Air Fryer Lemon Donuts

These Air Fryer Lemon Donuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, making them the perfect bright treat for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and no deep frying, they come together quickly in the air fryer and are finished with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy dessert, these donuts are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite—ready in under 30 minutes!

There is nothing better than a homemade donut. Today’s variety is simple lemon donuts with a lemon glaze. Here is my recipe for Air Fryer Lemon Donuts.

If you are looking for even more donut recipes. In that case, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Strawberry Donut, Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts, and, of course (being from Boston), my copycat recipe for Air Fryer Copycat Dunkin Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Light and Fluffy Texture: These lemon donuts are incredibly light and fluffy, making them a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
• Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest infuse each donut with a refreshing citrus flavor that is perfect for spring and summer.
• Quick and Easy: Made in the air fryer, these donuts are quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort for a delicious homemade treat.
• Versatile Topping Options: You can customize these donuts with various toppings, such as a sweet glaze, powdered sugar, or even a lemon icing, to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these lemon donuts are a delightful addition to any gathering or celebration.

Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your donuts.
• Cornstarch
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
• Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavors of the donuts.
• Buttermilk: Incorporates moisture into the dough.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the dough.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a natural tanginess and brightness to the donuts,
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the dough’s flavor complexity.
• Lemon Zest: The zest from lemons infuses the dough with a strong, aromatic citrus flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Donuts

Step One: Mix the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, eggs, butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Mix well until it’s well blended.

Step Two: Mix until smooth

Step Three: Spray your donut pans with non-sticking cooking spray and pour the batter. About 3/4 way full. Set them into the air fryer set the cook time for 10-12 minutes at air fryer temperature of 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.

Step Four: Blend the sugar, lemon zest, and melted butter. Drizzle over the donuts.

Air Fryer Lemon Donuts Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons for Zest and Juice: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice or dried zest.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check Doneness Early: Air fryers can vary in their cooking times. Start checking your donuts a minute or two before the recommended time.
• Glaze While Warm: Glazing the donuts while they are still warm (but not hot) helps the glaze to adhere better and soak in slightly.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, start with less lemon juice and add more as needed.
• Experiment with Flavors: While lemon is the star, adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter can introduce an exciting depth of flavor.
• Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, as the texture and flavor are most vibrant when fresh.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

• Storing: Store cooled lemon donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If glazed, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

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• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Glaze them fresh after thawing for the best texture and flavor.

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• Reheating: Reheat donuts in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.

Air Fryer Lemon Donuts Recipe Faqs

Can I make the donut batter ahead of time? It’s best to make the batter and cook the donuts immediately to ensure they rise properly and remain light and fluffy.

What if I don’t have a donut mold for the air fryer? An option is to shape the dough into balls for donut holes, which do not require molds.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed to be a 1:1 substitute for regular flour. Remember that the texture may vary slightly from traditional all-purpose flour.

How do I store leftover lemon donuts? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh the texture before serving.

Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more donuts.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for its superior flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner? Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken it or more lemon juice to thin it out.

Can I add fillings to these donuts? While these lemon donuts are not designed with fillings in mind, you can inject them with lemon curd or a vegan alternative after cooking for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER CHOCOLATE FUDGE DONUTS
• EASY AIR FRYER STRAWBERRY JELLY DONUTS
• AIR FRYER RED VELVET DONUTS
• AIR FRYER CINNAMON SUGAR DONUT MUFFINS

Equipment Used

• To encounter 24Pcs Silicone Molds Silicone Cupcake Baking Cups Silicone Donut Baking Pan Set Nonstick 2 3/4 inches Silicone Donut Mold Muffin Jello
• To encounter 3-inch Silicone Donut Pan Non-Stick 24 Pack Donuts, Bagels Pan 6 Shapes Silicone Donut Molds Oven- Microwave- Dishwasher Safe.

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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