Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Fluffy, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Air Fryer Donuts offer all the indulgence of classic donuts—minus the oil and hassle. Just four ingredients transform into a dreamy, doughy treat.
These yeast-free donuts come together in minutes and are topped with a silky glaze that sets into perfection. It’s a fast-track to fresh-baked bliss, right from your air fryer.
Inside the Magic: Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts
- Self-rising flour – Provides instant lift and structure without yeast, keeping the recipe quick and foolproof.
- Vanilla yogurt – Infuses the dough with moisture and subtle sweetness while acting as a binder.
- Powdered sugar – Essential for a glossy, sweet glaze that clings beautifully to each donut.
- Milk or water – Loosens the glaze just enough for that classic drippy finish.
Let’s Make Donuts: How to Cook Air Fryer Donuts
Start by mixing the flour and vanilla yogurt until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. After a gentle knead, shape the dough into eight rustic rings.
Line your air fryer with parchment paper, then air fry a few donuts at a time until they’re golden and firm. Cool completely before dipping into a smooth glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or water. Let the glaze set—or top with sprinkles for extra flair.
Tasty Tips & Donut Tweaks
For a richer, bakery-style flavor, try brushing the donuts with melted butter right after they come out of the air fryer. If you’re craving variety, fold cinnamon into the dough or swap the glaze for melted chocolate with a pinch of sea salt.
This recipe is naturally egg-free, and with a simple swap to coconut-based yogurt and plant-based milk, it becomes 100% vegan. Gluten-free? Opt for a good-quality gluten-free self-rising flour, and your donuts will still puff up beautifully.
To double down on decadence, make a chocolate glaze by stirring melted chocolate chips and butter into the powdered sugar. It adds a silky, fudgy touch that’s hard to resist.
Leftovers? Here’s How to Keep Them Fresh
Once the glaze has set, store any leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay soft for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a sealed container. To reheat, just pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F. The glaze may soften, but the texture will bounce back beautifully.
These quick air fryer donuts are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward treat—perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings, lazy Sunday brunches, or baking with the kids.
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1-2 tablespoons water or milk
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt refer to notes
Instructions
- Combine the self-rising flour and vanilla yogurt in a large mixing bowl and stir until a dense dough forms. If the consistency appears too wet, incorporate additional flour; if too dry, adjust with more yogurt.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly until it becomes smooth and pliable. Partition into 8 equal segments. Roll each into a rope-like shape and seal the ends to form a donut.
- Place parchment paper inside your air fryer basket and arrange 2 to 4 donuts, ensuring at least half an inch of space between each for proper expansion.
- Cook in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 7 to 8 minutes or until the exterior is firm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Allow the cooked donuts to cool entirely. While they cool, sift powdered sugar into a bowl, then gradually mix in water or milk to achieve a smooth, thick glaze.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then set on a wire rack to let excess drip off. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles.
