Air Fryer Fluffy Donuts Glaze

Light and fluffy donuts are only an hour away with the magic of your air fryer. These golden treats bring all the comfort of classic bakery donuts without the mess of deep-frying. The simple vanilla glaze is the perfect sweet finish for breakfast or whenever you crave something warm and nostalgic.

These donuts became a weekend tradition for my family after we got our air fryer. The whole process is easy enough for my teens to help shape the dough and the fresh donuts never last long on the cooling rack.

Ingredients

• Active dry yeast: The backbone of a fluffy donut Pay attention to expiration dates and store yeast in a cool spot
• Warm milk: Wakes up the yeast and helps create a tender crumb Whole milk gives the richest flavor
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast Use fine sugar for easy mixing
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough Melted for even integration
• Large egg: Binds everything and gives structure Fresh eggs work best for consistency
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors Kosher salt dissolves easily
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your donuts Sift the flour or fluff it before measuring for light results
• Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth glaze Sift to avoid lumps
• Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency Use whole or even dairy-free if you like
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with warmth Try to use pure vanilla extract for best aroma
• Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter: Greases the basket for a crisp, golden finish Choose a neutral-tasting oil spray

Instructions

Bloom the yeast:

Mix warm milk and yeast in a large bowl and let the mixture sit for about five minutes until it looks foamy This shows your yeast is active and ready to work

Build the dough:

Whisk in the sugar melted butter egg and salt to combine everything into the yeast and milk mixture

Mix in the flour:

Slowly add flour in stages Switch to your hands when it thickens to gently bring it all together until a soft dough forms

Knead for texture:

Move your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead with the heels of your hands for about five minutes You’re looking for a smooth springy ball that’s not too sticky

First rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it has doubled in size

Shape the donuts:

Punch the dough down and roll it out with a rolling pin to about half an inch thick Use a donut cutter or improvise with two round cutters layer the cut shapes on a floured surface

Prep the air fryer:

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or melted butter Arrange your donuts inside so they are not crowded

Air fry for golden perfection:

Cook the donuts at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for four to five minutes per side Watch for a golden brown color and a puffed but tender feel

Cool and glaze:

Let donuts rest on a wire rack while making the glaze For the glaze whisk powdered sugar milk and vanilla in a bowl Dip each donut face down so it is evenly coated then return to the rack to set up

Finishing touches:

Add sprinkles nuts or dust with cinnamon sugar before the glaze sets for a fun twist

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I am always amazed at how the powdered sugar glaze transforms these donuts instantly. My youngest loves swirling the glaze and then sneaking the warmest one right off the rack before it sets.

Storage Tips

Store extra donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you need to keep them longer pop them into the refrigerator and rewarm in your air fryer for a few minutes to restore that fluffy texture The glaze may get a bit tacky so layer the donuts with parchment if stacking

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of active dry yeast try instant yeast and skip the initial bloom Just mix it with the flour and add milk directly Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free treat A flax egg can work in a pinch if you need to avoid eggs though the texture may change slightly

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with coffee or hot chocolate for breakfast Or turn them into a party platter with a trio of glazes chocolate vanilla and strawberry Let everyone customize their own toppings from sprinkles to crushed nuts

Cultural and Historical Context

Donuts carry deep roots in American comfort food but versions exist worldwide from Polish paczki to Dutch oliebollen The air fryer brings the donut experience closer to home for those looking to embrace homemade treats without the fuss of deep frying

Seasonal Adaptations

In autumn swap the vanilla for a spiced glaze with cinnamon and nutmeg Try lemon zest and a lemon glaze for springtime freshness Doughnut holes can be rolled in pumpkin spice sugar in cooler months

Success Stories

Friends who claimed they were hopeless with yeast dough have made these with success The simplicity of the air fryer takes away any fear and now there is a growing chain of neighbors sharing donuts on lazy Saturday mornings

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape donuts and freeze them unbaked on a tray Once frozen transfer to a bag Freeze up to a month Thaw overnight in the fridge do a final rise in a warm place and cook as usual with an extra minute or two in the air fryer

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Enjoy these donuts warm and fresh for the ultimate treat. The subtle vanilla glaze and fluffy interior make them irresistible every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes air fryer donuts light and fluffy?

The secret is letting the yeast dough rise until doubled, which creates plenty of air pockets and a soft texture.

→ How do I prevent the donuts from sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket using nonstick spray or melted butter before adding the dough.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the glaze earlier and store it covered at room temperature. Stir well before using for the best consistency.

→ Can I make chocolate-glazed donuts?

For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the glaze or top with your favorite chocolate sprinkles.

→ Are there alternatives to dairy in this preparation?

You may use plant-based milk and butter substitutes to make the dough and glaze suitable for dairy-free diets.