Air Fryer Donuts

4.91 from 473 votes

Air Fryer Donuts made from scratch with yeast dough taste like the real deal. Better than baked and less fat than deep-fried!

Prep Time30

Cook Time4

Proofing Time1 30

Total Time2 4

Course: Baking

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Julia Foerster

Ingredients

1 cup milk lukewarm (about 100°F)°
2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tsp
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
Oil Spray Coconut oil works best

For the Glaze

6 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 Tbsp hot water or as needed

Cups - Metric

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, gently stir together lukewarm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy (If nothing happens your milk was too hot or the yeast is too old, so start over).
Add sugar, salt, egg, melted butter and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then with the mixer running add the remaining cup of flour slowly, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.
Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled. Dough is ready if you make a dent with your finger and the indention remains.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, punch it down and gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out 10-12 donuts using a 3-inch round cutter and a 1-inch round cutter to remove center.
Transfer donuts and donut holes to lightly floured parchment paper and cover loosely with greased plastic wrap. Let donuts rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Preheat Air Fryer to 350F.
Spray Air Fryer basket with oil spray, carefully transfer donuts to Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Spray donuts with oil spray and cook at 350F until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.
While the donuts are in the Air Fryer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
Dip hot donuts and donut holes in the glaze using to forks to submerge them. Place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow excess glaze to drip off. Let sit until glaze hardens, about 10 minutes.

Notes

Make sure the milk is not hotter than 115 degrees F. Using hot liquid will kill the yeast.
If you don't have an instant read thermometer, drizzle a few drops of the warmed up milk onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm. If it feels hot the yeast will die off, if it feels cold it will remain dormant.

Nutrition