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Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

4.33 from 53 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 9 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Description

Light, fluffy, glazed donuts made in your air fryer in just 15 minutes — no yeast, no waiting in line.

Ingredients 

Donuts:

  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt , (full-fat)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Glaze/Icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, see note below
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Make the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 5–6 times until smooth — don't overwork it.
  • Preheat and roll. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Roll the dough on a floured surface to just under ½ inch thick.
  • Cut the donuts. Cut with a 4-inch round cutter; use a 1-inch cutter for the donut holes. Re-roll scraps only once.
  • Prep the basket. Brush the basket and the tops of the donuts generously with melted butter. Arrange in a single layer with space between each.
  • Air fry. Cook at 350°F for 5–6 minutes (3–4 minutes for the holes), until golden and springy.
  • Make the glaze. While the donuts cook, whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt in a wide shallow bowl until smooth. Should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Glaze while warm. The moment the donuts come out, dip each side in the glaze. Transfer to a wire rack set over parchment to catch drips.
  • Let set. Wait 8–10 minutes for the glaze to set shiny and crackly — or eat one immediately, warm and dripping. Chef's privilege.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

★ THE SECRET INGREDIENT 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup is what gives the glaze its signature Krispy Kreme shine and that satisfying crackle when you bite in. Skip it, and your glaze will look chalky and matte instead of glossy and bakery-perfect.

PRO TIPS

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt — non-fat makes the dough too wet.
  • Brush butter on top before air frying — that's how you get the Krispy Kreme golden color.
  • Don't crowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each donut.
  • Skip cooking spray — it damages the air fryer's non-stick coating. Use melted butter instead.
  • Glaze immediately after cooking — warm donuts absorb the glaze evenly.

STORAGE

  • Room temp: airtight container, up to 2 days.
  • Fridge: sealed, up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: unglazed only, up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: air fryer at 300°F for 60–90 seconds, or microwave 10 sec.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 124IUCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.2mg