Golden Rings of Joy: Air Fryer Donuts That Melt in Your Mouth

Warm, pillowy, and delicately golden, these air fryer donuts will make your kitchen smell like your favorite neighborhood bakery. They’re crafted with a yeast dough that gives them that soft, cloudlike center and a gentle chew—perfect for coating in cinnamon sugar or dipping in silky glaze. The best part? No deep frying necessary. With the magic of your air fryer, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

One of my favorite moments is pulling these donuts out of the air fryer—warm and just begging to be dressed in sugar or glaze. They’re the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special.

“The heart of cooking is love—every stir, every spice, a quiet way of saying, ‘I care.’” – Imagine Living

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy texture thanks to yeast dough
• Less oil and mess with the air fryer method
• Can be coated in sugar or topped with glaze
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Fun and nostalgic to make with kids

“A donut a day keeps the frown away.”

Ingredients: Sweet Simplicity for Air Fryer Yeast Donuts

Makes about 10 donuts and donut holes

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• Oil spray, for the air fryer basket

For the Sugar Coating (Optional)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch)
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Yeast Donuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Tip:
Make sure the milk isn’t too hot—about 110°F is perfect—to keep the yeast alive and thriving.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Tip:
If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Otherwise, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Watching dough rise always feels a little magical, like witnessing bread bloom from within.

Tip:
If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl in your (turned off) oven with the light on for a cozy, consistent temperature.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to form donuts and holes. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Tip:
Don’t overwork the dough—gentle hands make the fluffiest donuts.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

Tip:
Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures that airy, bakery-style texture.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil and add donuts in a single layer (work in batches). Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and puffed.

Tip:
Avoid overcrowding—give your donuts space to puff and cook evenly.

Step 7: Add the Sweet Finish

For sugared donuts, brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. For glazed, whisk together glaze ingredients and dip each donut top-down into the glaze. Let them set on a cooling rack.

Tip:
Glaze while warm so it soaks in just enough, or let them cool for a thicker, set glaze.

“Joy is a warm donut shared with someone you love.”

This video is here as an extra source of inspiration! While it may not match this exact recipe, it offers helpful techniques, ideas, or visual guidance to enhance your cooking experience.

Time Needed for Homemade Air Fryer Donuts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Pro Tips for the Fluffiest Air Fryer Donuts

• Use fresh yeast—if your packet is expired or doesn’t foam, start over.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it’s key to achieving pillowy donuts.
• Air fry in small batches to ensure even browning and rise.
• Roll dough evenly so all donuts cook at the same rate.
• Spray donuts lightly with oil before air frying to get that golden finish.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting the icing off.
• Use parchment with holes for the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Keep a light hand when re-rolling scraps to maintain a tender texture.
• Try using a digital thermometer to make sure milk is yeast-safe.
• Imagine the smell of buttery dough and warm sugar wafting through your kitchen—it’s worth every step.

Creative Variations: Make These Air Fryer Donuts Your Own

Chocolate Glazed

Dip your warm donuts in a simple chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, and milk.

Tip:
Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or sprinkles before the glaze sets for texture and flair.

Maple Bacon

Top glazed donuts with a drizzle of maple syrup and crispy chopped bacon for a sweet-savory twist.

Tip:
Use real maple syrup for the best depth of flavor.

Filled Donuts

Skip the hole, fry the whole round, then pipe in jam, custard, or Nutella after cooking.

Tip:
Use a piping bag with a narrow tip and inject from the side for even filling.

Lemon Sugar

Mix finely grated lemon zest into your sugar coating for a citrusy brightness.

Tip:
Zest the lemon fresh just before coating to keep the oils fragrant.

Pumpkin Spice

Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to your dough and sugar coating for a fall-inspired treat.

Tip:
Pair with a cream cheese glaze for extra decadence.

Birthday Cake

Use vanilla glaze and top with rainbow sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations!

Tip:
Add a dash of almond extract to the glaze for a fun, nostalgic flavor.

Coconut Dream

Dip in vanilla glaze and sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut.

Tip:
Toast coconut lightly in a dry pan until golden to bring out its flavor.

“Creativity is the secret ingredient in every recipe.”

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how to complete your donut moment with extra delight:

• Serve with a fresh cup of coffee or espresso
• Pair with a vanilla or chai latte on cozy mornings
• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over sugared donuts for dessert
• Add to a brunch spread with fruit and eggs
• Offer a variety of glazes and toppings for a DIY donut bar

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glazed donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm donuts in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for soft results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the Milk

Milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast.

Tip:
Use a thermometer to keep milk around 110°F for best results.

Skipping the Second Rise

It might be tempting to rush, but it’ll cost you fluffiness.

Tip:
Let donuts rise again until visibly puffy and soft.

Rolling the Dough Too Thin

Thin dough leads to dry, flat donuts.

Tip:
Aim for 1/2-inch thickness for pillowy bites.

Overcrowding the Air Fryer

Too many donuts at once will cook unevenly.

Tip:
Air fry in batches so they have room to puff and crisp.

Forgetting to Spray the Basket

Dry baskets cause sticking and uneven browning.

Tip:
Lightly oil the basket before each batch.

Glazing While Too Hot

Super hot donuts melt the glaze right off.

Tip:
Let donuts cool slightly before dipping into glaze.

Using Old Yeast

Inactive yeast means dense, flat donuts.

Tip:
Always check expiration dates and proof your yeast to confirm it’s active.

FAQs

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! Make the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and bring to room temp before rolling and cutting.

Tip:
Chill rising slows fermentation and adds flavor depth.

Can I Bake Instead of Air Fry?

You can, but they won’t get that same crispy golden finish. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

Tip:
Brush with butter post-bake for better color and flavor.

Can I Make These Vegan?

Yes. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer or flax egg.

Tip:
Check glaze ingredients to ensure they’re dairy-free too.

How Do I Make Filled Donuts?

Cut donuts without the hole, air fry as rounds, then inject filling after cooking.

Tip:
Use a piping bag with a long nozzle for clean filling.

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry?

Yes. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Tip:
Adjust rising time slightly—instant yeast works a bit faster.

What If I Don’t Have a Donut Cutter?

Use a drinking glass and a small bottle cap or shot glass to cut.

Tip:
Dip cutters in flour to prevent sticking.

Do I Need to Flip the Donuts?

Yes, flipping ensures even browning on both sides.

Tip:
Flip gently with tongs to avoid deflating the dough.

How Do I Know When They’re Done?

They should be golden brown and spring back when touched.

Tip:
Test one donut in your first batch to learn your air fryer’s sweet spot.

The Sweet Joy of Homemade Donuts

There’s something genuinely joyful about crafting homemade donuts—especially ones that are warm, soft, and air fried to golden perfection. Whether you sugar them or glaze them, every bite brings a little bliss and a lot of flavor. They’re a reminder that the best treats don’t require fancy ingredients—just a little time, care, and creativity.

“Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.”