When it comes to making donuts at home, the air fryer has quickly become a game-changer. The Secret to Perfect Air Fryer Glazed Donuts Imagine enjoying warm, soft, and golden donuts without the excess oil and mess of traditional frying. That’s what this Air Fryer Glazed Donuts recipe offers – the indulgent texture and sweetness of a classic donut, all while saving time and calories.
Whether you’re new to using an air fryer or a seasoned pro, these air fryer glazed donuts will be a delightful treat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make fresh donuts in less time than it would take to run to the bakery. Let’s dive into the details of making the perfect air fryer donuts!
Why Choose Air Fryer Donuts Over Traditional Fried Donuts?
The primary benefit of air frying over traditional deep frying is the reduced oil content. Air fryers use hot air to circulate around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for submerging your donuts in oil. This process delivers a light, fluffy texture that rivals deep-fried versions while cutting down on calories and fat.
Another advantage? Less mess. Traditional frying can splatter oil all over the kitchen, but with the air fryer, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience with minimal cleanup.
For anyone who’s hesitant about air frying donuts, rest assured that you won’t miss the deep fryer. These air fryer glazed donuts come incredibly close to what you’d get from your favorite donut shop.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
For the dough:
- 2 cups + 3 tbsp (280g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp (40g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120g) whole milk
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp (1 packet / 7g) dried yeast (active or instant)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3-5 tbsp whole milk (adjust for desired glaze thickness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Key Tips Before You Start
- Yeast Activation: Make sure to activate your yeast properly by mixing it with warm milk and a little sugar. This step is crucial to achieving that light and fluffy texture.
- Flour Type: You can use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but for a slightly denser texture, bread flour can be an option due to its higher protein content.
- Air Fryer Size: Air fryer basket sizes vary. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the donuts in batches.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, egg, melted butter, and yeast. Let the yeast activate for about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 3 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters.
- Place the donuts on parchment paper and brush them with melted butter. Let them rise for an additional 45 minutes.
Air Fry the Donuts:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Once preheated, carefully place the donuts into the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry the donuts at 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired glaze thickness.
Glaze the Donuts:
- Once the donuts are done, dip them into the glaze while they’re still warm. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm (around 110°F or 43°C), not hot, to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
Air Fryer Variations: Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the donuts and check for golden-brown color. Some air fryers may need a minute or two more, while others may cook faster.
Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Instead of a glaze, you can toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or even add sprinkles for extra fun!
Make Ahead: If you want to prepare the donuts in advance, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Let it thaw and complete the second rise before air frying.
Storage: Fresh donuts are best enjoyed on the day they’re made. However, you can store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month.
Nutritional Facts (Per Donut, Glazed)
| Nutrient | Per Donut (Glazed) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin D | 1mcg |
| Calcium | 20mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
| Potassium | 80mg |
How to Make the Perfect Glaze for Your Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Nutmeg gives these donuts that classic flavor, so don’t skip it!
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: warm milk, egg, melted butter, and yeast. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, as water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is combined. You can use a spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this process. Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a clean work surface or in the mixer on low speed until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing that soft, airy texture.
Once your dough is ready, place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set it in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours. The dough should double in size.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
After your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1-inch thickness. The key here is to avoid rolling it too thin, as you want your donuts to be nice and thick.
Now, cut out the donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters—one large and one small. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can also use a glass for the large circle and a smaller cap for the hole in the middle. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until you have enough donuts.
Step 3: Let the Donuts Rise Again
Place the shaped donuts on a piece of parchment paper. Brush each donut with a thin layer of melted butter to help them brown during air frying. Cover them loosely with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 45 minutes. This step helps to achieve that light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts
While the donuts are rising, it’s time to preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Preheating ensures that the donuts cook evenly once placed inside.
After the air fryer has preheated, gently place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the donuts at 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Now, let’s talk about the glaze. The glaze is what takes these donuts from good to out-of-this-world delicious. The right glaze will complement the light, fluffy texture of the donuts without overpowering them. Here’s how you make it:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Start with 3 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. If you like a thinner glaze, add more milk; for a thicker glaze, use less.
- Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Now your glaze is ready to take these donuts to the next level!
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts
Once your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for just a minute or two. While they’re still warm, dip each donut into the glaze, making sure it’s fully coated. If you prefer a thicker layer of glaze, you can re-dip them after the first coat sets.
For the perfect finish, allow the glaze to set for a couple of minutes. This will help it firm up and form a lovely, glossy coating over the donuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even top them with sprinkles or shredded coconut to add some extra texture and flavor.
Optional: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Not in the mood for glaze? No worries! After removing the donuts from the air fryer, you can brush them with a bit of melted butter and then quickly toss them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm butter will help the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts, giving them a sweet, spiced finish.
To make the cinnamon sugar:
- Combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Mix until well combined and toss your air-fried donuts in the mixture while they’re still warm.
This gives your donuts a more rustic, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
Tips for Success
The Perfect Texture
For soft, fluffy donuts, make sure your dough has enough time to rise properly. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by placing the bowl in a warm area, such as near a stove or in the oven with just the light on. The dough should double in size before moving on to the next step.
Don’t Skip the Butter
Brushing the donuts with melted butter before air frying is crucial for getting that golden, slightly crispy exterior. It also helps the glaze or cinnamon sugar to stick properly. A light, even coating of butter will give you the best results.
Keep an Eye on the Time
Air fryers vary in cooking times based on model and size. While 3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) is typically perfect, you may need to adjust this depending on your air fryer’s power. Don’t hesitate to check the donuts during the cooking process. They should be golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
Storing Your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
While air fryer glazed donuts are best enjoyed fresh, sometimes you might want to make a batch ahead of time or store leftovers for later. Here’s how:
- Once cooled, store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- To refresh donuts that have cooled, simply pop them in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for about 1-2 minutes to warm them up and restore some of the crispiness.
Freezing Donuts for Later
If you have a large batch of donuts or simply want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Here’s how:
- Allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in a ziplock bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry the frozen donuts at 180°C (350°F) for about 3-4 minutes to reheat.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
These air fryer glazed donuts are a perfect combination of texture and flavor. The air fryer method gives you the crispy, golden exterior of deep-fried donuts, while the soft, pillowy interior remains light and fluffy. Add a sweet glaze or a dash of cinnamon sugar, and you have a treat that’s just as indulgent as anything you’d find in a bakery.
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a weekend treat, or as part of a special occasion, these donuts are sure to impress.
FAQS on Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
Can You Put a Glazed Donut in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely put a glazed donut in the air fryer! In fact, using the air fryer for glazing donuts is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying. If you’re reheating a store-bought glazed donut, simply place it in the air fryer basket for a minute or two at 160°C (320°F) to warm it up. For homemade donuts, follow the steps in the recipe, and be sure to dip them in the glaze after air frying for the perfect finish.
Can You Fry Donuts in an Air Fryer?
While you can’t technically “fry” donuts in an air fryer, you can Air Fryer Glazed Donuts for a similar result. Air frying allows you to get a crispy exterior and a soft interior without the oil and mess of deep frying. The donuts come out golden and fluffy, mimicking the texture of traditional fried donuts but with far less fat and calories. For best results, brush the donuts with butter before air frying.
Can You Air Fry Krispy Kreme Donuts?
Yes, you can air fry Krispy Kreme donuts! If you have pre-packaged Krispy Kreme donuts, you can reheat them in the air fryer to enjoy them warm. Preheat the air fryer to around 160°C (320°F) and air fry for about 1-2 minutes to get them warm and slightly crispy on the outside. This gives you that fresh-baked taste without needing to go to the store.
Can You Make Vegan Donuts in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! You can make vegan donuts in an air fryer with just a few substitutions. Swap dairy milk for plant-based milk, use a flax egg or other egg replacer, and substitute the butter with a vegan butter or oil. The air fryer works just as well for vegan donuts, giving you a light, fluffy result with a crispy exterior.
How Do You Keep Donuts Fresh After Air Frying?
To keep your air fried donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the donuts. Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a ziplock bag or an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
