Air Fryer Donuts
These Air Fryer Donuts use soft yeast dough, melted butter, and a smooth vanilla glaze for a golden outside and tender center. They are a cozy homemade breakfast or brunch treat with less oil than deep frying.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Donut cutter
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk lukewarm, about 100°F
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed for rolling
- oil spray coconut oil spray works well
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water or as needed
Instructions
- Stir lukewarm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar and yeast, then let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll the dough about 1/2 inch thick, cut into donut shapes, and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 2-3 minutes and lightly spray the basket and donut tops.
- Air fry donuts in a single layer for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until puffed and lightly golden.
- Whisk melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and hot water into a smooth glaze, then dip warm donuts and set on a rack.
Notes
Storage: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days if needed.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw before warming, then glaze after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating: Reheat unglazed donuts in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Glazed leftovers can be warmed briefly, but the glaze may soften.
Air Fryer Tips: Preheat the basket, leave space between donuts, and check the first batch early because raised dough can brown quickly.
Extra Crispy Tips: Use a light oil spray and flip halfway for even color. Add only 30-60 seconds at a time if you want a deeper golden finish.
Variations: Try cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, maple glaze, sprinkles, donut holes, or filled-style rounds made without the center hole.