Easy Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts

These Easy Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts are tender, warmly spiced, and taste like the holidays in donut form. Made fast in the air fryer, they’re perfect for Christmas mornings, cozy weekends, or anytime a gingerbread craving hits.

Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts are basically holiday comfort food in donut form.

They’re soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with warm gingerbread spices that make your kitchen smell like Christmas baking without the mess or long oven time.

Made right in the air fryer, these donuts come together fast, which means you can have a cozy, bakery-style treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert any time a gingerbread craving sneaks up on you.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Warm gingerbread spices in every soft, fluffy bite.
• Ready fast with no oven needed.
• Makes your kitchen smell like holiday baking heaven.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Fun seasonal treat that looks bakery-worthy.
• Easy enough for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.

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Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft donut texture
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice and classic gingerbread flavor
• Baking Soda: Helps donuts rise and stay light
• Ground Ginger: Brings bold, cozy gingerbread spice
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• Ground Cloves: Adds deep, rich holiday spice notes
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture with deep caramel sweetness
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness
• Lemon Zest: Brightens flavor and cuts sweetness
• Molasses: Gives signature gingerbread color and flavor
• Milk: Adds moisture for soft, fluffy donuts

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk with great results.
• Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you like bold gingerbread flavor.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts

Step One: Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ground ginger, salt, and cloves to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Drop in the softened butter—either let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 10–15 seconds until soft but not melted

Step Two: Stir in the brown sugar and eggs until blended, then add the lemon zest, molasses, and milk. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Step Three: Lightly spray the silicone donut pan, then spoon or pipe in the batter. Air fry at 320°F for 9 minutes, checking for doneness, and add 1–2 more minutes if needed until the donuts are fully cooked.

Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts Recipe Tips

• Check air fryer times: Air fryer models vary; start checking at 8 minutes.
• Don’t overfill the molds: Fill each cavity about ¾ full to prevent overflow.
• Cool before glazing: Let donuts cool completely to prevent glaze from sliding off.
• Enhance flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
• Optional toppings: Sprinkle powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle chocolate for variety.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Other Cooking Instructions

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about ¾ full with batter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before glazing or decorating.
• Skillet Option: Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Spoon batter into small rounds and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Cool before adding glaze.

Air Fryer Gingerbread Donut Recipes Faqs

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

How do I keep the donuts soft? Store in an airtight container at room temperature and frost only when cooled.

Can I freeze these donuts? Yes, freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before glazing.

Can I make mini donuts? Yes! Adjust air fryer time to 6–8 minutes depending on size and thickness.

Can I substitute the molasses? Dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How should I serve these donuts? Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a festive holiday snack.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BAKED VANILLA DONUTS
• AIR FRYER NUTELLA DONUTS
• EASY AIR FRYER APPLE FRITTERS
• AIR FRYER MAPLE FROSTED DONUTS

Equipment Used

Donut Pan Silicone Baking Mold

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