Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

This easy recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts makes the best homemade donuts in the world! Fried without any oil, these donuts are light and fluffy, and the glaze is smooth and sweet. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion, these delightful treats will impress family and friends while offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy delicious donuts without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthier Option: Made in an air fryer, these donuts contain no added oil, making them a lighter choice for indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Using gluten-free flour allows everyone to enjoy these tasty treats without worry.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite extracts or toppings for a personal twist on classic glazed donuts.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a festive gathering, these donuts fit any event beautifully.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or cookie cutters
• Baking brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks the donuts evenly while keeping them light and fluffy without oil.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and ensuring an even mixture.
• Rolling pin: Helps you flatten the dough to the perfect thickness for cutting out donut shapes.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups 1:1 gluten-free flour, (divided (King Arthur Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1))
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk, (about 110°F)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, (melted)
• 1 large egg

For Brushing

• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, (melted for brushing over donuts)

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons milk

How to Make Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
3 cups gluten-free flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk these together until well combined.

Next, in another bowl, mix your wet ingredients:
Warm milk (about 110°F)
Melted unsalted butter
Large egg

Gradually combine the wet mixture into the dry mixture until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Place it back into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Once risen, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use your donut cutter or cookie cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place each donut on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Brush each donut with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts are cooking, make your glaze by combining melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 6: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooked, remove the donuts from the air fryer and dip each one into the glaze while still warm. Allow excess glaze to drip off before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Glazed Donuts fresh!

How to Serve Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having them for breakfast or as a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries complement the sweetness of the donuts and add a refreshing touch.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• A drizzle of melted chocolate over the glaze creates an indulgent dessert perfect for chocolate lovers.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Pairing these donuts with a hot cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a cozy morning experience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream turns your donuts into an elegant dessert, suitable for special occasions or brunch gatherings.

Served Warm

• Enjoying your donuts warm from the air fryer ensures they are soft and fluffy, maximizing the flavor with each bite.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

To ensure your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use fresh yeast – Ensure your instant dry yeast is fresh for optimal rise and fluffy texture in your donuts.
• Measure accurately – Using precise measurements for ingredients, especially flour, helps achieve the right dough consistency.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Fry in small batches to allow even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Brush with butter before glazing – This adds richness to your donuts and helps the glaze adhere better.
• Let them cool slightly before glazing – Allowing the donuts to cool just a bit prevents the glaze from melting off completely.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Greek Yogurt – Creamy yogurt balances the sweetness while adding protein; consider adding honey or nuts on top.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy eggs make a savory addition that pairs well with sweet donuts for a complete breakfast.
4. Crispy Bacon – The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweetness perfectly, making each bite satisfying.
5. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal can serve as a hearty side, providing fiber alongside your sweet treat.
6. Chia Seed Pudding – This healthy option offers texture and nutrients, working well with glazed donuts. Add fruits or nuts for extra flavor!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect flour measurement: Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping yeast activation: Not allowing the yeast to activate properly can result in dense donuts. Ensure your warm milk is at the right temperature (around 110°F) before mixing.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Failing to preheat can lead to uneven cooking. Preheating ensures that your donuts cook evenly and rise well.
• Overcrowding the basket: Placing too many donuts in the air fryer at once can prevent proper airflow. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
• Ignoring glaze consistency: A glaze that’s too thick won’t coat well, while one that’s too thin will run off. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency by adjusting with milk as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds per donut.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you might have about making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when my donuts are done?

The donuts should be golden brown on the outside and spring back when lightly pressed. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

What if my glaze is too thick?

If your glaze is too thick, simply add more milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

How long will Air Fryer Glazed Donuts last?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts offers an amazing way to enjoy delicious homemade treats without the guilt of frying. The light, fluffy texture and sweet glaze make them irresistible! Feel free to customize your donuts with different flavors or toppings like sprinkles or chocolate drizzle. Enjoy experimenting!