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Golden air fryer glazed donuts on a white plate with shiny vanilla glaze dripping and powdered sugar topping, on a wooden table.

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

These air fryer glazed donuts are a quick and easy treat that brings the joy of bakery-fresh donuts right into your kitchen. Perfectly golden and soft, with a classic vanilla glaze, this is the best air fryer donuts recipe for any time of day. Learn how to make homemade air fryer donuts effortlessly!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk lukewarm (about 100°F)
  • 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar for yeast activation
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Coconut oil spray to prevent sticking
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 Tbsp hot water or as needed

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Stand mixer with a dough hook
  • wire rack
  • 3-inch round cutter
  • 1-inch round cutter

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix lukewarm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s foamy. This is crucial for ensuring the donuts rise correctly.
  2. Make the dough: Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix it on low speed. Slowly add the last cup of flour until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Knead it for 5 minutes on medium-low speed until it’s elastic and smooth.
  3. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place to rise. It’s ready when it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
  4. Cut the donuts: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut the donuts, and a 1-inch cutter to make the center holes. Save the holes for tasty little treats!
  5. Final rise: Place the donuts and holes on floured parchment paper, and cover them loosely with greased plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, until puffed.
  6. Cook in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with coconut oil spray. Place the donuts in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook for 4 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Make the glaze: While the donuts are cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add hot water one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thin enough to dip but not too runny.
  8. Glaze the donuts: Dip the hot donuts (and holes!) into the glaze, turning them to coat evenly. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let the excess drip off. The glaze hardens in about 10 minutes, and then they’re ready to eat!

Notes

Don’t skip the yeast proofing step; it’s key to fluffy donuts. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, and always check the yeast's expiration date. Room temperature ingredients improve dough texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Refresh by microwaving for 10 seconds.