Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are a delightful way to enjoy the classic treat without the hassle of deep frying. With their soft, airy texture and that irresistible sweet glaze, these donuts offer a healthier and easier alternative to traditional recipes. The best part is that the air fryer cuts down on the mess and oil, allowing you to indulge guilt-free. The air fryer creates the perfect golden exterior, ensuring that every bite is light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe simplifies the donut-making process while still delivering delicious results.

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Donuts have a long history, with their origins dating back to early Dutch settlers in America, who made a variation of fried dough called olykoeks or “oil cakes.” As donuts evolved, they became a popular treat across the world. The invention of the donut hole in the mid-19th century helped ensure they were fully cooked on the inside while still crispy on the outside. While deep-frying has long been the standard for making donuts, air frying has emerged as a modern and healthier way to enjoy this classic indulgence.

The convenience of the air fryer brings the joy of homemade donuts right to your kitchen, with far less oil and effort. The yeast-based dough ensures that the donuts have a classic rise, giving them that light and pillowy texture that makes donuts so beloved. Paired with a luscious vanilla glaze that seeps into every crevice, these air-fried donuts are a perfect combination of tradition and innovation.

Making donuts from scratch can seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into easy steps. By using lukewarm milk and yeast to activate the dough, you get a soft, pillowy texture that’s ideal for donuts. The air fryer does the rest of the work, cooking the donuts evenly and efficiently. The final result? A perfectly fluffy donut with a golden exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Nutritional Information (Per Donut, Based on 12 Donuts):  

• • Calories: 270 kcal  
  • Protein: 4g  
  • Carbohydrates: 35g  
  • Fat: 12g  
  • Sodium: 170mg  
  • Sugars: 17g

Storage Information:  

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. If they start to lose their freshness, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to re-crisp them. The glaze may become less shiny over time, but the donuts will still taste delicious. These donuts can also be frozen before glazing. Simply freeze the cooked donuts, thaw them, and glaze before serving.

Fun Fact:  

Donuts are believed to have originated in the Netherlands, where they were called “olykoeks,” meaning “oil cakes.” These early donuts didn’t have holes and were often filled with fruit or nuts. The donut hole was popularized in America during the 19th century as a way to ensure the donuts cooked evenly.

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Air Fryer Glazed Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup lukewarm milk (about 100°F)  
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)  
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for activating yeast  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt  
• 1 large egg  
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted  
• 3 cups all-purpose flour  
• Coconut oil spray (or other oil spray)

For the Glaze:  

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter  
• 2 cups powdered sugar  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract  
• 4 tablespoons hot water (or as needed)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast  

In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

2. Mix the dough  

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough  

Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

4. Let the dough rise  

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the donuts  

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes. Gather any dough scraps, re-roll, and cut out more donuts.

6. Air fry the donuts  

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray (or your preferred oil). Place the donuts in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry the donuts for 4-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed up.

7. Make the glaze  

While the donuts are frying, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water. Adjust the amount of water as needed to reach your desired glaze consistency. The glaze should be smooth and easy to dip the donuts into.

8. Glaze the donuts  

Once the donuts are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. While still warm, dip each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. For an extra-sweet treat, you can double dip them in the glaze for a thicker coating.

9. Serve  

Serve the glazed donuts warm, with extra glaze for dipping if desired. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

These Air Fryer Glazed Donuts deliver all the flavor of classic fried donuts with a fraction of the oil and effort. Perfectly light and fluffy with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!