Easy Air Fryer Donuts with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Delicious and fluffy homemade donuts made easily with an air fryer, featuring a sweet vanilla butter glaze. This recipe combines classic dough preparation with the convenience and health benefits of air frying for light, golden-brown treats perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (100°F)
- 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 cups plain flour
- Coconut oil spray
Glaze
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk, active dry yeast, and white sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Whisk in salt, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add plain flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape donuts: Punch down the dough, roll out to ½ inch thickness, and cut into donut shapes using a cutter or form dough balls and make a center hole with your finger. Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Air fry donuts: Cook donuts in a single layer in the air fryer for 6 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare glaze: While donuts cool, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Gradually stir in hot water until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze donuts: Dip or drizzle the warm donuts with the glaze and let them sit on a wire rack until the glaze sets completely.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour during kneading to make it easier to handle.
- Ensure the milk is lukewarm (around 100°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Coconut oil spray helps prevent donuts from sticking in the air fryer basket without adding extra fat.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- To make a chocolate glaze, substitute vanilla extract with cocoa powder and add a tablespoon of milk for consistency.
