Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup maple syrup

July 22, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted an air fryer maple glazed donut? They’re like little bites of heaven that you can whip up in no time! I remember the first time I made these—my kitchen smelled like a cozy coffee shop, and I couldn’t believe how quick and easy they were. The best part? You get that delightful, fluffy texture without all the frying mess! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep the air fryer busy. The maple glaze is the cherry on top—sweet, sticky, and completely irresistible! So, get ready to impress your family or just treat yourself because these donuts are about to become your new favorite indulgence!

air fryer maple glazed donuts - detail 1

Ingredients for Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful air fryer maple glazed donuts. I promise you, these simple ingredients will work wonders together!

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is your base! You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture might vary a bit.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key! You could use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder – This is what makes your donuts rise and get that fluffy, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors!
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – This adds a warm, cozy spice that perfectly complements the maple flavor.
1/2 cup milk – Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but you can swap it with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
1 large egg – Helps bind everything together; you can use a flax egg if you’re looking for a vegan option.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – For richness! If you want to lighten things up, you can try using applesauce instead.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This just elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
1 cup powdered sugar – Essential for that glossy glaze; make sure to sift it for a smooth finish.
1/4 cup maple syrup – This is where the magic happens! Pure maple syrup is best for that authentic flavor.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be one step closer to donut bliss! Now, let’s get to the fun part—making them!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making these scrumptious donuts! I promise, with each step, you’ll be closer to that delightful moment of taking your first bite.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Now, here’s a little secret: I always sift my dry ingredients together. It makes a world of difference! Sifting not only ensures there are no lumps but also helps incorporate air into the flour, giving your donuts that light and fluffy texture.

Preparing the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure your milk and butter are at room temperature—this helps with emulsification and creates a smoother batter. You’ll want the mixture to be well blended and lovely!

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. You’ll want to stop mixing as soon as there are no dry bits left; overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that! Just a few folds with a spatula should do the trick.

Piping the Donut Batter

For the fun part! Transfer your batter into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). This makes filling your donut molds so much easier and cleaner! Carefully pipe the batter into your greased donut molds, filling them about halfway to allow for rising. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swirl two different batters together for a fun twist!

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that golden brown exterior. Once preheated, place your filled donut molds into the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean—this is your cue!

Glazing the Donuts

After letting the donuts cool slightly, it’s time to glaze! In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of maple syrup until it’s smooth. If you want a thinner glaze, just add a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let them sit for a few minutes to let that gorgeous glaze set before devouring!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—these donuts come together in just about 15 minutes, making them perfect for a spontaneous treat!
Easy cleanup—since we’re using the air fryer, there’s no messy oil splatter to deal with.
Delightful flavor profile—the combination of warm spices and sweet maple glaze is simply irresistible!
Fluffy texture—thanks to the air fryer method, you’ll get that light and airy bite without the extra calories from frying.
Customizable—feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to suit your mood or occasion.
Kid-friendly—these donuts are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great addition to family gatherings!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer maple glazed donuts turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips that I swear by! Follow these, and you’ll be a donut-making pro in no time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better emulsification, resulting in fluffier donuts.
Don’t Overmix: Remember, gentle is the name of the game! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined and you’ll be golden!
Preheat Your Air Fryer: This step is crucial for even cooking. Preheating ensures that your donuts rise beautifully and achieve that perfect golden color.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the donuts. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the air fryer. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time!
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dipping them in the glaze. This helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting off.
Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they last longer (which they probably won’t!), you can refrigerate them, but I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best texture!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make some fabulous donuts that will impress everyone around you. Enjoy the process, and happy frying!

Variations for Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Now that you’ve mastered the classic air fryer maple glazed donuts, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavors and toppings. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try to mix things up and keep your taste buds dancing!

Chocolate Glaze: Swap out the maple syrup in the glaze for melted chocolate or a blend of chocolate and heavy cream for a rich, decadent twist. Simply melt your favorite chocolate, mix in a bit of cream, and dip those donuts for pure chocolate bliss!
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a nostalgic twist, after frying, toss your warm donuts in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. It’s like a cozy hug in donut form!
Apple Cider Donuts: Add 1/2 cup of apple cider to the wet ingredients in place of the milk for a seasonal flavor that’s perfect for fall. You can also sprinkle in a little cinnamon for extra warmth!
Seasonal Sprinkles: Get festive by topping your glazed donuts with seasonal sprinkles—think pastel colors for spring, or spooky designs for Halloween. It’s an easy way to make your treats look extra special for any occasion!
Nutty Toppings: After glazing, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the donut. This adds a wonderful texture contrast!
Fruit Glaze: Mix in pureed fruit like strawberries or raspberries into your glaze for a fruity twist. This adds both flavor and a beautiful splash of color!

With these variations, you can easily switch up your donut game and impress your friends and family with every batch. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these donuts truly your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of these delightful air fryer maple glazed donuts. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These donuts are a sweet treat, but they can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. So go ahead, indulge a little—you deserve it!

FAQ About Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Can I use different flours for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend if you’re looking for alternatives. Just remember that the texture might change a bit, so you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly.

How do I store leftover donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they last longer (which they probably won’t!), you can refrigerate them, but I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best texture!

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before piping and cooking. However, I suggest glazing them fresh for the best taste and texture!

What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can use a zip-top bag and snip off one corner to pipe the batter into your molds. It works just as well and makes cleanup a breeze!

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just glaze them after thawing!

For more information on the benefits of using an air fryer, check out this Healthline article.

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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.