Air fryer Donuts
Air fryer Donuts! is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $1.51 total, $0.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (just enough to bring the dough together; sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (leavening agent)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (sweetens the dough)
- ½ cup Milk (room temperature)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze, sifted)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze) (adds shine to glaze)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Create a well in the dry mixture, then add the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir gently until the dough just comes together; it will be slightly sticky.
Time: PT5M
Shape Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface, turn the dough out, and pat it to about ½‑inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut circles, then use a smaller cutter for the center hole.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Air Fry Donuts
Place a single layer of donuts (with parchment if desired) in the air‑fryer basket. Cook for 3‑4 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Slightly
Transfer the hot donuts to a cooling rack and let them sit for 2 minutes; this prevents the glaze from melting off.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT2M
Glaze Donuts
Dip the top of each warm donut into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the rack to set for about 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour, Gluten‑Free All‑Purpose Flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking Soda (use ¼ tsp plus ½ tsp cream of tartar)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar
- Instead of Milk: Almond Milk, Soy Milk
- Instead of Egg: Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Melted Coconut Oil
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Almond Extract (½ tsp)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners' Sugar
- Instead of Milk (for glaze): Water, Almond Milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Small Bowl (for glaze)
- Spatula or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use just enough flour to hold the dough together; over‑flouring makes dense donuts.
- Do not over‑mix the batter; gentle stirring keeps the texture light.
- Air fry in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve even golden browning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Use a silicone mat in the air fryer basket for easy release and cleanup.
- If you prefer a chocolate glaze, melt 2 oz of chocolate with a splash of milk and dip the donuts.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too sticky and spreads on the cutter.
Add flour a teaspoon at a time until the dough is workable; avoid adding too much.
Donuts come out pale and dense.
Make sure the air fryer is fully preheated and do not over‑mix the dough; cook for the full 4 minutes.
Glaze runs off the donuts.
Allow donuts to cool for at least 2 minutes before glazing; thicken the glaze with a little extra powdered sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re‑heat briefly in the air fryer before serving.
Freezer: Un‑glazed donuts freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw and glaze after reheating.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; keep in a covered dish for up to 6 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the glaze a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; whisk before using.
- Un‑glazed donuts can be baked in the air fryer and frozen; glaze just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of air fryer glazed donuts in American dessert cuisine?
While traditional fried donuts have been a staple of American fairs and breakfast tables for over a century, the air‑fryer version is a modern twist that offers the same indulgence with less oil and mess, reflecting today’s health‑conscious yet nostalgic cooking trends.
What are the traditional regional variations of glazed donuts in the United States?
In the Northeast, donuts are often topped with simple sugar glaze; in the South, they may be dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. Some regions favor chocolate or maple glazes, showing how local flavors influence the classic treat.
How are air fryer glazed donuts traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served warm for breakfast or as an after‑school snack, often alongside coffee or milk. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze adds a festive touch for holidays and celebrations.
What occasions or celebrations are air fryer glazed donuts associated with in American culture?
Donuts are popular at birthday parties, school fundraisers, and holiday brunches. Their quick preparation makes them a go‑to treat for spontaneous gatherings and weekend family breakfasts.
What makes air fryer glazed donuts special or unique in modern American dessert trends?
They combine the nostalgic flavor of classic fried donuts with the convenience and lower‑fat profile of air‑frying, delivering a crisp exterior and fluffy interior without deep‑frying oil.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer glazed donuts?
Common errors include using too much flour, which creates dense donuts, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, which leads to uneven browning, and glazing while the donuts are too hot, causing the glaze to slide off.
Why does this air fryer donut recipe use a small amount of flour instead of a traditional dough recipe?
Only enough flour is needed to bind the wet ingredients, keeping the dough light. Excess flour would develop gluten, resulting in a heavy, cake‑like texture rather than the airy bite of a classic fried donut.
Can I make air fryer glazed donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Un‑glazed donuts can be cooked, cooled, and frozen for up to a month. Thaw and re‑heat in the air fryer, then dip in fresh glaze. Glazed donuts are best eaten the same day but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort foods with modern kitchen gadgets, delivering clear step‑by‑step videos for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American dessert recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes minimal cleanup, gadget‑friendly methods (like air fryers), and concise ingredient lists, whereas many other channels may rely on traditional stovetop or deep‑frying techniques that require more time and equipment.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
