Fast Air Fryer Donuts (no biscuits)
Fast Air Fryer Donuts (no biscuits) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 125 calories per serving. Recipe by Empowered Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $1.05 total, $0.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Self-Rising Flour (sifted)
- 0.75 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat preferred for tenderness)
Instructions
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Place 1 cup of self‑rising flour into a mixing bowl and add 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt.
Time: PT2M
Knead the Dough
Using a spatula or your hands, knead the mixture until it comes together into a slightly sticky dough; this should take about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Shape Donuts
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then press a hole in the center with your thumb or a small cutter to form a donut shape.
Time: PT3M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Air Fry Donuts
Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket (use parchment paper if desired) and cook for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the donuts, let them cool for 2 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar or glaze as desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 125
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Self-Rising Flour: All-Purpose Flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt (add 1 tsp lemon juice per cup), Buttermilk (use 3/4 cup buttermilk, reduce flour slightly)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Air Fryer
- Knife or Dough Cutter
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Kneading to the right consistency (slightly sticky but not overly wet).
- Shaping the donuts with a clean, even hole.
- Air frying at the correct temperature and time to avoid under‑ or over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Dust with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the yogurt before mixing.
- Serve with a side of fruit compote or chocolate dip for a gourmet touch.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add yogurt a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Dough is overly sticky and sticks to hands.
Dust the work surface and your hands with a little extra flour; incorporate gently.
Donuts are dense and not fluffy.
Ensure your self‑rising flour is fresh; add ¼ tsp of baking powder if needed.
Donuts brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside.
Lower the air fryer temperature to 325°F and increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shape the donuts and freeze raw dough; air fry directly from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes.
- Cooked donuts can be reheated in the air fryer for 1‑2 minutes to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade donuts in American cuisine?
Donuts have been a beloved American treat since the early 20th century, originally fried in oil and later popularized by coffee shops and bakeries. Home‑made versions, especially quick recipes like this, reflect the American love for convenience and comfort food.
What are traditional regional variations of donuts in the United States?
Regional variations include Boston cream donuts, New York‑style cake donuts, and the Southern glazed yeast‑leavened donuts. Each region adds its own signature glaze, topping, or flavoring while keeping the basic fried dough concept.
How are donuts traditionally served in American coffeehouse culture?
In American coffeehouse culture, donuts are typically served warm alongside coffee or tea, often dusted with powdered sugar or glazed. They are a popular breakfast or snack item that pairs well with a hot beverage.
What occasions or celebrations are donuts associated with in American culture?
Donuts are commonly enjoyed at breakfast meetings, office gatherings, school fundraisers, and holiday brunches. They also appear in celebrations like National Donut Day, where bakeries give away free donuts.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic American yeast‑donuts versus this yogurt donut recipe?
Classic American yeast‑donuts use all‑purpose flour, yeast, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter. This quick yogurt donut replaces yeast with self‑rising flour and uses Greek yogurt for moisture, creating a faster, lighter version.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with these quick air‑fryer yogurt donuts?
These donuts pair nicely with scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, or a simple yogurt parfait, creating a balanced breakfast plate that combines sweet and savory elements.
What makes these yogurt donuts special compared to traditional fried donuts?
The use of Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture while eliminating the need for oil, and cooking in an air fryer reduces fat content and mess, making them a healthier, quicker alternative.
How has the air‑fryer donut trend evolved in recent years in American home cooking?
Air‑fryer donuts have surged in popularity as home cooks seek healthier, low‑oil alternatives. The technology allows for rapid cooking with a crisp exterior, leading to many recipe adaptations like this yogurt‑based version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making these yogurt donuts?
Common mistakes include over‑kneading the dough, which can make the donuts tough, and overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents even browning. Also, using stale self‑rising flour can result in dense donuts.
Why does this recipe use self‑rising flour instead of regular flour and baking powder?
Self‑rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, simplifying the recipe and ensuring a consistent rise without extra measuring steps, which is ideal for a quick 15‑minute donut.
What does the YouTube channel Empowered Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Empowered Cooks focuses on quick, accessible home‑cooking tutorials that empower viewers to create tasty meals with minimal ingredients and equipment, often highlighting modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers.
How does the YouTube channel Empowered Cooks' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Empowered Cooks emphasizes speed, simplicity, and health‑conscious tweaks, such as using Greek yogurt and air frying, whereas many other channels may stick to traditional frying methods or more elaborate ingredient lists.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
