Air Fryer Doughnuts: Easy Recipe For Soft And Golden Doughnuts

Craving freshly made doughnuts without the mess of deep frying? This easy air fryer doughnuts recipe is a simple way to prepare soft, fluffy and lightly golden treats at home. Made with everyday ingredients such as plain flour, milk, yeast, egg and butter, these homemade doughnuts are cooked with very little oil. Finish them with cinnamon sugar, a simple glaze or your favourite topping for a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Doughnuts

• 2 cups plain flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ¼ cup caster sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or a little oil

For The Topping

• ½ cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For a glazed version, you can also use icing sugar mixed with a small amount of milk and vanilla extract.

Also Read: Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Soft, Fluffy And Delicious Rolls At Home

How To Make Air Fryer Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare The Dough

Add warm milk, yeast and a teaspoon of sugar to a bowl. Stir gently and leave it for around five minutes.

Add the flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for around eight to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover and leave it in a warm place for about one hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape The Doughnuts

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1 cm thickness.

Use a doughnut cutter or two differently sized round cutters to cut out the doughnuts. Carefully transfer them to a tray lined with baking paper.

Cover them loosely and let them rest for another 15 to 20 minutes. This second rise helps create soft and fluffy air fryer doughnuts.

Step 3: Air Fry The Doughnuts

Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C for three to five minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and arrange the doughnuts in a single layer, leaving enough space between them for air to circulate.

Lightly spray the tops with oil and cook for approximately four to six minutes, turning them halfway through if required. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the doughnuts.

The doughnuts should look lightly golden when cooked.

Step 4: Add The Topping

While the doughnuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Mix the caster sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then gently coat each doughnut in the mixture.

Alternatively, allow the doughnuts to cool slightly and dip them into a simple icing glaze.

Tips For Soft And Fluffy Air Fryer Doughnuts

Avoid adding excessive flour while kneading, as a very firm dough can result in dense doughnuts. The dough should remain soft and slightly elastic.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the doughnuts in batches allows hot air to circulate evenly and helps them cook consistently.

Keep an eye on the doughnuts during the final minute or two, as air fryers can vary considerably in power.

How To Serve Air Fryer Doughnuts

Fresh air fryer doughnuts can be served warm with tea or coffee. You can also top them with melted chocolate, icing, crushed nuts or sprinkles for a more indulgent dessert.

For the best texture, enjoy them fresh on the day they are made.