Oh my goodness, you guys, if you haven’t tried making easy air fryer donuts yet, you’re seriously missing out! These little rings of joy come together in no time and are so fluffy and delicious, it’s hard to believe they’re homemade. I mean, who wouldn’t want fresh donuts without the mess of frying? Trust me, once you pop these into your air fryer, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry! And the best part? You can whip up a batch of 12 donuts in just 17 minutes. Imagine surprising your friends or family with these warm, sweet treats for breakfast or a fun snack! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these on a whim, and every single time, they disappear faster than I can count. So, let’s dive into making these delightful air fryer donuts together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Making these easy air fryer donuts is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through each step! By following this simple guide, you’ll have delicious, warm donuts ready in no time. So, let’s get started!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and add your 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Now, using a whisk, mix these dry ingredients together until they’re well combined. This step is super important because it ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout your flour. Trust me, you want that perfect rise in your donuts!
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, let’s whisk together the wet ingredients. You’ll need 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Make sure that your melted butter isn’t too hot—just warm enough to mix in nicely! Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts, so don’t rush through it. A good mix here means a delightful texture in your donuts!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together until just combined. You want to see some lumps; that’s perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and we definitely don’t want that! Aim for a thick batter that looks creamy and smooth but still a bit fluffy.
Air Frying the Donuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s heated up, it’s time to shape your donuts! If you have a donut cutter, use it to cut out the donut shapes from the batter. If you don’t, you can use a piping bag or even just freehand it with a spoon! Place the shaped donuts into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fluffy. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary a bit in cooking time!
Cooling and Serving
Once your donuts are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This is an important step because it helps them firm up a bit and prevents them from getting soggy. After a few minutes, you can dust them with powdered sugar for that classic, sweet finish. Or feel free to get creative with toppings! Chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even just a light drizzle of honey will take these treats to the next level. Enjoy your warm, homemade donuts—you’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each of these delightful easy air fryer donuts. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
These figures show that you can enjoy a sweet treat without completely derailing your day. Just remember, moderation is key, especially when you can whip up more of these beauties in no time! Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your easy air fryer donuts, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your donut game.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give your donuts plenty of space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and some donuts might end up undercooked. I usually cook them in batches to make sure each one gets that crispy outside and fluffy inside!
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so start checking your donuts around the 5-minute mark. You want them golden brown and puffed up! If you find they’re browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
- Experiment with Toppings: The fun doesn’t stop at just making the donuts! Try out different toppings like a chocolate glaze, colorful sprinkles, or even a cinnamon-sugar mix. Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle some honey or maple syrup over them for a little extra sweetness!
- Use a Piping Bag for Neat Shapes: If you want your donuts to look extra fancy, using a piping bag can help you create uniform shapes. It’s super easy, and it gives your donuts that bakery-style appearance!
- Let Them Cool Properly: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your donuts cool on a wire rack is crucial. This helps keep them from getting soggy and ensures they maintain their delightful texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up some amazing easy air fryer donuts. Have fun experimenting and enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, the fun really begins with these easy air fryer donuts! There are so many delicious ways to mix things up and make this recipe your own. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:
- Chocolate Donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor. You can even create a chocolate glaze with melted chocolate to drizzle on top!
- Maple Glazed: Swap out the vanilla extract for 1 tsp of maple extract and top your cooled donuts with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
- Sprinkle Fun: After dusting the donuts with powdered sugar, go wild with colorful sprinkles. Kids absolutely love this, and it makes for an adorable presentation!
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and toss your warm donuts in the mixture right after they come out of the air fryer. It adds a delightful, warm spice!
- Nuts and Fruits: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips, or even pieces of dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a sweet surprise!
- Glazed Lemon: For a zesty twist, add the zest of one lemon to the batter and make a lemon glaze from powdered sugar and lemon juice to drizzle over the top.
The best part? You can mix and match these ideas to create your own signature donuts! Have fun experimenting and let your creativity shine through. I can’t wait to hear what flavor combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these delightful easy air fryer donuts, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for later? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Storing them properly is super important to maintain their fluffy goodness.
To store your leftover donuts, simply place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them from drying out. You can leave them at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep them longer, I recommend popping them in the fridge. They’ll last about a week that way. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up!
When it comes to reheating, you’ll want to bring back that warm, fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer taste. The best way to do this is to use your air fryer again! Preheat it to 300°F (150°C), then place the donuts inside for about 2-3 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy again, just like when they were freshly made! If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a rubbery donut!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your easy air fryer donuts over a few days. Just remember to savor every bite, whether they’re fresh or reheated. Happy munching!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour, though the texture might be a bit denser. I suggest starting with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to see how you like it.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
No worries at all! You can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller one for the hole, or just shape them by hand. They’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and chill it in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just give it a good stir before shaping the donuts!
How do I know when the donuts are done?
They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If they’re not quite there, just pop them back in for another minute!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Definitely! Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for about a month. Just reheat them in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy!
Easy Air Fryer Donuts: 12 Fluffy Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer donuts made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Use a donut cutter to shape donuts from the batter.
- Place donuts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Dust with powdered sugar for serving.
- Experiment with toppings like chocolate or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy air fryer donuts
