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Air Fryer Puff Pastry Donuts - Easy, Flaky, and Fast

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

Ingredients

  • Puff pastry sheets: 1–2 sheets, thawed but still cold (store-bought, all-butter brands taste best).
  • All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface.
  • Milk or cream: 2–3 tablespoons, for glaze.
  • Powdered sugar: About 1 cup, for glaze.
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon, for glaze.
  • Butter (optional): 1–2 tablespoons melted, helps cinnamon sugar stick.
  • Granulated sugar + cinnamon (optional): For a cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Cooking spray or a little neutral oil: To lightly grease the air fryer basket.
  • Tools: Donut cutter or two round cutters (about 3 inches and 1 inch), pastry brush, and a small bowl for glaze.

Instructions

  • Prep the puff pastry: Thaw puff pastry in the fridge until pliable but still cold. Lightly flour your work surface. Unfold the sheet and gently roll it to smooth seams and even the thickness.
  • Cut the donuts: Use a donut cutter or a 3-inch round cutter plus a 1-inch cutter for the hole. Press straight down—don’t twist—to keep layers intact. Gather scraps, stack (don’t knead), and re-roll once if needed.
  • Chill the cut dough: Place the rings and holes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate 10 minutes. This helps the layers puff and hold their shape.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking.
  • Air fry in batches: Arrange donuts in a single layer with space between them. Air fry 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until puffed and golden. The centers should look set, not doughy. Cook holes for 3–5 minutes total.
  • Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk or cream until smooth. Add more liquid a splash at a time for a pourable, not runny, glaze.
  • Coat the donuts: Let donuts cool 5 minutes. Dip tops in glaze, let excess drip, then place on a rack to set. For cinnamon sugar, brush warm donuts with melted butter and toss in the mixture.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. They’re best the day you make them.