Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts — I’m always looking for ways to make fun and interesting donuts, and I think I’ve finally hit on the perfect recipe – air fryer sour cream donuts!

They’re fluffy, delicious, and not too unhealthy since they’re baked in the air fryer. Plus, they only require a few simple ingredients you likely already have. Give them a try today!

air fryer sour cream donuts
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This is one of the best recipes for homemade donuts. I made a batch of old-fashioned sour cream donuts in the air fryer today. They are amazing. I poured a simple glaze over them, and breakfast is served–Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts.

Making homemade donuts in the air fryer is so easy. All you need is a great batter and some silicone molds. You can create any donut that you want. I made a batch of fresh old-fashioned air fryer sour cream donuts glaze today. My kids loved them!

If you love fresh donuts, this is the recipe for you. Best yet, you do not even have to wait for these donuts to rise; they are easy and delicious! Once you taste these, I am sure they will become one of your family’s favorite air fryer donut recipes.

Suppose you are looking for other great and easy air fryer donuts. In that case, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts, Air Fryer Strawberry Donuts, and, of course, being from Boston, Air Fryer Dunkin Donut Chocolate Frosted Donuts.

Check Out Our Latest Air Fryer Recipe & Video!

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Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

What Are Sour Cream Donuts

Sour cream donuts are a delicious variation of the classic cake donut, incorporating sour cream into the batter for a unique texture and flavor profile. Here’s what you need to know about these tempting treats:

  • Distinctive taste: The addition of sour cream adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the donuts, making them slightly less cloying than their traditional counterparts.
  • Moist & tender: Sour cream acts as a tenderizer, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • No yeast needed: Unlike many donuts, sour cream donuts typically use baking powder for leavening, making them quicker and easier to prepare.
  • Versatility: They can be enjoyed plain, dipped in glaze, or filled with your favorite fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves.
  • Cake donut style: They are typically cake donuts, meaning they have a denser texture than yeast donuts.
  • Often glazed: While they can be enjoyed unglazed, a simple vanilla glaze is a popular pairing, highlighting the unique tanginess of the donut.
  • Variations: Many recipes exist, incorporating different spices, extracts, or additional ingredients like chocolate chips for a unique twist.
  • Easy: The beauty of these donuts is their simplicity. With readily available ingredients and a basic recipe, you can easily whip them up at home.

If you’re looking for a twist on the classic donut experience, sour cream donuts are definitely worth a try. The subtle tanginess adds another dimension to the flavor, and their moist and tender texture is simply delightful.

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Why You Will Love Homemade Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Forget greasy deep-frying and long wait times – Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts are here to satisfy your doughnut cravings with flavor, ease, and healthier indulgence! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

  • Tangy Twist on a Classic: Sour cream adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness, creating a uniquely delicious flavor profile. It’s the perfect choice for those who find traditional doughnuts too sugary.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The magic of sour cream! These incredibly moist and tender doughnuts offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you wanting more.
  • Effortlessly Heavenly: Ditch the yeast and complicated steps! These doughnuts use baking powder for leavening, making them quick and easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
  • Air Fryer Health Halo: Enjoy doughnuts without the guilt! The air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier indulgence than deep-fried versions.
  • Endless Customization: Get creative! These doughnuts are a blank canvas for your flavor desires. Experiment with different glazes, toppings, fillings, and spices to create unique and personalized variations.
  • Home-Baked Goodness: Nothing quite like the satisfaction of fresh, homemade treats. With this recipe, you can control the ingredients and experience the joy of baking delicious doughnuts right in your kitchen.
  • Family Fun: Making doughnuts together is a delightful activity for family bonding. Kids will love mixing, shaping, and decorating these tasty treats, creating lasting memories.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re craving a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, these doughnuts are perfect for any time of day. Impress your guests with homemade goodness at brunch or potlucks.

So, are you ready to ditch the store-bought doughnuts and experience the magic of Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy, delicious, and versatile recipe!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts, where the classic comfort of homemade donuts meets the modern convenience of air frying. This recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into light, fluffy donuts with a tender crumb and a subtle tang, all finished with a sweet glaze that perfectly complements the richness of the dough. Perfect for a cozy morning treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert that’s sure to impress, these sour cream donuts are a testament to the magic of combining traditional baking with innovative cooking methods.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Sour Cream: The star ingredient, sour cream, adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dough, ensuring your donuts are rich in flavor and have a tender texture.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold all the ingredients together, and contributes to the donuts’ light, airy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor, beautifully complementing the sour cream and sugar.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and depth to the dough, enhancing its flavor and contributing to a soft, tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the tanginess of the sour cream and creating a delightful flavor profile.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the donuts, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining light and fluffy inside.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the donuts rise, making them light and fluffy. Ensures your donuts don’t turn out dense.
  • Ground Nutmeg: A hint of ground nutmeg adds a subtle spice that elevates the overall taste, giving the donuts a classic, nostalgic flavor.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing out the sweetness and depth of the donuts.
  • Milk: Used in the glaze, milk helps to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency, perfectly coating each donut with a thin layer of sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, powdered sugar, dissolves easily with milk to create a sweet, smooth topping that dries to a shiny finish.

How To Cook Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the tangy richness of sour cream with the ease and health benefits of air frying. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make these delicious donuts at home:

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Mix the sour cream, egg, vanilla, oil, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then add in the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.

air fryer sour cream donuts (4)

Spray the donut molds with cooking spray, pour the batter about 2/3 of the way into the mold, and then set them into the air fryer basket for 10-12 minutes at 320 degrees F at the air fryer setting.

Remove from the air fryer basket and let cool slightly before glazing them.

air fryer sour cream donuts

To make the glaze, in a small mixing bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and van to make the glaze; mix well, and then dip your sour cream donuts into the glaze.

Place them on a drying rack to dry before serving.

air fryer sour cream donuts (5)

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts is an art that combines the right ingredients, techniques, and tips. Here are professional tips to ensure your donuts come out light, fluffy, and delicious every time:

  • Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream for the best flavor and texture. It adds richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring your donuts are tender and flavorful.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough until combined. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, making the donuts tough instead of light and fluffy.
  • Proper Dough Thickness: Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness when rolling out your dough. This ensures that your donuts have enough body to rise nicely yet are not so thick that they won’t cook through evenly.
  • Refrigerate the Dough if Too Sticky: If the dough is too sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
  • Use a Donut Cutter: For uniform donuts, use a donut cutter. If you don’t have one, a large round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass and a smaller one for the holes will work just fine.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that your donuts start cooking at the right temperature from the moment you put them in, promoting even rising and browning.
  • Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the donuts in batches if necessary to ensure there is enough space around each one for air to circulate. This helps achieve an even cook and a uniformly crispy exterior.
  • Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Gently flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time ensures they brown evenly on both sides.
  • Cool Before Glazing: Let the donuts cool slightly before dipping them into the glaze. If they are too hot, the glaze will run off; if too cool, the glaze won’t set properly.
  • Customize Your Toppings: While a simple glaze is classic, feel free to customize your donuts with different toppings like chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two of cooking for optimal freshness and texture.

Following these pro tips will help you master the art of making Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts, ensuring delicious results that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Faq’s

Can I make sour cream donuts without an air fryer? Yes, sour cream donuts can also be baked in an oven or deep-fried in oil. Baking offers a healthier alternative, while deep-frying will give you a texture closer to traditional donuts. Adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the method you choose.

What does sour cream add to the donut recipe? Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the donuts, enhancing their flavor and creating a tender, rich texture. It also helps to activate the baking soda or powder, contributing to a lighter crumb.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else? If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It offers a similar tanginess and moisture content, although the texture might be slightly different.

How do I know when the donuts are fully cooked in the air fryer? Donuts are typically done when they have a golden brown color and spring back lightly when touched. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are done.

Can I add fillings to sour cream donuts? Yes, after the donuts are cooked and slightly cooled, you can use a piping bag to inject fillings such as jam, chocolate, or custard into the center of each donut for an added flavor surprise.

How long do sour cream donuts last? Sour cream donuts are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within the first 24 hours. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm briefly in the microwave before serving if chilled.

Can I freeze sour cream donuts? Yes, sour cream donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Why did my donuts turn out too dense? Dense donuts can result from overmixing the dough, which develops the gluten too much, or not using enough leavening agent. Ensure you mix just until the ingredients are combined and measure your baking powder or soda accurately.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free? To make gluten-free sour cream donuts, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that textures and flavors might slightly vary with gluten-free flour.

How can I ensure my donuts are evenly cooked in the air fryer? To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, and rotate or flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time if your air fryer does not cook evenly on all sides.

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

Equipment Used:

(What Donut Pans To Use In AIr Fyrer or Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker)

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air fryer sour cream donuts

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts

3.82 from 44 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts –There is nothing better than a fresh homemade donut, served today with a simple glaze. This made for an amazing breakfast that the entire family loved!

Ingredients 

Donuts:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream, regular or low-fat
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Glaze or Icing:

  • 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the sour cream, egg, vanilla, oil, and sugar, then add in the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Spray the donut molds with cooking spray, pour the batter about 2/3 the way in the mold, and then set them into the air fryer basket for 10-12 minutes at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • Remove from the air fryer basket and let cool slightly before glazing them.
  • To make the glaze, in a small mixing bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mix well, and then dip your sour cream donuts into the glaze.
  • Place them on a drying rack to dry before serving
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Donut Molds, see blog post for which molds were used
  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 136IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

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