Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Easy Air Fryer Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you want to indulge in a sweet breakfast or serve up a delightful dessert, these donuts are fluffy, doughy, and perfectly glazed. With just four simple ingredients and no yeast required, you can whip them up in minutes. Enjoy them as a fun family activity or impress your friends at gatherings with this easy recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients, you can make these donuts in under 15 minutes.
• No Yeast Required: Skip the long rising times; this recipe uses self-rising flour for effortless preparation.
• Versatile Flavor Options: Customize your donuts with different glazes or toppings to suit your taste.
• Healthier Choice: Made in an air fryer, these donuts are lower in fat compared to traditional fried versions.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, snacks, or desserts at parties and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Easy Air Fryer Donuts, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Air fryer
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without spilling.
• Rolling pin: Helps to shape the dough evenly and achieve the perfect donut form.
• Air fryer: Cooks the donuts quickly and gives them a crispy exterior without the added oil of frying.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after air frying.

Ingredients

My air fryer donuts are made from scratch and are fluffy, doughy, and perfectly glazed. Just 4 ingredients, no yeast, and ready in minutes. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!

• 1 3/4 cup self rising flour
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt ( See notes)*
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1-2 tablespoons water (or milk)

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add your self rising flour and vanilla yogurt. Mix well until a thick dough forms. If the dough is too thin, add more flour; if it’s too thick, add more yogurt as needed.

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead it several times until smooth. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long sausage shape and connect both ends to form a donut.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place 2-4 donuts on the parchment (depending on your air fryer’s size), ensuring they are spaced at least half an inch apart for adequate cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Air fry the donuts at 200C/400F for about 7-8 minutes or until they are firm on the outside. Repeat this step until all donuts are cooked through.

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack. While they cool, prepare your glaze by sifting powdered sugar into a large bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water (or milk) and mix until you achieve a thick and smooth consistency.

Step 6: Finish Your Donuts

Dip each donut into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to let excess glaze drip off. If desired, top with sprinkles for an extra festive touch!

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Serving Easy Air Fryer Donuts can be a delightful experience, whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. These fluffy treats are versatile and can be dressed up in various ways to please everyone.

Classic Glaze

• Simple Glaze: Just dip your donuts in the glaze made from powdered sugar and water (or milk) for a sweet finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed donuts for an extra touch of indulgence.

Toppings and Sprinkles

• Colored Sprinkles: After glazing, sprinkle colorful toppings on top to make them visually appealing, especially for kids’ parties.
• Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut on top of the glaze for a tropical twist that enhances texture and flavor.

Fruit Pairings

• Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Banana Slices: Pair with sliced bananas for a delightful combination that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Coffee Companion

• Coffee or Tea: Donuts go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Easy Air Fryer Donuts

To achieve the best results with your Easy Air Fryer Donuts, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold measurement accuracy: Ensure you measure your ingredients correctly for the right dough consistency.
• Bold dough texture: The dough should be thick but workable; adjust flour or yogurt as needed to achieve this balance.
• Bold air fryer spacing: Make sure there is enough space between donuts in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
• Bold cooking time watch: Keep an eye on your donuts as they cook; they should be firm but not overcooked.
• Bold cooling time: Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing for better adherence of the glaze.
• Bold creativity with flavors: Experiment with different flavored yogurts or extracts to customize your donut recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Air Fryer Donuts can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements donuts perfectly.
3. Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond butter or peanut butter for dipping; it adds protein and richness alongside sweet flavors.
4. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide a healthy crunch that pairs well with soft, glazed donuts.
5. Smoothie Bowl: Offer a vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds; it’s nutritious and visually appealing next to donuts.
6. Savory Egg Muffins: Mini egg muffins provide a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of your donut treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making donuts in the air fryer can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your Easy Air Fryer Donuts turn out perfectly.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly – Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right dough consistency. Always use a dry measuring cup for flour and a liquid measuring cup for yogurt.
• Skipping the Kneading Step – Failing to knead the dough can lead to dense donuts. Knead until smooth for a fluffy texture.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket – Placing too many donuts in at once can cause uneven cooking. Always leave enough space between them for proper air circulation.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer – Skipping preheating may result in uneven cooking. Preheat your air fryer for better results.
• Ignoring Cooling Time – Dipping warm donuts into glaze can cause it to melt away. Allow them to cool completely before glazing.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Air Fryer Donuts

• Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Air Fryer Donuts

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one donut at a time on high for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Easy Air Fryer Donuts without self-rising flour?

You can create your own self-rising flour by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt per cup of flour needed.

Can I customize my Easy Air Fryer Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon to the dough before cooking for unique flavors.

How long do Easy Air Fryer Donuts last?

When stored properly, these donuts will last about 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

What should I do if my donut dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, gradually add more self-rising flour until it reaches a workable consistency.

Can I glaze my donuts with something other than powdered sugar?

Yes! You could use melted chocolate or a fruit glaze made from pureed berries mixed with powdered sugar as alternatives.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer Donuts are not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. With just four ingredients, you can enjoy fluffy, delicious treats that you can customize with different flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade delights!

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