Air Fryer Donuts From Scratch-Easy Homemade Treats

Air Fryer Donuts from scratch might sound like a culinary adventure, but I’m here to tell you they are an absolute game-changer for your breakfast or dessert cravings! Forget those store-bought, often-greasy imposters. We’re talking about fluffy, tender rings of pure joy, baked to golden perfection in your air fryer. Why do we all adore donuts? It’s that irresistible combination of sweet dough, often a delightful glaze or topping, and that satisfying chew. But the magic of making air fryer donuts from scratch is in the control you have over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more wholesome treat. Plus, the air fryer delivers a beautiful crispness without the deep-frying fuss, making these homemade delights surprisingly easy to achieve. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these incredible air fryer donuts – they’re about to become your new favorite thing!

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

There’s something undeniably magical about donuts. The fluffy dough, the sweet glaze, that perfect bite – it’s pure joy. While the idea of making donuts from scratch might seem daunting, I’m here to tell you it’s absolutely achievable, and with the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy these warm, homemade treats faster and with less mess than traditional frying. Forget the trip to the bakery; we’re diving headfirst into creating these delightful air fryer donuts right in our own kitchens! Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these with you.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ((add more as needed))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Making the Dough

The journey begins with activating our yeast. In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and 1/4 cup warm milk. It’s important that the liquids are warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Think of it like a comfortable bath temperature for the little guys. Sprinkle the 2¼ teaspoons of dry active yeast over the surface. Add 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar to this mixture. Give it a gentle stir, and then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is alive and kicking when it becomes foamy and bubbly on top. This is called “blooming” and it’s the first sign of success!

Once your yeast is happily frothing, add the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar, the melted unsalted butter, the whole egg, the egg yolk, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Now it’s time for the flour and salt. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the wet yeast mixture. Begin mixing on low speed (or by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough starts to form.

Kneading and Proofing

Continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough seems too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s no longer sticking to your hands or the bowl. The goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough.

Once the dough has come together, it’s time to knead it. If using a stand mixer, increase the speed to medium-low and let it knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by pushing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it over and repeating. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and bounces back when gently poked.

Now, let the dough rise. Lightly grease a clean bowl with cooking spray or a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen (the top of a slightly warmed oven, turned off, is a great spot) and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the magical part where the yeast works its wonders!

Shaping and Air Frying

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. You can either roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a donut cutter (or two different sized round cutters) to create your donuts, or you can divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls for donut holes. For traditional donuts, cut out the centers.

Arrange your shaped donuts and donut holes on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. This makes transferring them to the air fryer so much easier. You can loosely cover them again and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes while your air fryer preheats. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. It’s crucial to preheat for even cooking.

Now, it’s time to air fry! Carefully place a few donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding will steam the donuts instead of crisping them. You’ll likely need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the donuts with cooking spray. Air fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your donuts. Keep a close eye on them as they cook quickly! Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. Remove the cooked donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Glazing the Donuts

While the donuts are cooling a bit, let’s make that luscious glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The corn syrup helps give the glaze a beautiful sheen and a slightly chewy texture.

Once the donuts have cooled enough to handle but are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Alternatively, you can spoon the glaze over the top. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. And there you have it – beautiful, homemade air fryer donuts, ready to be devoured! Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

There you have it – delicious, homemade air fryer donuts made from scratch! This recipe truly is a game-changer, offering a healthier and quicker way to enjoy that beloved donut experience without the deep-frying hassle. The air fryer creates a perfectly tender interior with just the right amount of crispness on the outside, making these donuts incredibly satisfying. They’re ideal for a special weekend brunch, a fun baking project with the kids, or simply a delightful treat to brighten your day. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – think classic glaze, cinnamon sugar, or even a rich chocolate drizzle! I truly encourage you to give this air fryer donuts from scratch recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

While fresh is always best, you can prepare the donut dough a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. For best results, shape and air fry them closer to serving time.

What are some other topping ideas?

Beyond the classics, consider a maple glaze, a lemon zest glaze, a powdered sugar dusting with a hint of nutmeg, or even some chopped nuts for added texture. Sprinkles are always a fun addition for celebrations!

Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch)

Delicious homemade donuts made in the air fryer, with a simple glaze.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
8-10 donuts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2¼ teaspoons dry active yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ((add more as needed))
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2
   Stir in the remaining ⅓ cup granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3
   Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
4. Step 4
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough.
5. Step 5
   Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness and cut out donut shapes. Place donuts on parchment paper lined baking sheets and let them rest for 15 minutes.
6. Step 6
   Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, air fry donuts for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
7. Step 7
   While donuts are cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
8. Step 8
   Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place on a wire rack to set.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.