Easy Homemade Air Fryer Donuts You’ll Love
Introduction: A Fall Morning That Changed My Kitchen
One chilly October morning, the wind howled outside while the scent of cinnamon drifted from a candle in my kitchen. It reminded me of my grandmother’s house warm, cozy, always filled with the smell of fresh donuts. I wanted that feeling again, but without a pot of hot oil on the stove. That’s when I decided to try air fryer donuts.
Within an hour, my kitchen smelled like childhood memories, and the result was a tray of golden, soft, fluffy air fryer donuts that made fall feel complete.
If you’re looking for the perfect autumn breakfast idea, don’t miss our Easy Morning Breakfast On The Go guide to pair with these donuts.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Donuts Are a Fall Classic
When the temperature drops, comfort food becomes essential. Air fryer donuts are the perfect blend of tradition and convenience. Unlike deep-fried donuts, air fryer donuts require minimal oil, cook faster, and are less messy. They’re still soft inside and slightly crisp outside exactly what you want from a donut. For autumn, adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice transforms air fryer donuts into the ultimate seasonal treat.
The History of Donuts and How Air Fryer Donuts Evolved
Donuts have been around for centuries. Early versions were simply fried dough balls sweetened with sugar or honey. By the 19th century, they became ring-shaped and glazed, evolving into the classic donuts we know today. Traditionally, donuts were deep-fried, which made them rich but heavy. Enter modern cooking technology: the air fryer. Suddenly, the beloved donut could be recreated at home with far less oil, less mess, and less guilt. Today, donuts in air fryer represent a bridge between nostalgia and modern wellness trends. They keep the comfort and flavor of classic donuts while offering a lighter alternative.
Soft & Fluffy Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix warm milk with 1 Tbsp sugar and yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5–10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into rings using a donut cutter.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush donuts with oil and place in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry donuts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before adding toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients for Perfect Soft & Fluffy
Essential Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Moisture & Enrichment Ingredients
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp melted butter (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These enrich the dough and keep air fryer donuts soft and fluffy.
Tip: If you like fruity twists, serve them with Easy Air Fried Apples for a cozy fall breakfast spread.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Activate Yeast
Mix warm milk with 1 Tbsp sugar and yeast. Let it sit until bubbly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Combine flour, spices, salt, remaining sugar, egg, butter, and vanilla. Knead until smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover dough and let it rise for about an hour.
Step 4: Shape Donuts
Roll dough to ½ inch thick. Cut into rings with a cutter.
Step 5: Air Fry Donuts
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Brush donuts with oil. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Love cinnamon sugar? Don’t miss our Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll Bites for another sweet fall snack.
Toppings and Glazes
Classic Coatings
- Cinnamon sugar
- Vanilla glaze
Seasonal Variations
- Maple glaze with pecans
- Pumpkin spice glaze
For a hearty fall table, serve alongside Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Donut (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
These numbers make air fryer donuts lighter than deep-fried donuts, which can easily hit 300+ calories.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep air fryer donuts in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reheating: Avoid microwaving this makes donuts in air fryer rubbery. The air fryer revives their softness and slight crisp.
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
Want to make air fryer donuts even lighter? Try these swaps:
- Whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour → adds fiber.
- Coconut sugar instead of white sugar → lower glycemic load.
- Almond milk instead of dairy → lactose-free donuts in air fryer.
- Olive oil brushing instead of butter → heart-healthy fats.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Classic breakfast: Pair air fryer donuts with black coffee or spiced chai.
- Fall brunch spread: Serve with roasted veggies or Air Fryer Fall Pumpkin French Toast.
- Dessert plate: Drizzle with caramel sauce, pair with vanilla ice cream.
Why Choose Air Fryer Donuts Over Deep-Fried?
- Less Oil: A tablespoon of oil is enough, unlike quarts in deep frying.
- Cleaner Kitchen: No splatters, no lingering oil smell.
- Faster & Safer: No risk of hot oil burns.
- Healthier: Lower in calories and fat without sacrificing taste.
Variations of Air Fryer Donuts You’ll Love
- Cream-Filled Donuts: Inject pastry cream after cooking.
- Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Dip in melted chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar Donuts: Dust while still warm.
- Apple Spice Donuts: Mix apple cider into the glaze.
Air Fryer Donuts for Special Occasions
Air fryer donuts aren’t just for breakfast. Serve them as:
- Holiday treats: Glazed with red and green sprinkles.
- Party favors: Pack mini air fryer donuts in boxes for guests.
- Family dessert: Pair with hot cocoa by the fireplace.
Conclusion
Soft, fluffy, golden, and spiced donuts in air fryer are everything you need on a crisp autumn morning. They’re healthier than fried, easier than baked, and more delicious than you’d expect. Glazed, sugared, or plain, donuts in air fryer will win over your family and guests this season. For more cozy breakfast ideas, explore our French Food Recipes Easy to complete your fall mornings.
FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, with a blend designed for baking. The texture will be slightly denser, but gluten-free donuts in air fryer are possible.
Do I need to flip donuts in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning for donuts in air fryer.
Can I bake instead of air frying?
Yes, but baked donuts are less crisp. donuts in air fryer balance softness with light crunch.
How can I make vegan air fryer donuts?
Replace milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and egg with flax egg. Vegan donuts in air fryer taste just as delicious.
Do air fryer donuts taste exactly like fried ones?
They’re slightly lighter, less greasy, but still fluffy and satisfying. Many prefer air fryer donuts because they’re less heavy.
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