Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy donut glazed to perfection—crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. That’s the magic of Glazed Air Fryer Donuts! Not only are they a delightful treat for family gatherings, but they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Plus, you avoid the frying mess that comes with traditional recipes. Did you know that air frying can imitate the deliciousness of deep-frying while cutting down on oil? A few months ago, I whipped up a batch of these delightful donuts for a cozy winter evening with my family, and they disappeared faster than you could say “sweet tooth.” You might even remember my popular classic baked donuts recipe that also gained quite the following. This one, however, has a special twist—an air fryer, of course!
So grab your apron, and let’s get ready to make some wonderful memories with these Glazed Air Fryer Donuts!
What are Glazed Air Fryer Donuts?
So, what’s in a name? It’s all about that glorious glaze! But really, do donuts have to be round to be considered “donuts”? This recipe answers that question with a resounding “YES!” These treats have stolen hearts for generations, but the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Picture this: your family gathered around the table, everyone enjoying the warm, sweet aroma wafting through the air as these beauties cool. I can’t promise they’ll last long, but I can promise you’ll make your loved ones smile. So, if you’re ready to un-fry those cravings, why not give these Glazed Air Fryer Donuts a shot?
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
What makes Glazed Air Fryer Donuts truly special? For starters, their mouthwatering flavor will have you coming back for seconds. You might remember those store-bought glazed donuts, but nothing compares to the homemade variety! When you make these at home, you save money and enjoy fresher donuts free from preservatives. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings—think sprinkles, nuts, or fruit glazes! These donuts easily elevate a casual family get-together or cozy winter evening, making them a delightful alternative to plain old muffins. Trust me; once you bite into that first fluffy donut, you’ll be reaching for more.
How to Make Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Quick Overview
Making Glazed Air Fryer Donuts is incredibly easy and satisfying. These fluffy delights take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll fall in love with their golden-brown exterior and the luscious glaze. Ready to dive in? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Ensure that all ingredients, especially the buttermilk, are Halal-compliant!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your hands and the counter. Use your hands to shape the dough into a log, about 1-inch thick. Cut out donut shapes, using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters to create the classic donut shape. Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut squares for a more rustic look.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Donuts: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the shaped donuts in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack to set before enjoying.
Top Tips for Perfecting Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
- Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voila!
- Common Mistakes: Over-mixing your dough can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until combined. If you find your dough too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but stay cautious.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the donuts as they cook; since air fryers may vary, adjust the time as needed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you manage to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Glazed Air Fryer Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place in a freezer-friendly container, layered with parchment paper, and they’ll last for about a month.
To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. This way, you’ll retain that delightful texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for your donut secrets.
Remember, life is all about sweet moments, and with these Glazed Air Fryer Donuts, you’ll have plenty to share!

FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture will be denser.
How can I make the glaze chocolate-flavored?
Simply substitute cocoa powder for a portion of the powdered sugar in the glaze. Adjust the milk accordingly to reach your desired consistency.
Can I add toppings to the donuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for added flavor and aesthetics.
Now that you know how to make these delicious creations, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and bake some happiness! Enjoy!

Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Lightly flour your hands and the counter. Shape the dough into a log, about 1-inch thick. Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters. Alternatively, cut squares for a more rustic look.
- Preheat your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the shaped donuts in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Dip each donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, and place on a wire rack to set before enjoying.

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