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Air Fryer No Yeast Donuts - Soft, Quick, and Delicious

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (plus extra for dusting)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
  • Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional): 1/4 teaspoon for classic donut flavor
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons, melted and cooled
  • Milk: 3/4 cup (whole or 2% works best)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: 1/4 cup for tenderness
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Neutral oil spray: For the air fryer basket and donut tops
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg or cinnamon (if using). This distributes the leavening evenly.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, yogurt (or sour cream), melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Combine to form dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir with a spatula just until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly tacky but not wet. Avoid overmixing.
  • Turn out and knead lightly: Dust your work surface with flour. Gently knead the dough 3–4 times to bring it together. Pat or roll to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  • Cut donuts: Use a donut cutter, or a 3-inch round cutter and a small 1-inch cutter for the holes. Gather scraps and re-roll once if needed.
  • Prepare for air frying: Place donuts and holes in the basket in a single layer with space between. Lightly mist the tops with oil. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry: Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. Donuts should be golden and set. Donut holes may cook faster—check at 5–6 minutes.
  • Add toppings: Cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush warm donuts lightly with melted butter and roll in the mixture.
  • Vanilla glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Dip warm donuts and let set on a rack.
  • Chocolate glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, vanilla, and salt. Dip tops and add sprinkles if you like.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm for the best texture. They’re especially good within the first few hours.