There’s just something magical about homemade donuts, isn’t there? The warmth, the aroma, and that first bite—pure bliss! I remember spending lazy Sunday mornings with my family, the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of frying donuts. But let’s be honest, traditional frying can be a bit of a hassle, and who has time for that? That’s where my easy air fryer donuts recipe comes in! It takes all the joy of making donuts and simplifies it into a quick and delightful experience. In just about 16 minutes, you can whip up a batch of fluffy, golden-brown donuts that taste just as good as the ones from the bakery—minus the mess and the oil! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating those soft, scrumptious donuts! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your donuts, giving them that lovely structure.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This helps the donuts rise, giving them that fluffy texture we all love.
- 1/2 tsp salt: A little pinch to enhance all the other flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite dairy alternative.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together and adds a rich taste.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Trust me, this adds a lovely richness and keeps the donuts moist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that makes everything better!
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go, so you can mix and bake without any hiccups. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Now, let’s dive into making these delightful donuts! It’s really straightforward and super fun—promise! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy donuts in no time.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the donuts cook evenly and gives them that perfect golden-brown finish. So, while that’s heating up, you can get the rest of your ingredients ready!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk them together until they’re well blended—this gives the donuts a nice, even texture. Make sure there are no lumps; we want a smooth base for our batter!
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, it’s time to whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. You want that lovely, creamy texture that will bring your donuts to life! Once it’s all combined, pour this mixture into your dry ingredients bowl and gently fold everything together until you have a smooth batter. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Fill the Donut Mold
Now, here’s a little tip: using a piping bag can make filling your donut mold a breeze! If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well. First, grease your donut mold to ensure the donuts pop out easily after cooking. Then, fill each cavity with the batter, about three-quarters full to allow for rising. You want fluffy donuts, not overflowing ones!
Air Fry the Donuts
Carefully place the filled mold in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook those beauties for about 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Wow, the smell will be amazing!
Cool and Serve
Once they’re done cooking, let the donuts cool in the mold for a few minutes before gently removing them. They’re delicate and will need a moment to set. After they’ve cooled down a bit, you can serve them warm—maybe sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite glaze. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Tips for Success
Ready to elevate your donut game? Here are some pro tips to ensure your air fryer donuts turn out perfectly every time!
- Don’t skip the preheating: It might seem like a small step, but preheating your air fryer really makes a difference in achieving that nice, even cook. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes!
- Check for doneness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your donuts as they cook. If they look golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to go!
- Experiment with toppings: This is where the fun begins! Try drizzling chocolate glaze, rolling them in cinnamon sugar, or topping with sprinkles. The options are endless, and it’s a great way to mix things up!
- Use silicone molds: If you can, invest in silicone donut molds. They make it super easy to remove the donuts and keep their shape intact. Plus, they’re reusable—win-win!
- Don’t overcrowd: If you’re making a big batch, cook them in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking, and nobody wants a half-baked donut!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious, air-fried donuts ever! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful air fryer donuts, it’s always good to know what you’re getting! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content for one donut:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while this gives you a good overview, it’s not an exact science! Enjoy these treats guilt-free and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your donuts a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Just keep in mind that they might be denser than those made with all-purpose flour, so adjust your expectations accordingly!
What if I don’t have a donut mold?
No worries! You can use muffin tins or even make donut holes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller treats will cook faster. Just keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test!
How do I store leftover donuts?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I doubt 😉), just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to two months—just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the batter fresh for the fluffiest donuts, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Give it a gentle stir before filling your mold!
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, this is the fun part! You can go classic with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, or get fancy with chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even a maple syrup drizzle. Don’t hesitate to get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 16 minutes from start to finish, you can have warm donuts ready to enjoy in no time!
- Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. Who doesn’t love that?
- Deliciously Fluffy: These donuts come out soft, moist, and perfectly fluffy—just like a bakery treat!
- Customizable: The base recipe is super versatile. You can try different toppings or even mix in flavors to make them your own!
- Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen with this simple recipe, making it a fun activity for everyone!
- Less Mess: Say goodbye to deep frying and all the splatters. Just pop the mold in the air fryer and you’re good to go!
Trust me, once you make these air fryer donuts, you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little sweetness in your day.
Easy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: 16 Minutes to Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick recipe for making delicious donuts in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Spoon the batter into a greased donut mold.
- Place the mold in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before removing from the mold.
Notes
- Use a piping bag for easier filling of the donut mold.
- Experiment with toppings like glaze or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy air fryer donuts recipe