How to Make Irresistible Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

The second that sweet, warm vanilla glaze hits hot dough, the kitchen smells like a small-town bakery. These glazed air fryer donuts are soft in the middle, crisp at the edges, and wildly simple to make at home. No deep fryer. No fuss. That’s why they’re all over my feed latelyand why they’re not going anywhere.

This cozy treat starts with just a few pantry staplesthink flour, Greek yogurt, and a little baking powder. No yeast, no waiting. The air fryer gives them that golden exterior without drowning in oil. It’s like your favorite fair donut, but lighter, quicker, and made on your schedule. These easy glazed air fryer donuts are perfect for weekend mornings or lazy afternoons when the sweet tooth strikes.

I first made these back in 2021, right after a snowy weekend had us all stuck inside. My husband bit into one and said, “Tastes like you picked this up down the street.” The trick that made them bakery-worthy? Don’t crowd the fryerleave a little space so they puff up instead of steaming. After more than a decade testing and tweaking recipes, I’ll say this: these are the ones that made me stop buying box mixes for good.

Yesica Andrews

Glazed Air Fryer Donuts for a Delicious Easy Recipe

These glazed air fryer donuts are a delightful treat that combines moist, fluffy texture with a shiny, sweet glaze. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, this easy glazed air fryer donuts recipe is made from scratch and ready in just over an hour. Enjoy homemade donuts without the mess of frying!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts

Calories: 281

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Method

 

1. Froth up the yeast by combining warm water, warm milk (108°F), dry active yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a stand mixer, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Mix on low until combined, then beat on high for 5 minutes, adding flour a tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky.
3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
4. Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface.
5. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut donuts using a donut cutter or two biscuit cutters.
6. Place cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat air fryer to 345°F and spray basket with cooking spray.
8. Spray donuts with cooking spray and place in air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 4 minutes.
9. Repeat air frying with remaining donuts. Transfer fried donuts to plate lined with paper towels.
10. To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. While donuts are warm, dip them in the glaze and place on cooling rack to set.

Notes

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate. Donuts can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a ziplock freezer bag. For best glaze shine, dip donuts while still warm.

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

These donuts hit the perfect trifecta: cozy, delicious, and ridiculously simple to make. Here’s why they’re bound to be a favorite in your kitchen:

• No deep fryer needed: You get the same warm, golden perfection as fried donutsbut without the messy splatter or extra oil.
• Sweet nostalgia: They’ll remind you of those bakery treats you grew up loving, with a warm, vanilla-kissed glaze that melts perfectly into every bite.
• Beginner-friendly: Whether it’s your first time whipping up yeast dough or air-frying anything, this recipe walks you through every step easily.
• Flexible treat: Perfect for a slow weekend brunch, a quick dessert fix, or making sweet memories with the family!

Key Ingredients for Success

Every ingredient in this recipe has a purposeno overcomplicating here! Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• Dry active yeast: The magic ingredient for that fluffy, risen dough. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results. To test freshness, mix a pinch with warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C) and a touch of sugar; it should froth within 5 minutes.
• All-purpose flour: It gives the donuts their structure. Start with 2 1/2 cups and add more if the dough feels sticky.
• Melted butter: Adds richness to the dough while keeping it soft and tender.
• Vanilla extract: The secret behind that classic bakery aroma.
• Powdered sugar glaze: A simple whisk of powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream for richness), a touch of light corn syrup (for extra shine and to prevent crystallization), and vanilla creates that shiny, irresistible finish. (Specific quantities will be detailed in the full recipe card).

Step-by-Step: Making Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

Follow these steps to create light, fluffy donuts with a shiny glaze:

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it bubble for about 5 minutesit should froth up like a bubbling latte.
2. Mix the dough: Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead until just sticky but not overly wet.
3. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the donuts: Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness, cut with a donut cutter or two biscuit cutters, and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.
5. Air-fry: Preheat your air fryer to 345°F, spray with cooking spray, and fry in batches for 4 minutes until golden and puffed.
6. Prepare the glaze: In a shallow bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 2-3 tablespoons and add more for desired consistency), a small amount of light corn syrup (if using for shine), and vanilla extract until smooth. It should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle.
7. Dip and glaze: While warm, dip each donut into the glaze and let set for a few minutes. Enjoy the sticky, delicious treat!

Quick Air Fryer Timing Cheat Sheet

Expert Insight: Crafting Perfect Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

Crafting perfect glazed air fryer donuts involves understanding the nuances of the air fryer. The goal is to achieve a tender, airy interior with a lightly crisp, golden-brown exterior, a feat that mimics traditional frying without the excessive oil. The key lies in precise temperature control and understanding dough consistency. An air fryer typically cooks faster and can dry out food if overcooked, so slightly under-frying and letting residual heat finish the job can yield superior results. For the glaze, adding a touch of corn syrup isn’t just for shine; it helps prevent crystallization, ensuring that perfect, smooth finish.

Troubleshooting & Tips

No need to stress if things go a little haywire! Here are some common issues and easy fixes:

• Yeast didn’t froth: Your water may have been too hot or too cold. Aim for 108°Fit should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
• Dough too sticky: Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing after each, until the texture is just tacky.
• Donuts not rising: Ensure your kitchen is warm (above 70°F). If it’s cold, let the dough rise near a warm oven or wrap the bowl with a towel.
• Want extra shine? Re-dip the donuts in glaze after the first layer has set!

Storing and Enjoying Your Donuts

These donuts are best warm, but you can keep them fresh for later:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to 4 days; just let them come to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed donuts in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the microwave for a bakery-fresh feel.

Storage Tip Table

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The Journey to Perfect Glazed Air Fryer Donuts

My journey to perfecting these glazed air fryer donuts involved a few learning curvesfrom overly sticky dough to inconsistent rises. What I consistently found crucial was patience during the rising stages and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Small adjustments, like gently flouring your work surface to prevent stickiness without adding too much extra flour, and ensuring your glaze is the right consistency (not too thin, not too thick), are key to achieving that light, tender texture and perfect finish I strived for.

FAQs ( Glazed Air Fryer Donuts )

Conclusion

These glazed air fryer donuts come together in under an hour and yield soft, tender centers with just the right amount of crisp. You’ll love how effortlessly they bring a bit of homemade bakery magic to your kitchen without a deep fryer in sight. This recipe feels like a cozy, sweet tradition that anyone can nail.

Try swapping vanilla for almond extract or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the glaze for a warm twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days or freeze for lateran easy tip I picked up from a longtime home baker. These easy glazed air fryer donuts adapt beautifully to whatever your pantry holds.

Have you made these donuts yet? I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite glaze variations! Share this recipe with a friend who deserves a little homemade sweetness, and remember: the best treats are the ones made with a little love (and a dash of fun). Happy baking!