or a clean bottle cap) to cut a hole in the center. You’ll get classic ring doughnuts in minutes.
• Crescent roll dough: Roll out the dough, slice into strips, and twist into knots or braid for fun shapes. These cook faster and are great for cinnamon-sugar varieties.
• Frozen dough balls: Some brands sell frozen yeast dough balls. Thaw them slightly, then air fry—perfect for yeast-style doughnuts without the rise time.

Pro tip: Spray the dough lightly with oil before air frying. It helps achieve a golden crust without drying out the inside.

Homemade Dough: The DIY Advantage

If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough lets you control the flavor, texture, and ingredients. Here are two popular options:

• Yeast doughnuts: Light, fluffy, and slightly chewy. They require a longer rise (1–2 hours) but are worth it for that classic bakery feel. Use a simple recipe with flour, sugar, yeast, milk, and butter.
• Baking powder doughnuts: Quicker to make, with a cake-like texture. Great for chocolate or spice-flavored varieties. These don’t need rising—just mix, roll, and cut.

My favorite hack: Use a biscuit cutter or mason jar lid to punch holes in homemade dough. For mini doughnuts, roll the dough into balls and skip the hole—they cook even faster!

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Air fryer doughnuts aren’t just for traditional eaters. You can adapt most recipes for dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for elasticity.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and butter. Coconut oil works great for a golden finish.

Step-by-Step: How to Air Fry Doughnuts

Prep Your Air Fryer

First things first: preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a crisp crust. While it heats, line the basket with parchment paper (or a silicone liner) to prevent sticking. If you don’t have one, lightly spray the basket with oil—just don’t overdo it, or the doughnuts may become soggy.

Shape and Season the Dough

Now for the fun part! Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade dough, follow these steps:

1. Roll or flatten: Aim for ½-inch thickness. Too thin? They’ll crisp up like cookies. Too thick? They may stay doughy inside.
2. Cut shapes: Rings, knots, or balls—your call. For rings, use a 1-inch cutter for the hole. For mini doughnuts, roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Add flavor: Brush with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar. For a savory twist, try garlic-herb or parmesan.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Here’s the magic formula:

• Biscuit dough rings: 5–7 minutes at 350°F. Flip halfway for even browning.
• Yeast doughnuts: 8–10 minutes at 350°F. Flip once. They’ll double in size—so leave space between them!
• Mini doughnuts (balls): 4–5 minutes. No need to flip.

Watch closely: Air fryers vary in power. If your doughnuts brown too fast, lower the temp to 325°F. If they’re pale, add 1–2 minutes.

Glazing and Finishing Touches

Once golden, transfer the doughnuts to a wire rack. Here’s where the real fun begins:

• Glaze: Dip warm doughnuts in a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla). For chocolate, add cocoa powder.
• Sprinkles: Add while the glaze is wet, or they won’t stick.
• Fillings: For jelly or custard, use a piping bag to inject the filling into the side after cooling.

Pro tip: Let glazed doughnuts set for 5–10 minutes before serving. This prevents a sticky mess!

Flavor Ideas and Customization

Classic Favorites

Start with these crowd-pleasers:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Melt 2 tbsp butter, brush on doughnuts, then toss in ½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Vanilla Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + 1 tsp vanilla. Drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
• Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the vanilla glaze. Top with chocolate chips or crushed nuts.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try these ideas:

• Lemon Blueberry: Add lemon zest to the dough and top with a lemon glaze. Press fresh blueberries into the glaze.
• Maple Bacon: Brush with maple syrup, then crumble cooked bacon on top.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the dough. Glaze with cream cheese frosting.
• Matcha Green Tea: Add matcha powder to the dough or glaze. Dust with coconut flakes.

Savory Surprises

Who says doughnuts have to be sweet? Try:

• Cheese & Chive: Mix shredded cheddar and dried chives into the dough. Brush with garlic butter.
• Everything Bagel: Roll in an “everything” seasoning blend (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic).
• Jalapeño Cheddar: Fold diced jalapeños and cheddar into the dough. Great with a spicy ranch dip.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Doughnuts Are Too Dry or Dense

Cause: Overcooking or too much flour in the dough.

Fix:

• Check your air fryer’s temperature. Older models may run hot—use an oven thermometer to verify.
• Reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes. Doughnuts continue to cook slightly after removal.
• Add moisture to the dough: Replace water with milk or add 1 tbsp oil/butter per cup of flour.

Doughnuts Stick to the Basket

Cause: Not enough oil or no liner.

Fix:

• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner. They’re reusable and make cleanup a breeze.
• Spray the basket with oil *before* adding dough. A light mist is enough.
• Wait 2–3 minutes after cooking before removing. The doughnuts firm up as they cool.

Uneven Cooking or Pale Spots

Cause: Crowded basket or not flipping.

Fix:

• Leave ½ inch between doughnuts. Air needs to circulate!
• Flip halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning.
• Rotate the basket 180° halfway (if your air fryer has hot spots).

Glaze Melts Off

Cause: Doughnuts are too hot when glazed.

Fix: Let them cool for 5 minutes. The glaze will set better and stay put.

Air Fryer Doughnut Success: A Quick Reference Table

Dough Type	Prep Time	Cook Time	Temp	Tips
Biscuit dough (rings)	5 min	5–7 min	350°F	Flip halfway; brush with butter before seasoning
Yeast dough (rings)	1–2 hr rise	8–10 min	350°F	Leave space; they’ll expand
Mini doughnuts (balls)	10 min	4–5 min	350°F	No flip needed; great for kids
Gluten-free dough	15 min	6–8 min	325°F	Add xanthan gum; check for dryness
Vegan dough	15 min	7–9 min	350°F	Use coconut oil for browning

Final Thoughts: Yes, You *Can* Make Air Fryer Doughnuts—And They’re Amazing

So, can you make doughnuts in an air fryer? Absolutely. Not only is it possible, but it’s also faster, cleaner, and healthier than traditional frying. Whether you’re using a can of biscuits for a 10-minute treat or crafting a batch of homemade yeast doughnuts, the air fryer delivers golden, fluffy results with minimal effort. And the best part? You can customize them endlessly—sweet, savory, gluten-free, vegan—the sky’s the limit.

But let’s keep it real: Air fryer doughnuts aren’t *exactly* the same as deep-fried ones. They’re lighter, less greasy, and sometimes slightly less crisp. But that’s not a flaw—it’s a feature. They’re a modern twist on a classic favorite, perfect for busy mornings, last-minute cravings, or impressing your family with a homemade treat.

My advice? Start simple. Grab a can of biscuit dough, cut out some rings, and give it a try. Once you nail the basics, experiment with flavors, glazes, and fillings. You might just discover your new favorite way to make doughnuts—no deep fryer required. And hey, if you mess up? That’s okay. Even my first batch had a lopsided doughnut or two. The important thing is to have fun, get creative, and enjoy the process. After all, the best part of cooking is the joy of sharing something delicious. Happy air frying! 🍩

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make delicious doughnuts in an air fryer! This method uses less oil than traditional frying, resulting in a lighter, healthier treat with a crispy exterior.

What type of doughnuts work best in an air fryer?

Homemade doughnuts using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder work best. You can also use canned biscuit dough for a quick, no-fail option—just cut out the centers to create classic ring doughnuts.

How long do you air fry doughnuts for?

Most air fryer doughnuts cook in 6–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Flip them halfway through for even browning, and check for golden color to avoid overcooking.

Do air fryer doughnuts taste as good as fried ones?

While air fryer doughnuts are less greasy, they still deliver a satisfying crisp texture and fluffy interior. With the right glaze or cinnamon sugar coating, they’re just as tasty as deep-fried versions.

Can you use a cake mix to make air fryer doughnuts?

Absolutely! A boxed cake mix can be combined with egg, oil, and a bit of water to create easy batter-based doughnuts. Pour into doughnut molds or shape by hand for perfect air fryer results.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for doughnuts?

Preheating for 2–3 minutes ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior. While not always required, it helps achieve a more consistent texture, especially when making doughnuts in an air fryer for the first time.