EASY Air Fryer DONUTS! Better than Krispy Kreme!! 🔥 The Best Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

EASY Air Fryer DONUTS! Better than Krispy Kreme!! 🔥 The Best Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Emma's Goodies on YouTube.

Prep: 4 hrs 2 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 4 hrs 26 min

Cost: $45.30 total, $3.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (proofed in warm milk)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (warm (about 110°F / 43°C))
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (to brush air‑fryer basket)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for brushing donuts) (melted)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Wet Mixture

    In a jug combine warm milk, melted butter, the egg, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 2‑3 minutes to activate the yeast.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Mix the Dough

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix on high speed with a stand mixer for about 3 minutes, or knead by hand until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.

    Time: PT3M

  4. First Rise

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it triples in size, about 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

  5. Shape the Donuts

    Lightly flour your work surface, turn the dough out, and roll it to about 1‑inch thickness. Cut circles with a 2‑inch cutter, then use a smaller cutter for the centers.

    Time: PT10M

  6. First Rest After Cutting

    Place the cut donuts on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let rest for 20 minutes so the gluten relaxes.

    Time: PT20M

  7. Brush with Butter

    Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and gently brush each donut. This adds flavor and helps the glaze adhere later.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Second Rise

    Cover the donuts again and let them rise for another 45 minutes, or until they have puffed up noticeably.

    Time: PT45M

  9. Preheat Air Fryer

    While the donuts are rising, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

  10. Cook Donuts

    Lightly brush the air‑fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place up to four donuts in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for exactly 3 minutes, then flip and cook another 2‑3 minutes until golden and soft.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: 180°C

  11. Prepare Glaze

    In a small saucepan whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Heat gently just until the glaze becomes glossy (about 30 seconds).

    Time: PT5M

  12. Glaze the Donuts

    Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place glazed donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
10g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Milk, Butter

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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EASY Air Fryer DONUTS! Better than Krispy Kreme!! 🔥 The Best Glazed Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Recipe by Emma's Goodies

Soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth yeast donuts baked in an air fryer and finished with a sweet, crackly glaze. This recipe adapts a classic yeast‑based donut dough for the air fryer, giving you the same fluffy texture of fried donuts without the deep‑frying mess.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3h 48m
Prep
14m
Cook
29m
Cleanup
4h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$45.30
Total cost
$3.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • First rise until dough triples in size (2 hours).
  • Do not roll the dough thinner than 1 inch; air‑fryer donuts need thickness for lift.
  • Second rise of 45 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook donuts in a single layer, 3‑minute intervals, to avoid over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot air‑fryer basket with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • The glaze is hot; avoid splashes and allow it to cool slightly before dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of glazed air fryer donuts in American cuisine?

A

Donuts have been a staple of American snack culture since the 19th century, originally fried in oil. The air‑fryer version is a modern, healthier twist that maintains the classic soft texture while reducing oil usage, reflecting today’s focus on convenience and wellness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of donuts in the United States?

A

In the U.S., you’ll find cake‑style donuts in the Northeast, yeast‑raised donuts in the Midwest, and specialty flavors like maple‑glazed in New England. The glazed air‑fryer donut follows the classic yeast‑raised style but uses an air fryer instead of deep‑frying.

cultural
Q

How is a glazed air fryer donut traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically enjoyed fresh for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, often paired with coffee or milk. The glaze gives a sweet, shiny finish that mimics classic Krispy Kreme donuts.

cultural
Q

During which occasions are donuts, especially glazed ones, commonly served in American culture?

A

Glazed donuts appear at breakfast gatherings, office coffee breaks, school fundraisers, and holiday brunches. They’re also popular for birthday parties and casual get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What makes glazed air fryer donuts special compared to traditional fried donuts in American cuisine?

A

The air‑fryer method produces a light, airy crumb with a crisp exterior while using a fraction of the oil, making them less greasy and quicker to prepare. The glaze still provides that signature sweet crunch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making glazed air fryer donuts?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, rolling it too thin, skipping the second rise, and overcrowding the air‑fryer basket. Each mistake can lead to dense donuts or uneven browning.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe call for a 20‑minute rest after cutting the donuts before the second rise?

A

The short rest lets the gluten relax, preventing the dough from snapping back when you try to shape it again. This relaxation step is crucial for a smooth, uniform rise in the air fryer.

technical
Q

Can I make the glazed air fryer donuts ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After the first rise, you can shape the donuts, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before the second rise. Once glazed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the glazed air fryer donuts are done?

A

The donuts should be golden‑brown on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and the glaze should be glossy and crackly. A quick tap should produce a slight hollow sound, indicating they are fully cooked.

technical
Q

How do I know when the glazed air fryer donuts are done cooking?

A

After the 3‑minute initial cook, flip the donuts; they are done when both sides are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no raw dough.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Emma's Goodies focuses on approachable home‑cooking recipes, especially baked goods, desserts, and creative twists on classic comfort foods, with clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies' approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Emma's Goodies emphasizes practical shortcuts, such as using an air fryer for traditionally fried treats, and provides detailed explanations of dough handling, making her recipes accessible for beginners while still delivering professional‑grade results.

channel

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