Can I make these donuts without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why did my donuts come out dense instead of fluffy?

Dense donuts usually result from insufficient rising time or killing the yeast with water that's too hot. Make sure your rising area is warm but not hot, and be patient with both rising periods. Also check that your yeast is fresh and active.

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular whole milk, but the donuts might be slightly less rich. For the closest result, use whole milk and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.

My air fryer is different from most. How do I adjust the cooking time?

Air fryers can vary significantly in how they cook. Always do a test run with one donut, checking it at the 2-minute mark after flipping. Adjust your time based on how quickly your model browns the donuts. They should be golden on the outside but fully cooked inside.

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts Recipe

These homemade Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are a game-changer for donut lovers! Perfectly fluffy on the inside with a delicate crispness on the outside, these donuts deliver all the satisfaction of traditional fried donuts with significantly less oil. The sweet vanilla glaze creates that classic donut shop experience right in your kitchen, and the entire process is surprisingly simple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer means these donuts require just a light spray of oil instead of deep frying in cups of oil, giving you that donut satisfaction with less guilt.
Homemade Goodness: There’s something magical about freshly made donuts that store-bought versions simply can’t match. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a premium bakery.
Versatile Treats: Whether glazed, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or even left plain, these donuts can be customized to please everyone in your household.
Achievable Yeast Baking: If you’ve been intimidated by yeast baking, this recipe provides a friendly entry point with consistently successful results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Instant Dry Yeast: The essential leavening agent that creates that fluffy texture we all love in donuts. Make sure yours is fresh for the best rise.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough. The temperature should be around 100°F—think warm bath water, not hot.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for proper rising. Don’t reduce this amount as it affects both flavor and texture.
Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and a subtle creaminess to the dough that regular milk can’t provide.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough structure—don’t skip it!
Vegetable Shortening: Creates tenderness in the donuts. While butter can be substituted, shortening produces the most authentic texture.
Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help with the rising process.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, aromatic flavor that makes these donuts truly irresistible.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of your donuts. Add gradually until you achieve the right consistency.
Cooking Oil Spray: Just a light coating helps achieve that golden exterior in the air fryer.
Powdered Sugar: The foundation of the glaze, creating that sweet, smooth coating.
Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it set properly on the donuts.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of these air fryer donuts is how easily they can be customized. Try these variations:

Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze for chocolate lovers.
Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze.
Sprinkle Party: Top freshly glazed donuts with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Donut Holes: Use the center cutouts to make delicious donut holes! Reduce air frying time to about 2-3 minutes.
Filled Version: Skip cutting the holes and after cooking, use a piping bag to fill with jam, custard, or chocolate cream.

How to Make Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, sugar, evaporated milk, salt, shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Start with 2 cups of flour and mix with the dough hook on medium-low speed. Gradually add the remaining flour until you have a smooth, slightly tacky dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers when touched.

Step 2: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1½ hours until doubled in size. The dough should look puffy and feel soft when gently poked.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness. Using a drinking glass or round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out donut shapes. For the classic hole, use a smaller cutter or bottle cap. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Second Rise

Let the shaped donuts rise again for 30 minutes. They should look puffy and expanded—this second rise is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place 3-4 donuts in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray both sides with cooking oil, then air fry for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should emerge golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze

While the donuts are still warm (but not hot), dip the tops into the prepared glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set. For the cinnamon sugar option, brush warm donuts with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Test First: Always do a test run with one donut to ensure your timing and temperature are correct for your particular air fryer model.
Don’t Overload: Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so overcrowding the basket will prevent proper cooking and browning.
Temperature Matters: The water for activating yeast should be warm, not hot. Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cool won’t activate it properly.
Flour Gradually: Add flour bit by bit until you reach the right consistency—a soft, slightly tacky dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the rising times. Proper rising is what gives you that light, fluffy texture.

How to Serve

These air fryer donuts are at their absolute best when served fresh and slightly warm. Here are some serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a classic breakfast or afternoon treat.
Create a donut bar with different glazes and toppings for a fun brunch option.
Pair with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Occasion Ideas

Weekend breakfast treat that will make everyone rush to the table.
Special occasion breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
After-school snack that will make you the most popular parent on the block.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These donuts freeze surprisingly well! Place unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then glaze before serving.

Reheating

To refresh day-old donuts, warm them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. If frozen, thaw completely before reheating.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Why did my donuts come out dense instead of fluffy?

Dense donuts usually result from insufficient rising time or killing the yeast with water that’s too hot. Make sure your rising area is warm but not hot, and be patient with both rising periods. Also check that your yeast is fresh and active.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular whole milk, but the donuts might be slightly less rich. For the closest result, use whole milk and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
My air fryer is different from most. How do I adjust the cooking time?

Air fryers can vary significantly in how they cook. Always do a test run with one donut, checking it at the 2-minute mark after flipping. Adjust your time based on how quickly your model browns the donuts. They should be golden on the outside but fully cooked inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a homemade donut that’s still slightly warm, with that sweet glaze melting in your mouth. These Air Fryer Glazed Donuts bring that bakery-fresh experience right to your kitchen, without the hassle of deep frying or the extra calories that come with it. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet weekend morning or impressing guests at brunch, these donuts are sure to become a requested favorite. The process might take a little time with the rising periods, but the actual hands-on work is minimal—and the results are absolutely worth it!