Air Fryer Donuts

You’ll love these easy and delicious air fryer donuts that need just 3 ingredients to make! No yeast needed, they are perfectly fluffy and topped with a simple glaze!

My air fryer has been getting quite the workout recently, especially in the baking department.

My savory tooth has been loving pizza rolls, and of course, I get my veggies in via some Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Recently though, I’ve thrown in air fryer donuts into the mix, and I’m never turning back! 

Can you air fry donuts? 

Yes, as the recipe name suggests, you can air fry donuts. We are referring to donuts made from scratch, not pre-made jelly donuts or something of that nature (similar to bagels, too!).

Why this air fryer donut recipe will be a quick dessert fix- 

• They need just 3 ingredients to make- flour, yogurt, and powdered sugar (for the glaze!). 
• Similar to donut holes, they take less than 10 minutes to make. 
• They are low in fat and each donut has just just 115 calories each! 
• These donuts can be made gluten free and vegan, with just a simple ingredient swap! 

What I love about this recipe is that there is nothing pre-made about it. No frozen biscuit dough or pre-made dough. You can decorate them as much as you like, and there are six flavors to try.

Ingredients needed

As mentioned earlier, this recipe is very simple and needs just 3 ingredients, and all of them are pantry staples. Here is what you’ll need:

• Self rising flour– A combination of all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. You can skip the store-bought kind and make your own.
• Vanilla yogurt– A thick vanilla yogurt, like Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt. 
• Powdered sugar– Mixed with water to create a glaze. You can cut the calories and sugar by using a powdered sugar substitute. 
• Sprinkles– Optional, but adds a fun pop of color! 

How to make air fryer donuts

Step 1- Make the dough

Start by mixing the flour and vanilla yogurt until a thick dough remains. Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead several times, until completely smooth. If the dough is too thick, add a little extra yogurt. If the dough is too thin, add more flour.

Step 2- Shape into donuts

Next, divide the dough into eight portions. Using lightly floured hands, roll the dough into thin, sausage shape and connect both ends to form a donut. 

Step 3- Air fry the donuts

Now, line an air fryer basket with parchment paper. Depending on how big your air fryer basket is, add the donuts, ensuring there is at least half an inch of space so they can spread and rise. Air fry the donuts for 6-8 minutes, or until firm and light in color. 

Step 4- Remove and set

Finally, remove the donuts from the air fryer basket and let them cool completely. Once cool, mix the powdered sugar with water or milk until thick and pourable. Dip each donut into the glaze, then place them on a wire rack so excess glaze can drip off. Add sprinkles and enjoy immediately. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as these donuts do rise and spread. I find 3 donuts to be ideal.
• You must use a vanilla or flavored yogurt, otherwise your dough will be bland and tasteless. If you only have plain or natural yogurt, add 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup.
• The air fried donuts need to be cooled completely before adding the glaze, otherwise it will seep off.

Dietary swaps and substitutions

The beauty of this donut recipe is just how easy they are to customize to various other diets. Here is what we’ve tested:

• Make it vegan. Ensure the yogurt you use is dairy free. I like using vanilla flavored coconut yogurt, as it is thick enough to balance out the flour. 
• Make it gluten free. Use a gluten free self rising flour, like the Doves Farm brand. 
• Cut the sugar. Use a sugar free vanilla Greek yogurt (often called protein yogurt) and use a sugar free powdered sugar for the glaze.
• Add mix-ins. Fold through berries, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

Storage info

• To store: Leftover donuts can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days. 
• To freeze: Place the donuts in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to six months. 

More air fryer desserts to try

• Brownies
• Cookies
• Cinnamon rolls

Frequently Asked Questions