Best Air Fryer Donut Recipes — Delve into the delightful world of air fryer donut recipes, where convenience meets indulgence in the most delicious way possible.

No longer is the joy of a freshly made donut tied to a trip to the bakery or the mess of deep frying at home. With these 20 best air fryer donut recipes, you can create an array of treats that are just as scrumptious as their traditional counterparts but with the added benefit of a healthier cooking method.

Best Air Fryer Donut Recipes
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From classic glazes that evoke nostalgic donut shop memories to innovative flavors that tantalize the modern palate, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking the warm embrace of a cinnamon sugar coating or the rich decadence of chocolate frosting topped with sprinkles, you’re sure to find a recipe to satisfy your cravings.

Imagine biting into a donut that’s soft and fluffy on the inside with a perfect tender crust, all achieved with the marvel of air frying technology. Each recipe is crafted to bring out the best in your air fryer, ensuring you get consistently excellent results with minimal oil. Ideal for busy mornings, leisurely brunches, or a sweet evening treat, these donuts are a testament to the versatility and ingenuity of air-fried baking.

So preheat your air fryer and get ready to be inspired. With options ranging from vegan and gluten-free to sumptuously filled surprises, there’s a donut in this curated list to delight every baker and dessert aficionado. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these 20 top-notch air fryer donut recipes, each one a reason to celebrate the simple pleasures of life. Let’s embark on a journey of flavor, texture, and the pure joy of donut making—air fryer style!

20 Of The Best Air Fryer Donut Recipes

Air Fryer Protein Donuts

Description

Discover the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition with these Air Fryer Protein Donuts! Who said you can't enjoy a donut while meeting your health goals?
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Air Fryer Maple Frosted Donuts
Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

Description

Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts –If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making homemade donuts, then Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts might be the perfect recipe for you.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts
Air Fryer Blueberry Pie Bombs

Description

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further! These air fryer blueberry pie bombs are the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness and will soon become a family favorite. 
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If you're looking for a unique and delicious dessert that's sure to wow your friends and family, look no further! These air fryer blueberry pie bombs are the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness and will soon become a family favorite. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make - all you need is an air fryer and some simple ingredients for this easy recipe. In just 10 minutes (plus cooling time!), these delicious treats will be ready to enjoy! Keep reading for our step-by-step instructions on how to whip up this delightful snack in a flash!
Air Fryer Copycat Hostess Powdered Donettes

Description

Enjoy the nostalgia of classic Hostess Powdered Donettes right from your air fryer! These mini powdered donuts are quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
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Air Fryer Copycat Hostess Powdered Donettes
Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Description

Part donut, part apple pie these apple fritters are the perfect way to use leftover apples. Made in the air fryer they are also a healthier, easier, and faster alternative to the traditional fritters
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Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Air Fryer Powdered Sugar Donuts

Description

Just like grandma used to make, hold the butter and oil. This I call my healthier fake donut recipe. My kids love them; I don’t mind making them; I think they are really cool projects that you can do with your child.
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Air Fryer Powdered Sugar Donuts
Air Fryer Jelly Filled Donuts

Description

Make these Air Fryer Jelly Filled Donuts the next time you're craving a healthier jelly donut option! With an air fryer, you can enjoy this delicious dessert without all the guilt. Say goodbye to sugary fried dough and hello to fresh jelly-filled goodness!
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Air Fryer Jelly Donuts
Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts

Description

Who's ready for the best Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts recipe? You will not believe how easy to make these are. Whip them up in no time, even if you want them for breakfast. Bring this comfort food to the table any day of the week.
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Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts
Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes

Description

Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes are amazing! This was what I fed my children this morning while I was making my coffee. They are so good and so easy!
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Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Banana Donuts

Description

This started really easy, I had some ripe bananas that needed to be used, and I remember my mom making these when I was a child, so I asked my mom, and she sent me the recipe (source unknown), which happened. I added the cinnamon sugar since my kids really love sugar in the morning!
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Banana Donuts
Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts

Description

Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts — The idea of frying donuts at home might sound intimidating to some, but these air fryer cinnamon crumb donuts are quite easy.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Crumb Donuts
Air Fryer Easy Cinnamon Apple Biscuit Fritters

Description

Today, I was in the mood for something fall-ish, as the weather when from scorching to cold overnight, so I grabbed a few ingredients from my pantry and came up with this easy breakfast that the entire family loved. By the way, it goes fabulous with coffee,
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Air Fryer Easy Cinnamon Apple Biscuit Fritters
Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes

Description

Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes are amazing! This was what I fed my children this morning while I was making my coffee. They are so good and so easy!
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Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes
Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Description

Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts are the perfect dessert or an amazing breakfast. I love serving them with my homemade cream cheese frosting.
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Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts
Air Fryer Chinese Donuts

Description

Yummy! Air Fryer Chinese Donuts! What a special treat today for my entire family! With only a few ingredients you can have a great copycat Chinese Donut.
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Air Fryer Chinese Donuts
Air Fryer Chocolate Fudge Donuts

Description

Air Fryer Chocolate Fudge Donuts are amazing. They are everything you want in a donut, and today, I even added some extra chocolate goodness and covered them with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles. Great for any chocolate lover!
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Air Fryer Chocolate Fudge Donuts
Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Donuts

Description

Is there anything better than a fresh donut? Especially when it's covered in fruity pebbles? I didn't think so. And luckily, you don't have to go to a bakery to get one. You can make them right at home in your air fryer. This recipe is seriously easy and seriously delicious. The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients. So what are you waiting for? Try these Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Donuts today!
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Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Donuts
Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Description

This is a great and easy recipe for homemade churro donuts. The donuts are filled with the traditional churro coating and make for a great dessert.
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Air Fryer Churro Donuts
Air Fryer Blueberry Lemon Donuts

Description

These are the perfect donut, absolutely delicious, and served with a simple glaze; they make for a great and easy breakfast that the entire family will love!
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Air Fryer Blueberry Lemon Donuts
Air Fryer Banana Donuts

Description

Air Fryer Banana Donuts are amazing! If you love banana bread, you will so love this recipe, and with the air fryer, they're done in 12 minutes!
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Air Fryer Banana Donuts

Pro Tips For Making Homemade Donuts In Air Fryer

Absolutely, making homemade donuts in an air fryer can be a delightful experience that combines the joy of baking with the modern convenience of air frying. Here are some professional tips to help ensure your air-fried donuts are as delicious as they are easy to make:

  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer can lead to better results. It helps the donuts start cooking immediately and can help them rise better.
  • Dough Consistency is Key: Your dough should be soft but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky, it can be difficult to work with and may not hold its shape well when air frying.
  • Roll Evenly: Roll out your dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Uneven donuts can lead to some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Cut out parchment paper to fit the basket and make small holes for air circulation. This prevents sticking and helps you to remove the donuts easily after cooking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on circulating hot air to cook food, so ensure enough space between each donut to allow for proper airflow.
  • Flip Carefully: Halfway through cooking, flip the donuts gently to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
  • Temperature and Timing: Air fryers can run hot, so adjust the temperature and timing as needed. Start with a lower temperature and increase it if necessary.
  • Check for Doneness: Donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Use a toothpick to check for doneness if you’re unsure.
  • Cool Before Glazing: Let them cool slightly if you’re glazing your donuts. A warm donut can cause the glaze to melt and become too thin.
  • Sift Your Coatings: If you’re coating your donuts with powdered sugar or a sugar-cinnamon mix, sift it first to avoid lumps for a more professional finish.
  • Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the donuts with oil before cooking to help achieve a golden color and add a bit of crunch.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Beyond cinnamon sugar, you can top your donuts with glazes, frosting, and sprinkles after air frying. For filled donuts, use a piping bag to inject your favorite fillings.
  • Batch Cooking: If making multiple batches, the air fryer will be hot, and subsequent batches may cook quicker. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Rest the Dough: Allow the cut donut shapes to rest briefly before air frying. This can help the dough relax and result in a fluffier donut.
  • Proper Storage: If you’re not eating the donuts immediately, store them properly to maintain freshness. Uncoated or unglazed donuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, while frozen or filled donuts should be refrigerated.

In Conclusion

Remember, like all baking, making donuts in an air fryer might require a bit of trial and error to perfect, especially as air fryer models can vary. Use these tips as a guide, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your experience and preferences.

As we wrap up this delectable journey through the 20 best air fryer donut recipes, it’s clear that the air fryer is an incredibly versatile tool that can transform the humble donut into a culinary masterpiece with less fat and fewer calories than traditional frying methods. You’ve discovered a spectrum of flavors, from the sugary sweetness of classic glazed donuts to the innovative zest of lemon poppy seed and the indulgence of chocolate-peanut butter delights.

These recipes demonstrate the remarkable adaptability of the air fryer, allowing both novice cooks and seasoned bakers to achieve the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, cake-like interior that defines a great donut. The simplicity of the air frying process also means you can enjoy these treats more often, with less cleanup and a shorter cooking time.

Whether you’ve whipped up a batch of these airy confections for a special celebration, a comforting snack, or a sweet breakfast option, they will bring smiles and satisfaction to any table. Armed with these recipes, your air fryer, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’re all set to continue experimenting with flavors, toppings, and fillings to keep the donut magic alive.

So, as you savor the last bite of your air-fried masterpiece, take pride in the healthier choices you’ve embraced without compromising on taste or pleasure. These 20 best air fryer donut recipes are not just instructions; they’re your ticket to creating moments of joy and indulgence any day of the week. Keep on baking, keep on frying, and most importantly, keep on enjoying every delicious bite!