Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

These air fryer donuts are soft, tender, lightly sweet, and unbelievably fluffy. They have the texture of classic yeast donuts but are made with a fraction of the oil, which means no greasy mess, no deep fryer, and no lingering smell in your kitchen. Whether you coat them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze them like a donut shop classic, this recipe delivers donuts that feel indulgent while being surprisingly simple to make at home.

This recipe walks you through every step, including dough texture cues, shaping tips, air fryer timing, and troubleshooting—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍩 Soft and fluffy yeast donuts, not dense or cakey
🌬️ Air fried, not deep fried (less oil, less mess)
⏱️ Faster than traditional donuts
🧈 Customizable toppings and flavors
👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Once you make these, they’ll become a weekend tradition.

Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Donuts)

For the Dough

¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
½ teaspoon salt

For Brushing

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing before and after air frying)

For Coating (Choose One or More)

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

Air fryer (basket or oven-style both work)
Mixing bowl
Whisk or wooden spoon
Rolling pin
Donut cutter (or 2 round cutters: one large, one small)
Parchment paper (cut into squares)
Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

👉 If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the milk was too hot or too cold. Don’t skip this check—this step ensures fluffy donuts.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until smooth.

Gradually add the flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks too much, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time—don’t overdo it.

🧠 Texture cue: Press your finger into the dough. It should slowly spring back.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

💡 Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Transfer to a floured surface.

Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donuts.

Place each donut on an individual square of parchment paper. This makes transferring them to the air fryer MUCH easier.

Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut remaining donuts.

Step 5: Second Rise (Important!)

Cover the donuts loosely and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes. They should look puffy and light.

This step is crucial—it’s what gives you that soft, airy interior.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil.

Step 7: Air Fry the Donuts

Carefully place the donuts (with parchment) into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Do not overcrowd.

Gently remove the parchment paper once they’re inside.

Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden.

⏲️ Every air fryer is different—start checking at 4 minutes.

Step 8: Butter Brush + Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm:

Brush generously with melted butter
Roll immediately in your chosen sugar coating

For powdered sugar, let the donuts cool slightly before dusting.

Optional Toppings & Variations

Classic Glaze

Mix:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla

Dip warm donuts and let set.

Chocolate Glaze

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the glaze mixture.

Filled Donuts

Skip the holes. Air fry as rounds, then pipe in jam, Nutella, or vanilla cream.

Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough and coat with cinnamon sugar + drizzle icing.

Storage & Reheating

Best eaten fresh (same day!)
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes
Freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months

Troubleshooting Tips

Donuts are dense:
→ Dough may not have risen enough or was over-floured.

Too dark outside:
→ Lower temperature to 330°F and shorten cooking time.

Dry texture:
→ Overcooked or not enough butter brushing.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer homemade donuts are the kind of recipe that makes people say, “Wait… you MADE these?” They’re soft, golden, and comforting in the best way—perfect with coffee, tea, or just straight off the rack while still warm.