Fluffy Air Fryer Yeast Donuts
These homemade air fryer yeast donuts are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden without the mess of deep frying! Coated in sweet granulated sugar and made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy air fryer donut recipe is the perfect guilt-free treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. A delicious way to enjoy classic donuts with less oil!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Yeast Donuts:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
¼ cup warm milk (not hot)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cooking spray or brush-on oil
Additional granulated sugar for coating
How to Make Yeast-Raised Air Fryer Donuts:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
2. Prepare the Donut Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Knead by hand or using a mixer until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
3. First Rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to shape your donuts. Place each donut on a square of parchment paper for easy handling.
5. Second Rise
Let the shaped donuts rest and rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffed up.
6. Air Fry the Donuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the donuts with cooking oil. Place a few donuts in the air fryer basket, leaving room to expand. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through if necessary, until golden and cooked through.
7. Coat in Sugar
While still warm, brush each donut lightly with melted butter (optional) and roll in granulated sugar for that irresistible classic finish.
Tips:
For an extra treat, fill the donuts with jam or custard after frying.
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh the same day!
Air Fryer Donuts, Yeast Donuts, Homemade Donuts, Sugar Donuts
