Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts are soft, fluffy donuts filled with a smooth, creamy vanilla custard. Made in the air fryer, they deliver classic bakery flavor with way less hassle.
Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts are amazing. Within a few short minutes, you can have the perfect donut, an amazing way to start your morning, or a great way to end your day, a great dessert.
When it comes to donuts the air fryer does an amazing job. Light, tender and flaky, everything you want in a donut!
This donut has it all, a rich chocolate icing, and a warm and creamy filling, while all prepared in less than 25 minutes from start to finish! Talk about a baker’s dream.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Bakery-style at home: Soft, fluffy donuts with a rich cream filling.
- Air fryer friendly: Less oil, less mess, same indulgent flavor.
- Quick and easy: Simple steps with no deep frying required.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Crowd-pleaser: These donuts disappear fast, fair warning.
If you have never made homemade or semi-homemade donuts before, here are some of my favorite air fryer donut recipes, AIR FRYER SOUR CREAM DONUTS, AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY DONUTS, EASY AIR FRYER BAKED CHOCOLATE DONUTS, and AIR FRYER BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR DONUTS.
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla Bean Pudding: Creamy base with rich vanilla bean flavor
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and silky smooth texture
- Vanilla Coffee Creamer: Boosts sweetness and extra vanilla flavor
- Whole Milk: Thins filling while keeping it creamy
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens vanilla flavor notes
- Powdered Sugar: Light sweetness for filling and finishing
- Biscuit Dough: Creates soft, fluffy donut exterior
- Melted Chocolate: Perfect topping for a classic bakery finish
How To Make Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts
Step One: Prepare the Bavarian cream by adding the pudding mix, heavy cream, vanilla creamer, whole milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
Step Two: Transfer the Bavarian cream to a piping bag, or place it in a zip-top bag and snip off one corner for easy filling.
Step Three: Separate the biscuit dough and roll each piece to about ¼-inch thick. Gently pipe about 2 tablespoons of Bavarian cream into the center of each biscuit.
Step Four: Fold the edges of the dough up over the cream filling and pinch tightly in the center to seal.
Step Five: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the donuts in a single layer and air fry for 6-8 minutes, then remove and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Step Six: Set a glass mixing bowl over a saucepan with about 3 inches of simmering water. Stir frequently and cook until the chocolate melts smoothly, about 5 minutes.
Step Seven: Optional: Use a small knife to create a hole in the side of the donut, then insert the piping bag tip and gently squeeze to add a little extra filling.
Step Eight: Dip the tops of the donuts into melted chocolate and spread it evenly with a spatula. Allow the chocolate to set for about 2 minutes.
Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts Recipe Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensures the Bavarian cream mixes smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overfill: About 2 tablespoons of cream per donut prevents spilling while cooking or dipping.
- Even chocolate coating: Use a spatula to spread melted chocolate for a smooth finish.
- Air fryer spacing: Cook donuts in a single layer for even browning.
- Cool slightly before filling: Let donuts rest for 5 minutes to avoid melting the cream.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing can alter the texture of the cream and donut.
- Reheat carefully: Warm unfilled donuts briefly in the air fryer or microwave if desired; fill after warming.
Other Cooking Instructions
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before filling and topping.
- Skillet Method: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the donuts 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Let cool slightly before piping in the Bavarian cream and dipping in chocolate.
Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts Recipe Faqs
Can I make these donuts ahead of time? You can prepare the donuts and Bavarian cream separately, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
How long do air fryer donuts last? Filled donuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these donuts? Freezing is not recommended because the cream filling may separate and the texture may suffer.
Can I use store-bought cream instead of making Bavarian cream? Yes, store-bought pastry cream or vanilla pudding works, but homemade Bavarian cream gives the best texture and flavor.
How do I avoid overfilling the donuts? Use about 2 tablespoons of cream per donut and pipe slowly to prevent overflow.
More Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipes
- EASY CINNAMON SUGAR AIR FRYER DONUT HOLES
- AIR FRYER SOUR CREAM DONUTS
- AIR FRYER STRAWBERRY DONUTS
- EASY AIR FRYER FRUITY PEBBLES DONUTS
- AIR FRYER SAFE DONUT PANS
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Air Fryer Bavarian Cream Donuts
Description
Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla bean pudding
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla coffee creamer
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 package biscuit dough
- 4 ounces chocolate, semi-sweet
Instructions
- Prepare Bavarian cream. Add 1 package vanilla bean pudding, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons vanilla coffee creamer 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Beat on high speed until thickened.
- Add Bavarian cream to a frosting bag, or use a Ziplock and cut the corner.
- Remove 1 package biscuit dough and roll each circle out to ¼” thick.
- Gently squeeze the frosting bag to add 2 tbsp of Bavarian cream to the center of the biscuit. Bring the edges of the dough over the cream to the center and pinch to seal.
- Preheat air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the donuts to the basket and cook in a single layer, and set cook time for 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from the basket and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Place a glass mixing bowl into a saucepan with 3” of water over medium heat. Cook, often stirring until 4 ounces chocolate is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- *Optional* Use a knife to make a small hole in the side of the donut. Place the tip of the frosting bag into the donut and pinch to fill a bit more.
- Dip the tops of the donuts into melted chocolate and use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly. Let the chocolate set, about 2 minutes.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Other Cooking Instructions
Oven Method:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before filling and topping. Skillet Method:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the donuts 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Let cool slightly before piping in the Bavarian cream and dipping in chocolate.
Nutrition
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