Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a measuring cup. Let it sit in a warm area for 5 minutes until the yeast is proofed and foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast/water mixture, eggs, and salt.

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed, mix the ingredients for 8-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too wet and dripping, add more flour gradually until the dough comes together. If mixing by hand, mix properly using a wooden spoon or dough whisk.

While the mixer is running at medium speed, incorporate the softened butter slowly in small batches, ensuring each addition is fully mixed in before adding more. Continue mixing on low-medium speed for another 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand for 8-10 minutes.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour (up to 3 hours if the kitchen is cold).

Punch down the dough to release air and refrigerate for 24 hours to develop flavor and texture.

Line three baking trays with floured parchment paper.

Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3.5 inch donut cutter or similar round object to cut out 10-15 donuts. Cut donut holes from the centers using a smaller cutter or upturned piping nozzle.

Place 5 donut rings and 5 donut holes on each tray, spaced apart. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 1 hour until puffed.

For chocolate glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. For cinnamon sugar, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in one bowl, melt butter in another to brush on donuts. For vanilla glaze, melt butter and powdered sugar together, add vanilla extract and hot water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, melt butter in microwave and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and water.

Lightly grease the air fryer tray with oil.

Transfer risen donuts and holes in batches to the air fryer basket (3-4 depending on size). Cook at 350ºF for 2-3 minutes, flip, then air fry another 2 minutes. Add extra 1-2 minutes if needed until golden brown.

While donuts are still hot, dip some in chocolate and vanilla glaze. Brush others with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar. Repeat with donut holes.