Air Fryer Sufganiyot are light, fluffy Israeli donuts filled with sweet jelly and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. This easy air fryer recipe gives you the classic holiday treat without the mess of deep frying.
Air Fryer Sufganiyot are a lighter twist on the beloved Israeli jelly-filled donuts traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah. Instead of deep frying, this version uses the air fryer to create soft, golden donuts with a fluffy interior and a delicious burst of sweet jelly inside.
Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re just as festive and indulgent, but with less oil and mess. Perfect for celebrating or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Easy to Make – The air fryer simplifies the process, no messy frying.
- Perfectly Fluffy – Soft, pillowy donuts with a golden finish every time.
- Festive & Fun – A traditional Hanukkah favorite that’s great year-round.
- Customizable Fillings – Swap the jelly for chocolate, custard, or your favorite spread.
Ingredients Needed
- Water: I used regular tap water, you can also use filtered water.
- Butter: Unsalted butter was used.
- Salt: If you use salted butter, omit the salt.
- All-Purpose Flour: You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Eggs: I Used room temperature, large eggs.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifted to remove any lumps.
- Strawberry Jam: You can also use another flavor, such as raspberry.
How To Make Air Fryer Sufganiyot
Step One: In a medium saucepan, heat water, butter, and salt to a rolling boil.
Step Two: Stir in flour all at once and continue stirring until the flour mixture cleans the sides of the pan. It should all be gathered into a ball.
Step Three: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be warm before you start adding the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
Step Four: Place a sheet of parchment into the air fryer basket. Using a small scoop or a tablespoon, drop the dough mixture onto the parchment leaving about a 1/4 of space between each one. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the doughnuts at air fryer temperature of 350 degrees F, with a cook time of 12-15 minutes or until the tops of the donuts are golden brown and the centers a hollow. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step Five: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, fill them with the strawberry jam and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Air Fryer Sufganiyot Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overfill the Donuts – Use just enough jelly so they don’t burst during cooking.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer – This ensures even cooking and a golden finish.
- Brush with Oil or Butter – A light coating helps achieve that classic fried look and taste.
- Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the basket so the donuts cook evenly.
- Use a Piping Bag for Filling – Makes adding jelly smoother and less messy.
- Dust While Warm – Powdered sugar sticks best right after frying.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Keep leftover sufganiyot in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted or unfilled sufganiyot in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating and adding powdered sugar.
- Reheating: Warm sufganiyot in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their softness. Avoid the microwave as it can make them chewy or soggy.
Air Fryer Sufganiyot Recipe Faqs
Can I use store-bought dough instead of homemade? Yes! Canned biscuit dough or pre-made bread dough works well for a quick shortcut.
What kind of filling is best for sufganiyot? Traditional sufganiyot are filled with strawberry or raspberry jelly, but you can also use custard, Nutella, or chocolate spread.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting off? Dust the sufganiyot once slightly cooled but still warm, so the sugar sticks without disappearing.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Air fry and fill them right before serving for the freshest taste.
Why did my donuts turn out dense instead of fluffy? This usually happens if the dough is overworked or if the basket is overcrowded, preventing even cooking.
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
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Air Fryer Sufganiyot (Israeli Donuts)
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat water, butter, and salt to a rolling boil.
- Stir in flour all at once and continue stirring until the flour mixture cleans the sides of the pan. It should all be gathered into a ball.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be warm before you start adding the eggs.
- Add the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
- Place a sheet of parchment into the air fryer basket. Using a small scoop or a Tablespoon, drop the dough mixture onto the parchment leaving about a 1/4 of space between each one.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the doughnuts at 350℉ for 15 minutes or until the tops of the donuts are golden brown and the centers a hollow. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, fill them with the strawberry jam and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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