Donuts Recipe Air Fryer

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. What if I told you we could whip up some warm, delicious donuts, right here, right now, with minimal fuss and zero deep-fryer fear? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend (if it isn’t already), because we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of **Air Fryer Donuts**!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, so you want donuts. But do you want to smell like a greasy spoon for three days? Do you want to risk setting off the smoke alarm with a vat of bubbling oil? No? Good. Because this recipe uses your trusty air fryer, meaning **less oil, less mess, and way less guilt** (psychologically, anyway). It’s quick, it’s easy, and frankly, it’s a genius hack that’ll make you feel like a culinary wizard without actually having to, you know, cook cook. Plus, it’s idiot-proof—even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen skills sometimes peak at boiling water.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for the simplest grocery list ever. You’re welcome.

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough: Grab the flaky, layered kind. Why make dough from scratch when Pillsbury has already done the heavy lifting? Lazy genius, that’s what we are.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Because everything’s better with butter, duh.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For that classic donut shop vibe. Also, it just looks pretty.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (any kind works): To make our glaze silky smooth. Start with two and add more if needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended): Elevates the glaze from “sugar water” to “OMG delicious.”
• Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for preventing sticky situations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on (or not, we’re not fancy), let’s make some magic happen!

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set that baby to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. **Don’t skip this step!** A preheated air fryer makes all the difference for even cooking.
2. Prep Your Dough: Pop open that can of biscuit dough. Using a 1-inch round cookie cutter (or even a small bottle cap if you’re feeling resourceful), cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Keep those little donut holes! They’re tiny nuggets of joy.
3. Lightly Coat the Dough: Spritz both sides of your donut shapes (and the holes!) with non-stick cooking spray. This helps them get that lovely golden-brown exterior.
4. Air Fry in Batches: Place the donuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Work in batches; patience is a virtue, especially when donuts are involved. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and puffed up like happy little clouds. Do the same for your donut holes, but they’ll probably only need 2-3 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze: While your donuts are doing their thing, melt the butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until it’s smooth and luscious. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.
6. Dip and Devour: Once the donuts are out of the air fryer (they’ll be hot!), immediately dip each one into the glaze, turning to coat both sides. Place them on a wire rack to let any excess drip off and the glaze set. Do the same for those adorable donut holes.
7. Serve and Shine: Seriously, that’s it! Serve them warm and bask in the glory of your homemade air fryer donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody’s perfect, but we can learn from past donut disasters. So, don’t:

• Skip the Preheat: Thinking your air fryer doesn’t need a warm-up is a rookie mistake. Cold start equals sad, unevenly cooked donuts.
• Overcrowd the Basket: I know, you want all the donuts NOW. But cramming them in means they steam instead of crisp, resulting in soggy sadness. **Give them space to breathe!**
• Forget the Spray: Your donuts will stick, tear, and generally make a fuss. A light coat of spray is your best friend here.
• Overcook Them: These cook fast! Keep an eye on them, especially during the first batch. Air fryers vary, so your 4 minutes might be someone else’s 6.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Good. Here are some ways to jazz up your donut game:

• Flavor the Glaze: Instead of vanilla, try almond extract, a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick, or even a dash of cinnamon. For chocolate lovers, whisk in a tablespoon of cocoa powder!
• Toppings Galore: Before the glaze sets, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles (obvs), chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Go wild!
• Dunk ’em in Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the wet glaze entirely! After air frying, brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then toss them in a mix of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Classic!
• Different Dough: While biscuits are the easiest, you *could* use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough. Just know the texture will be slightly different. Pizza dough makes for a chewier donut, which isn’t bad, just different.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual, possibly sassy) answers!

• Can I use margarine instead of butter in the glaze? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is king for a reason, my friend. Don’t cheap out on joy!
• How do I store leftover donuts? Leftover what now? Just kidding! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten the same day, IMO, but will be good for a day or two.
• Can I make these without an air fryer? Sure, you can bake them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. But then they wouldn’t be *air fryer* donuts, would they? And they might not get quite as crisp.
• What if my donuts aren’t browning? Make sure your air fryer is properly preheated! Also, check your cooking spray; sometimes a little extra can help with browning. You can also increase the temperature slightly (by 10-15 degrees) if needed, but watch them closely.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time? You can, but it might thicken up. Just give it a good whisk and potentially add a tiny splash more milk to bring it back to dipping consistency before you use it.
• Are these actually healthy? Let’s be real, they’re donuts. They’re definitely *healthier* than their deep-fried cousins thanks to less oil, but they’re still a treat! Enjoy them without guilt, that’s my philosophy.

Final Thoughts

See? I told you it was easy! You just whipped up a batch of delicious, warm donuts with minimal effort, and your kitchen probably still looks presentable. That’s a win in my book. So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee, impress your friends, or just hoard them all for yourself (no judgment here). You’ve earned it, you magnificent donut-making machine! Now go forth and enjoy your glorious creations!