From-Scratch Air Fryer Donuts, SO Addictive
From-Scratch Air Fryer Donuts, SO ADDICTIVE! is a easy American recipe that serves 30. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Divas Can Cook on YouTube.
Prep: 42 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $1.80 total, $0.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp Instant Yeast (active dry or instant)
- 1/4 cup Warm Water (about 110°F, to proof yeast)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (for proofing yeast)
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting and kneading)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 cup Butter‑Flavor Shortening (cut into pieces before mixing)
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for dough) (adds a hint of sweetness)
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, for dipping)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
Proof the Yeast
Combine warm water, instant yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit until foamy and puffy, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together 3 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp baking powder until fully combined. Whisk thoroughly to avoid pockets of leavening agents.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Shortening and Sugar
Add 1/4 cup butter‑flavor shortening and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter (or two knives) to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Time: PT5M
Add Wet Ingredients
Pour the proofed yeast mixture and 3/4 cup buttermilk into the bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula until a wet, sticky dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and knead gently for about 5 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking to your hands. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Time: PT5M
Shape Donut Balls
Divide the dough into 25‑30 equal pieces (about 1‑1.5 tbsp each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball. For mini‑donuts, shape into smaller balls or simple twists.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Air Fryer
Lightly grease the air‑fryer basket with a little melted butter. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 325°F
Air‑Fry Donuts
Place the donut balls in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Cook at 325°F for 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2‑3 minutes until lightly golden and puffed.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 325°F
Rest Donuts
Let the cooked donuts sit in the air‑fryer (or on a wire rack) for about 1 minute to finish steaming.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Butter Dip & Coat Donuts
Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Dip each warm donut briefly in the melted butter, let excess drip off, then roll in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture until lightly coated.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Yeast: Active dry yeast (same amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (slightly less)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour (will be chewier)
- Instead of Butter‑Flavor Shortening: Unsalted butter (same amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar (for dough): Coconut sugar
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice (let sit 5 min)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Melted margarine
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Pumpkin spice (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
- Rubber Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Work Surface (clean countertop or board)
- Air Fryer
- Small Bowl (for cinnamon‑sugar)
- Brush (for butter) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Proofing the yeast until foamy
- Achieving the correct dough consistency (sticky but manageable)
- Not over‑flouring during kneading
- Air‑frying at the correct temperature and time to keep donuts fluffy
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra buttery flavor, substitute half of the shortening with real unsalted butter.
- If you prefer a glaze instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the warm donuts in a simple powdered‑sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk).
- Dust the work surface with flour sparingly; a silicone mat works well to prevent sticking without excess flour.
Troubleshooting
Donuts are dense and not fluffy.
Check that the yeast was active (foam formed). Avoid adding too much extra flour during kneading; the dough should stay slightly sticky.
Donuts stick to the air‑fryer basket.
Grease the basket lightly with melted butter or spray with non‑stick cooking spray before each batch.
Donuts brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside.
Lower the temperature to 300°F and increase cooking time by 1‑2 minutes, or finish the batch in a pre‑heated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat briefly in the air fryer before serving.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; reheat from frozen for 3‑4 minutes at 325°F.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit out for up to 4 hours in a covered dish.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Proof the yeast and mix the dough up to step 5; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for extra flavor.
- Cinnamon‑sugar coating can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of fluffy yeasty air fryer donuts in American cuisine?
Donuts originated in early 19th‑century America as fried dough treats. The modern, cake‑like donut became popular with the rise of commercial bakeries, and today home cooks adapt the classic recipe to healthier methods like air frying, preserving the beloved texture while reducing oil.
What are the traditional regional variations of donuts in the United States?
In the U.S., you’ll find yeast‑raised donuts in the Northeast, cake‑style donuts in the Midwest, and specialty flavors like maple‑glazed in New England. Each region adds its own twist, such as cinnamon‑sugar in the South or chocolate‑filled varieties in the West.
How is the authentic traditional way of serving yeast‑raised donuts different from the air fryer method shown by Divas Can Cook?
Traditionally, yeast‑raised donuts are deep‑fried in hot oil, giving a crisp exterior and airy interior. The air‑fryer method uses hot circulating air at 325°F, which creates a similar puffiness with far less oil, resulting in a lighter texture and fewer calories.
What occasions or celebrations are yeast‑raised donuts traditionally associated with in American culture?
Donuts are a staple at breakfast gatherings, coffee breaks, and holiday brunches. They’re especially popular on National Donut Day (first Friday of June) and often appear at fairs, fundraisers, and family picnics.
What other American dishes pair well with fluffy yeasty air fryer donuts?
Serve the donuts alongside a robust coffee, cold milk, or a fruit‑filled smoothie. For a savory contrast, pair them with a breakfast plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, or enjoy them as a sweet finish after a hearty chicken‑and‑waffle brunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fluffy yeasty air fryer donuts from Divas Can Cook?
Common errors include using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), over‑flouring the dough (making it dense), overcrowding the air‑fryer basket (causing uneven puffing), and dipping donuts too long in butter, which makes the coating soggy.
Why does this air fryer donut recipe use both baking soda and baking powder instead of just one leavening agent?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic buttermilk for immediate lift, while baking powder provides a slower, sustained rise during the short cooking time. Together they ensure the donuts stay airy and fluffy inside the air fryer.
Can I make the fluffy yeasty air fryer donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After shaping, you can refrigerate the raw dough balls for up to 24 hours, then air‑fry when ready. Cooked donuts keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 hours or in the fridge for 3 days; reheat briefly in the air fryer before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the fluffy yeasty air fryer donuts are done?
The donuts should be lightly golden on the outside, puffed up, and spring back gently when pressed. The interior should be soft, cake‑like, and slightly airy, similar to a brioche roll.
What does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook specialize in?
Divas Can Cook focuses on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often using accessible kitchen tools like air fryers and Instant Pots to simplify cooking for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Divas Can Cook's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Divas Can Cook emphasizes quick, ingredient‑light methods, prioritizing health‑friendly techniques (like air frying) while still delivering the familiar flavors of traditional American dishes, whereas many other channels stick to classic, often oil‑heavy preparations.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
