Donut Recipe for Air Fryer: Crispy, Fast & Oil-Free Treat

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

My First Air Fryer Donut Experiment

I still remember the day I first tried making an air fryer donut. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and I had a serious donut craving but no desire to pull out the deep fryer. Instead, I grabbed a tube of biscuit dough, preheated my air fryer, and hoped for the best. That simple shortcut led to something incredible, crisp on the outside, soft inside, and ready in under 10 minutes. This donut recipe for the air fryer was a game-changer. Even my kids thought they were better than the bakery. It reminded me of when I tested these cottage cheese bagels, just as simple, just as satisfying. Like with those, once you try these donuts, there’s no turning back.

You’ll find the same joy in other quick favorites like our almond flour and cottage cheese bagels, simple, smart, and made for busy people who love real food.

What you need to make air fryer donuts

The beauty of a solid donut recipe for the air fryer lies in the fact that you don’t need much. You can go with biscuit dough for ultra-easy prep, or whip up a yeast-free dough if you’re feeling more hands-on. For beginners, start with one can of flaky biscuit dough, melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and your air fryer. That’s it.

Want to make your dough? Mix 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Stir into a sticky dough, shape into rings, and air fry away. While it’s not the classic yeast donut texture, the air fryer makes them crisp outside and pillowy inside, without a single drop of oil.

Before cooking, spray the basket lightly with oil to avoid sticking. Preheat your air fryer for 3–4 minutes to ensure even cooking. I do this every time, whether I’m making donuts or frozen Brussels sprouts. Set the temperature to 350°F, and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For those interested in tweaking recipes for health, check out our pink salt weight loss recipe. It pairs great with a fresh donut morning.

Sweet Styles – Filled or Classic Coated

Once you’ve got your base donut recipe for air fryer, the fun really starts. The easiest version? Cinnamon sugar. While the donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and toss in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. The coating sticks like magic, giving that classic donut-shop finish with zero frying involved.

But what if you’re craving something creamier? Filled donuts are totally doable in the air fryer too. Start with pre-made dough or biscuit rounds, flatten each slightly, and add a spoonful of jam, custard, or Nutella to the center. Fold over, pinch the seams, and air fry seam-side down. After 7–8 minutes at 350°F, you’ll bite into warm, gooey goodness.

If you’re into easy bakes that punch above their weight, revisit our almond flour and cottage cheese bagel recipe. It’s another great example of how air fryers can handle surprisingly indulgent textures with minimal effort.

Bonus tip: sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over your air-fried donuts for bakery-level presentation, no yeast, no deep frying, no mess. Just like with cottage cheese bagels, you’ll feel like a kitchen genius

Air Fry vs. Bake vs. Deep Fry

Why air frying wins on taste, time, and cleanup

When it comes to making donuts, the three main methods deep frying, oven baking, and air frying, each have their pros. But after dozens of tests, I’ll say it: air frying wins for everyday use. A good donut recipe for air fryer delivers the golden crust and soft interior we crave, without the splatter, smell, or cleanup of hot oil.

Baked donuts are a little healthier, sure. But they tend to come out dry unless you add lots of oil or glaze. Deep-fried ones? Delicious, but they leave your kitchen smelling like a fast-food joint and your sink full of greasy dishes.

With air frying, you get that satisfying crisp edge and moist bite in just 6–8 minutes. It’s also more energy efficient, especially when you’re only making a small batch. That’s the kind of kitchen win I aim for, just like with our how to air fry frozen Brussels sprouts or the pink salt weight loss recipe, it’s all about getting big flavor with minimal fuss.

So next time the donut craving hits, skip the oil and heat up the air fryer. It’s faster, cleaner, and surprisingly crave-worthy.

FAQ’s

Are donuts good in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fryer donuts are light, crisp, and golden without the grease. They cook quickly, and you can customize them easily with toppings or fillings.

Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer without yeast?

Absolutely. Many recipes use baking powder or Greek yogurt for lift instead of yeast. The texture is slightly cakier, but still soft and satisfying.

How to make donuts in air fryer BBC Good Food?

BBC Good Food recommends using biscuit dough or quick-mix batters. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes, then coat in sugar or glaze.

Is it better to bake or fry doughnuts?

Deep frying delivers classic texture, but air frying is a healthier, faster, and less messy alternative. Baked donuts can work but may dry out without extra fat.

Conclusion

You don’t need yeast or a deep fryer to enjoy a great donut at home. This donut recipe for the air fryer proves that crispy, gooey, and golden perfection is possible in under 10 minutes, without the mess. Whether you’re using canned dough or a homemade mix, the air fryer gives you bakery vibes with weekday simplicity. Want more no-fuss ideas like this? Explore our homepage for kitchen wins that taste like cheat days but fit your routine.