Name: The Easiest Air Fryer Donuts (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488104H34M57S
Total time: PT-488104H34M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour (about 2 cups); 30 g caster sugar (about 2 1/2 Tbsp); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 large egg; 100 ml buttermilk (about 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp); 2–3 Tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing); 200 g powdered sugar (about 1 1/2 cups), sifted; 2–3 Tbsp whole milk; 3 drops pink food coloring; 3 Tbsp seedless raspberry jam; 6 Tbsp vanilla custard

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are quick, easy, and mess-free thanks to the air fryer. The batter comes together in minutes, and the results are golden, pillowy-soft donuts with a glossy pink icing that’s as fun as it is delicious. Paired with raspberry jam and vanilla custard for dipping, they make a playful treat for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fluffy Donuts
250 g plain (all-purpose) flour (about 2 cups)
30 g caster (superfine) sugar (about 2 1/2 Tbsp)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Pinch salt
1 large free-range egg
100 ml buttermilk (about 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp)
2–3 Tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing before air frying)

For the Pretty Pink Icing
200 g icing (powdered) sugar, sifted (about 1 1/2 cups)
2–3 Tbsp whole milk
3 drops pink food coloring

For Serving & Dipping
3 Tbsp seedless raspberry jam
6 Tbsp vanilla custard

Directions

Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut out donuts using a round cutter (and a smaller cutter for the centers).
Brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil.
Place donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and puffed.
While they cool slightly, make the icing: whisk powdered sugar with milk and food coloring until smooth and glossy.
Dip the tops of donuts into the icing, then let set on a wire rack.
Serve with raspberry jam and vanilla custard for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 small donuts.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes per batch
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Swap pink icing for chocolate glaze or a simple vanilla glaze.
Top with sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for texture.
Fill the donuts with jam or custard instead of serving on the side.
Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a flavor twist.
Make mini donut holes from the cut-out centers and glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to restore freshness. The icing may soften slightly but will still taste great. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month, then glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cutting and cooking.

Why are my donuts dense?

Overmixing the dough can make them tough. Mix only until combined.

Can I make these without buttermilk?

Yes, substitute with milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.

Do I need special donut cutters?

No, you can use a glass and a bottle cap for the center.

Can I skip the food coloring in the icing?

Yes, it’s only for appearance the donuts taste great without it.

How do I make the glaze set faster?

Place glazed donuts in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the icing firm up.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt.

What other dips work with these donuts?

Chocolate sauce, caramel, or even peanut butter are delicious alternatives.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Conclusion

The Easiest Air Fryer Donuts are light, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes. With their pretty pink glaze and playful dipping options, they’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings quickly and without the mess of frying. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again for an easy homemade treat.