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Crispy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Treats to Make Today

crispy air fryer donuts - featured image

These crispy air fryer donuts have a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy center. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, they offer a healthier, quick, and easy homemade treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (whole or 2%, can swap with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or a light brushing of oil for the air fryer basket
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, chocolate glaze (melted chocolate chips with cream), crushed pecans or almonds

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. If dough is too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Lightly flour your countertop. Turn out dough and knead gently 3-4 times. Roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  5. Use a 3-inch donut cutter and 1-inch cutter for the holes to cut out donuts. Reroll scraps and cut again.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Spray air fryer basket lightly with non-stick spray. Place donuts in a single layer without overcrowding.
  8. Air fry donuts at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. While warm, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. For powdered sugar coating, dust once cooled.
  10. Transfer donuts to a cooling rack to keep crispy. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep donuts light and tender. Roll dough to consistent 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Preheat air fryer for best texture. Flip donuts halfway through cooking for even browning. Use non-stick spray sparingly to avoid sogginess. If air fryer basket has large holes, use parchment paper with holes poked to prevent donuts from falling through. Store donuts in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

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