Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 3 hrs
Cost: $2.71 total, $0.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Milk (warm to 105‑110°F)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for dough, 50 g)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, 85 g)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 2¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet, freshly proofed)
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (360 g, sifted)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze, sifted)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, for glaze)
- ½ cup Whole Milk (for glaze, add more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (for spraying air fryer basket)
Instructions
Warm Milk
Measure 1 cup whole milk and warm it gently to 105‑110°F (40‑43°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 105‑110°F
Proof Yeast
Stir 1 teaspoon granulated sugar into the warm milk, sprinkle 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 6 Tbsp melted butter, and 1 room‑temperature egg until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Add Yeast Mixture
Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the wet ingredients and stir briefly to combine.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add 3 cups (360 g) sifted all‑purpose flour and ½ tsp salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Time: PT2M
Knead the Dough
Attach the dough hook and knead on medium‑low for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Time: PT5M
First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl (≈1 Tbsp oil), transfer the dough, turn to coat all sides, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Time: PT1H30M
Punch Down & Shape
Deflate the risen dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and roll to a ½‑inch thickness.
Time: PT10M
Cut Donuts
Using a 3‑inch cutter, cut circles, then re‑cut the center with a 1‑inch cutter to make holes. Place donuts and holes on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT5M
Second Rise
Cover the sheet loosely and let the cut donuts rest for 20 minutes to puff up slightly.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Glaze
In a bowl whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp melted butter, ½ cup whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Add a splash more milk if the glaze is too thick.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Air Fry Donuts
Lightly spray the air‑fryer basket with coconut oil. Place 4‑5 donuts (or holes) in a single layer, spray tops lightly, and air fry: donuts 8 minutes, holes 6 minutes. Repeat in batches until all are cooked.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Glaze and Serve
While the donuts are still warm, drizzle or dip them in the butter‑vanilla glaze. Serve immediately for best texture.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: cane sugar, coconut sugar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, melted coconut oil
- Instead of Large Egg: egg replacer, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: instant yeast (same amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: bread flour, gluten‑free flour blend (adjust liquids)
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: confectioners' sugar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, melted coconut oil
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, almond milk
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (½ tsp), maple extract (½ tsp)
- Instead of Coconut Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Donut Cutter Set
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Air Fryer
- Spray Bottle (optional)
- Spatula (optional)
- Pastry Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Proofing the yeast until foamy
- Kneading to a smooth, elastic dough
- First rise until the dough doubles in size
- Second rise before air frying
- Air frying at the correct temperature and time
Chef Tips from the Video
- Weigh flour with a kitchen scale for consistent results.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking when transferring donuts.
- Spray the basket lightly; too much oil can cause excess smoke.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze.
Troubleshooting
Yeast does not foam during proofing.
The milk was too hot or the yeast is old. Re‑warm milk to 105‑110°F and use fresh yeast.
Dough is too dry and cracks.
Add a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until the dough becomes tacky but not sticky.
Donuts are dense and do not rise in the air fryer.
Ensure the dough completed both rises; under‑proofed dough will not expand properly.
Glaze is too thick.
Thin with a little extra milk, adding a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; they keep for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer for 2‑3 minutes before glazing.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise; bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Glaze can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; whisk before using.
- Donuts freeze well unglazed; re‑heat and glaze just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of air fryer glazed donuts in American cuisine?
Donuts have been a beloved American treat since the 19th century, originally fried in oil. The air‑fryer version is a modern twist that keeps the classic flavor while reducing oil usage, reflecting today’s health‑conscious cooking trends.
What are the traditional regional variations of donuts in the United States?
In the U.S., you’ll find cake‑style donuts in the Northeast, yeast‑leavened light donuts in the Midwest, and specialty glazes like maple or chocolate in the South. This recipe follows the classic yeast‑leavened style but uses an air fryer for a lighter texture.
How is a glazed donut traditionally served in American culture?
Glazed donuts are typically served warm, either as a breakfast treat with coffee or as an afternoon snack. They’re often displayed on a platter at diners, coffee shops, and holiday brunches.
During which American celebrations are donuts especially popular?
Donuts are popular on National Donut Day (first Friday of June), at baseball games, and during holiday brunches such as Thanksgiving and Christmas when families enjoy sweet baked goods together.
What makes air fryer glazed donuts special compared to traditional deep‑fried donuts?
Air fryer donuts achieve a golden exterior and fluffy interior with a fraction of the oil, resulting in less mess, lower fat content, and a quicker cleanup while still delivering the classic donut texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer glazed donuts?
Common errors include using milk that’s too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, skipping the first rise, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and glazing too early before the donuts have cooled slightly.
Why does this recipe use a two‑stage rise instead of a single rise?
The first long rise develops flavor and gluten structure, while the second short rise after shaping gives the donuts a final puff that ensures a light, airy crumb before air frying.
Can I make the air fryer glazed donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, then shape and give a short second rise before air frying. Store baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the air fryer donuts are done?
Donuts should be golden‑brown on the outside, slightly crisp on the edges, and spring back gently when pressed. Inside they should be light, airy, and cake‑like with a tender crumb.
How do I know when the air fryer donuts are fully cooked?
The donuts will be golden and have risen noticeably. A quick tap on the bottom should sound hollow, and an internal temperature of about 190°F indicates they are cooked through.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, modern home‑cooking recipes that blend classic techniques with convenient appliances like air fryers and stand mixers.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen focuses on streamlined, equipment‑friendly methods—such as using an air fryer for traditionally fried foods—while still emphasizing flavor and technique, setting it apart from channels that rely on traditional deep‑frying or more elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
