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Crispy Air Fryer Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Vanilla Glaze Treats

crispy air fryer donuts - featured image

These crispy air fryer donuts deliver a golden, crispy exterior and soft, pillowy inside, topped with a smooth homemade vanilla glaze. Perfect for a quick, healthier sweet treat without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (whole or 2%, almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free margarine)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the vanilla glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (5 minutes)
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. (3 minutes)
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Dough should be slightly sticky but hold together. (2 minutes)
  4. Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Pat gently into a 1-inch thick rectangle. (2 minutes)
  5. Using a 3-inch donut cutter, cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller 1-inch cutter for the centers. Place donuts and holes on a lightly floured baking sheet. (10 minutes)
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Place 3-4 donuts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, flip carefully, then cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. (8-10 minutes per batch)
  8. While donuts cook, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed. (5 minutes)
  9. Dip warm donuts into the vanilla glaze, letting excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set for 5 minutes. (5 minutes)

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Flip donuts halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a light hand when mixing dough to avoid dense donuts. Sift powdered sugar for a smooth glaze. Store glaze covered in fridge if made ahead. Reheat donuts in air fryer or microwave gently to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer donuts, crispy donuts, vanilla glaze, easy donuts, homemade donuts, quick dessert, healthier donuts