Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts

These Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts are airy, tender, and lightly tangy from leftover sourdough starter. Made quickly in the air fryer, they’re a clever way to use your discard while creating a delicious breakfast or snack.

These Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts are a clever, tasty way to use up leftover sourdough starter while making a treat everyone will love.

Light, airy, and slightly tangy, they cook quickly in the air fryer for a golden, perfectly soft donut every time.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, they turn your sourdough discard into something truly irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Uses leftover sourdough discard, reducing waste.
• Light, airy, and slightly tangy flavor in every bite.
• Quick and easy to make in the air fryer.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack.
• Golden, soft donuts with a delightful texture without deep frying.

Ingredients Needed

• Sourdough Discard: Adds tangy flavor and moisture to donut batter
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft, tender donut texture
• Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and helps with browning
• Baking Powder: Helps donuts rise and stay light and airy
• Baking Soda: Contributes to rise and enhances fluffiness
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the batter
• Milk: Adds moisture for soft, tender donut texture
• Butter: Adds flavor and keeps donuts moist and tender
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet aroma and enhances flavor
• Optional Powdered Sugar: For dusting or glazing finished donuts
• Optional Glaze: Adds sweetness and shiny finish to donuts
• Optional Cinnamon Sugar: Provides extra flavor and sweet, spiced coating

Recipe Variations

• Glazed Sourdough Donuts: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or lemon glaze for a classic finish.
• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Toss freshly cooked donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Chocolate Sourdough Donuts: Mix cocoa powder into the batter or drizzle with melted chocolate.
• Filled Donuts: Pipe in jam, Nutella, or pastry cream after baking for a surprise center.
• Maple Glaze: Swap standard glaze for maple-flavored icing for a warm, cozy taste.
• Fruity Twist: Add fresh berries or chopped apples to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Spiced Donuts: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic kick.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and adjust air fryer time for bite-sized treats.

How To Make Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Stir in sourdough discard, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Lightly grease silicone or metal donut molds with cooking spray.

Step 4: Spoon or pipe batter into molds about ¾ full.

Step 5: Cook at 320°F for 10–14 minutes, checking for doneness. Add 1–2 minutes if needed until fully cooked.

Step 6: Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or icing of choice.

Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe Tips

• Check air fryer timing: Air fryer models vary; start checking donuts at 10 minutes.
• Don’t overfill molds: Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full to prevent overflow.
• Cool before decorating: Let donuts cool slightly before glazing or dusting to prevent melting.
• Gentle mixing: Fold batter carefully to avoid deflating air bubbles for fluffy donuts.
• Optional toppings: Glaze, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate drizzle work beautifully.

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 unglazed donuts individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Other Cooking Instructions

• Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about ¾ full with batter. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before glazing or topping.
• Skillet / Pan-Fry Option: Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Spoon batter into small rounds and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Cool completely before adding glaze or powdered sugar.

Foolproof Air Fryer Sourdough Discard Donuts Recipe Faqs

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

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

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

Can I use sourdough discard from rye or whole wheat? Absolutely! Keep in mind the flavor may be slightly more tangy.

How should I serve these donuts? Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack anytime.

Can I add fillings? Yes! Jam, chocolate, or pastry cream can be piped into cooled donuts.

More Easy Air Fryer Sourdough Recipes

Easy Sourdough Apple Fritters

Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Air Fryer Sourdough Bread

Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

Quick Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls (One Hour Rise)

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