Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts Recipe: 7 Steps to Blissful Treats

July 23, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Air fryer recipes have taken the cooking world by storm, haven’t they? I mean, who doesn’t want to whip up something delicious while cutting down on cooking time and mess? That’s why I’m so excited to share my air fryer chocolate donuts recipe! These donuts are not just easy to make; they’re downright dreamy with a rich chocolate flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Seriously, they’re like little bites of happiness!

Let me tell you, the first time I made these, I was just playing around with my new air fryer, thinking it was high time I made something sweet. I had some cocoa powder and a craving for donuts, so I threw together a few ingredients and popped them in. When those beauties came out—golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—I was hooked! The aroma filled my kitchen, and I could barely wait for them to cool before devouring one. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—gathering our ingredients! You’ll find that this list is super straightforward, and I bet you might already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base for our donuts, giving them that lovely structure.
1/2 cup cocoa powder – This is where the magic happens! It adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.
1/2 cup sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the cocoa.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This helps our donuts rise and get that nice fluffy texture.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – A little extra lift for the perfect donut consistency.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1/2 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang that makes these donuts oh-so-tender.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – For added richness and moisture. You can also use melted butter if you prefer.
1 large egg – This helps bind everything together and gives the donuts a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because everything’s better with a hint of vanilla, right?

Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, we’ll be all set to make these delicious chocolate donuts come to life! It’s going to be a breeze, I promise!

How to Prepare the Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful air fryer chocolate donuts! I promise it’s super simple and so much fun. Just follow my lead, and you’ll have a batch of warm, chocolatey goodness in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: First things first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our donuts to cook evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is super important to avoid any clumps of cocoa that could ruin your donut experience!
Whisk the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined nicely—this will add moisture and flavor to our donuts.
Combine wet and dry: Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Don’t overmix—just stir until everything is combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely don’t want that.
Prepare your donut molds: Grab your donut molds (silicone ones work great!) and transfer the batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag—just cut off one corner! This makes filling the molds so much easier and cleaner.
Fill the molds: Carefully fill each donut mold, making sure not to overfill them. You want to leave a little room for the donuts to rise while cooking. About halfway full is perfect!
Air fry the donuts: Place the filled molds into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 6-minute mark—every air fryer is a bit different, and you want them to be just set and fluffy. If they look slightly underdone, it’s better to check every minute until they’re ready.
Cool and remove: Once they’re done, carefully remove the molds from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently pop the donuts out of the molds. Oops! They might be a little delicate, so handle them with care. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before glazing or enjoying!

And there you have it! A simple, straightforward process to make these scrumptious air fryer chocolate donuts. I can already smell the chocolate wafting through your kitchen! Get ready to indulge in something truly special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: You can whip up these donuts in just about 15 minutes of prep time! Perfect for those sudden cravings or breakfast on the go!
Easy cooking: The air fryer makes cooking a breeze! No deep frying mess, and you can enjoy the same deliciousness with less oil.
Deliciously chocolatey: These donuts are rich in chocolate flavor, making them a delightful treat for chocolate lovers like me!
Light and fluffy: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get that perfect fluffy texture without the heaviness of traditional fried donuts.
Customizable: You can easily dress them up with your favorite glazes or toppings, making them special for any occasion!
Healthier option: With less oil and easy substitutions, you can enjoy these indulgent treats without too much guilt.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family brunch or a sweet snack for your friends, these donuts are sure to impress!

Tips for Success

Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your air fryer chocolate donuts turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way that will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you’re celebrating sweet success:

Measure carefully: Baking is a bit of a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the flour and cocoa powder—trust me, it makes a difference!
Mix gently: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, remember to fold them together gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and we want them light and airy, not tough!
Check your air fryer: Every air fryer operates a little differently, so keep an eye on your donuts as they cook. Start checking around the 6-minute mark and adjust the time as needed. You want them to be just set, not overcooked.
Don’t rush the cooling: I know the smell is tempting, but let those donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them from the molds. This helps them firm up a bit, making them less likely to break apart.
Use silicone molds: If you can, go for silicone donut molds. They make it so much easier to pop the donuts out without any sticking or tearing. Plus, they’re super easy to clean!
Glazing and toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s a simple glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, don’t hesitate to get a little fancy. Just make sure to glaze them after they’ve cooled for the best results.
Store properly: If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days, but I know they’ll disappear quickly!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to make the best air fryer chocolate donuts ever! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

Variations on the Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts Recipe

Now, if you’re anything like me, you love a good recipe that you can play around with! These air fryer chocolate donuts are super versatile, and I’m thrilled to share some delicious variations you can try to mix things up a bit. Get ready to unleash your creativity!

Glazed Donuts: For a classic touch, whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle it over the cooled donuts for extra sweetness!
Chocolate Glaze: Melt some chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream to create a rich chocolate glaze that takes these donuts to a whole new level of decadence.
Sprinkles Galore: After glazing, go wild with colorful sprinkles! It’s a surefire way to make them festive, especially for kids’ parties or celebrations.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in some creamy peanut butter into the batter for a delightful peanut butter chocolate combo. You can also drizzle some on top for the ultimate treat!
Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor. Top with crushed peppermint candies for a fun, festive look!
Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top of your donuts before they cool for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Fold in some fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries into the batter for a fruity twist. The berries add a lovely tartness that complements the chocolate perfectly!
Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the batter for a warm, spicy kick that’ll surprise and delight your taste buds!
Coconut Delight: Top your donuts with shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. A coconut glaze could also be a fun addition!

With these variations, you can keep things exciting and make each batch of air fryer chocolate donuts uniquely yours! I can’t wait to hear which ones you try first! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Okay, so let’s talk about how to keep those delightful air fryer chocolate donuts fresh and tasty! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite, so proper storage is key.

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it—these donuts are quite addictive!), just pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. However, if you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid any sogginess!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a little tip to ensure those donuts regain their deliciousness. If you want to warm them up, simply place them in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This will help them fluff up again and make them taste just like they came out fresh from the fryer! You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it or they might get a bit tough.

So, whether you’re saving some for later or indulging again, these storage and reheating tips will keep your air fryer chocolate donuts delightful and ready to enjoy! Happy munching!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick heads up, my friends! The nutritional information for these air fryer chocolate donuts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some estimated values, always remember that your actual numbers might differ a bit. Here’s a rough breakdown per donut:

Calories: Approximately 150
Fat: About 6g
Protein: Around 2g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g

These values are just estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Enjoy these delightful treats while keeping your dietary needs in mind—happy baking and munching!

FAQ About Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts

Got questions about making these air fryer chocolate donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my answers to help you on your donut-making journey:

Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for these donuts, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit, but it can still be delicious!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem at all! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with yogurt or even regular milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Just let it sit for a few minutes before using it.

How can I tell when the donuts are done?
Great question! You’ll know the donuts are done when they look fluffy and slightly set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before piping it into the molds. Freshly cooked donuts are always the best, though—trust me!

What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can go classic with a simple glaze or sprinkle them with powdered sugar. For a richer treat, try a chocolate glaze or even a peanut butter drizzle. Don’t forget colorful sprinkles for a fun twist!

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident as you embark on your air fryer chocolate donut adventure. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

air fryer chocolate donuts recipe - detail 1

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.