Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve got to try these easy air fryer donuts! I’m telling you, they’re a game-changer. Imagine fluffy, warm donuts that come together in no time and don’t require deep frying—yes, please! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! The air fryer makes them so light and airy, and you can customize them with your favorite glazes or toppings. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
For these easy air fryer donuts, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your donuts, giving them that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to make these donuts irresistible!
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the donuts rise and become nice and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is best for a rich flavor, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Just a little bit of melted butter adds richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is the magic ingredient that makes your donuts smell and taste fantastic!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating something delicious! It’s so easy and fun, you’ll want to make them again and again.
How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful easy air fryer donuts! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to donut heaven in no time.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your donuts cook evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. Just set the timer for about 5 minutes while you mix everything together!
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which is key for those lovely rising donuts!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well mixed, and you’re looking for a smooth, slightly frothy texture. This combination adds moisture and flavor, making your donuts irresistibly delicious!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter, but a few lumps are totally okay! If it seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach a nice, pourable consistency.
Fill the Donut Mold
Grab your donut mold (I love using a silicone one for easy removal) and fill each cavity about halfway with the batter. It’s best to use a piping bag or a spoon for this—just avoid overfilling, or they won’t have that perfect donut shape!
Cook the Donuts
Place the filled mold into your preheated air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Cool and Glaze
Once they’re done, carefully remove the mold and let the donuts cool for a few minutes. This is the perfect time to prepare any glazes or toppings you want. You can dip them in chocolate, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or even drizzle them with a simple glaze. The options are endless, and trust me, you’ll want to enjoy them warm!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these easy air fryer donuts, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use and the exact measurements, so consider this an estimate. Here’s a breakdown for one delicious donut:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 3g
So, there you have it! Enjoy these delightful treats without too much guilt, and remember to savor every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy air fryer donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the preheating—this step is crucial for that fluffy texture we all love. Also, be gentle when mixing your batter; overmixing can lead to dense donuts. If you’re using a silicone mold, make sure it’s well greased for easy removal, or else you might end up with a donut disaster! And hey, if you want to get creative, feel free to add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor boost. Lastly, enjoy them fresh out of the fryer for the best taste—there’s nothing quite like a warm donut in your hand!
Variations on Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Now, let’s get a little creative with these easy air fryer donuts! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so feel free to mix things up. For a chocolate version, simply add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients, and maybe even fold in some chocolate chips for that extra indulgence. If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, try adding a mashed banana or some apple sauce to the wet mixture for a delicious twist!
Feeling adventurous? How about a maple glaze? Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and a bit of milk for a sweet topping that complements the donuts perfectly. And don’t forget about toppings—sprinkle some crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even colorful sprinkles on top for a fun finish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your favorite flavor combinations!
Serving Suggestions
These easy air fryer donuts are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your experience, consider pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of hot chocolate. They also shine when served alongside fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, for a refreshing contrast. For a special treat, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side—who can resist that combination? Enjoy these delightful donuts any way you like; they’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it might make your donuts a bit denser. You might want to add a splash more milk to keep the batter moist.
How can I store the leftover donuts?
To keep your easy air fryer donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I make these donuts without a mold?
Yes, if you don’t have a donut mold, you can use a muffin tin instead! Just be aware that the shape will be a bit different, but they’ll still taste amazing. Just fill the cups about halfway and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What toppings do you recommend for the donuts?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! You can glaze them with chocolate or vanilla icing, dust them with powdered sugar, or even top them with sprinkles or crushed nuts. Get creative and have fun with your favorites!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just be sure to work in batches if your air fryer can’t fit all the donuts at once. Doubling the recipe is a great way to make enough for sharing (or for yourself!). Enjoy every bite!
Easy Air Fryer Donuts: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer donuts made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fill a donut mold with the batter.
- Place the mold in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove and let cool before glazing or dusting with sugar.
Notes
- Use a silicone mold for easy removal.
- Glaze with chocolate or vanilla as desired.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy air fryer donuts
