I’ll never forget the first time I made Air Fryer Donuts Glazed—it was one of those lazy Sunday mornings when my kids begged for something sweet, and I wanted something faster than a trip to the bakery. Five minutes later? Golden, pillowy donuts with a glossy vanilla glaze, still warm from the air fryer. The best part? No messy deep-frying or waiting for dough to rise. Just pop open a can of biscuit dough (yes, really!), shape them into rings, and let the air fryer work its magic. These donuts are my go-to when cravings hit fast—crispy outside, tender inside, and that glaze? Pure nostalgia in every bite. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never look at store-bought donuts the same way again.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Let me tell you why these little circles of joy have become a staple in my kitchen:
- Lightning fast: From fridge to plate in under 10 minutes – perfect for sudden sugar cravings or surprise guests.
- No deep-fry drama: All that crispy goodness without the oil splatters or that lingering fried-food smell in your kitchen.
- Glaze-your-own-way: The basic vanilla glaze is just the start – add citrus zest, maple syrup, or cocoa powder to make them yours.
- Kid-approved magic: My little ones love helping cut the centers and dunk the warm donuts – messy fingers guaranteed!
- Weekend vibes on a weekday: Fresh, warm donuts on a random Tuesday? Yes please!
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting those five minutes while the air fryer works its magic – that heavenly smell will have you hovering impatiently!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need five simple ingredients to make these magical donuts happen:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough – The flaky buttermilk kind works best (I’m partial to the store brand – shhh!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Pack it lightly in your measuring cup for the perfect glaze consistency
- 1 tbsp whole milk – Cold is fine, but room temp blends smoother
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract – The good stuff makes all the difference
- Cooking spray – Just a quick spritz keeps everything from sticking
That’s it! I always keep these basics on hand for emergency donut situations (which happen more often than I’d like to admit).
How to Make Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – transforming those humble biscuit dough rounds into golden, glazed perfection! Follow these steps and you’ll be biting into warm donuts before you know it.
Preparing the Donut Dough
First, grab your can of biscuit dough – that satisfying pop when you open it still makes me smile! Separate the biscuits and lay them on a clean surface. Now, here’s my trick: use a small bottle cap (about 1-inch wide) to punch out the centers. Press firmly and twist – you’ll get perfect little holes every time. Save those centers to make donut holes later!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you prep the dough – this ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray (don’t skip this or you’ll regret it!). Arrange the donuts in a single layer with space between them – they’ll puff up beautifully. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip them with tongs for even browning. Another 2-3 minutes and they’ll be golden brown with that irresistible crispy exterior.
Making the Glaze
While the donuts cook, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. The glaze should be thick but pourable – add more milk a teaspoon at a time if needed. Pro tip: let the donuts cool just slightly before glazing so it sticks better but still soaks in a bit. Dunk each warm donut face-down into the glaze, then let the excess drip off before placing on a rack.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge my donut habit), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Give them breathing room: Crowding the basket leads to pale spots – space donuts at least 1 inch apart for even browning.
- Watch like a hawk: Air fryers vary – start checking at 4 minutes. You want golden tops with slightly darker edges.
- Glaze thickness matters: Too thin? Add more powdered sugar. Too thick? A few drops of milk. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Flip with confidence: Use silicone-tipped tongs to gently turn donuts – they’re delicate when hot!
- Fresh is best: These don’t keep well – eat them within a few hours for that perfect crisp-tender texture.
My biggest tip? Make a double batch – they disappear faster than you’d think!
Variations for Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Once you’ve mastered the basic glazed version, the fun really begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Cinnamon sugar dust: Skip the glaze and toss warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar – the way the sugar sticks to the hot surface is pure magic.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips with a splash of milk for dipping, or zigzag it over the glaze for a fancy touch.
- Colorful sprinkles: Dunk glazed donuts in rainbow sprinkles immediately after dipping – they’ll cling beautifully before the glaze sets.
- Lemon zest glaze: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy twist that cuts the sweetness.
- Maple bacon: Swap vanilla for maple extract in the glaze and crumble cooked bacon on top – sweet-salty perfection!
The possibilities are endless – sometimes I let everyone customize their own at the table with little bowls of toppings. Half the fun is playing with flavors!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Oh, you’ll want to serve these beauties warm – that’s when the glaze is still slightly gooey and the donuts are at their absolute best! I usually set up a little donut station right by the air fryer because, let’s be honest, they rarely make it to the table. If you must store them, pop any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To revive them, a quick 30-second zap in the air fryer at 300°F brings back that fresh-from-the-fryer magic. But really, just eat them all immediately – no regrets!
Air Fryer Donuts Glazed Nutrition
Now, let’s be real – these are still donuts, not health food! But compared to traditional deep-fried versions, you’re saving about half the calories and fat. Here’s the scoop per donut (based on standard biscuit dough and glaze):
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 26g
Remember, these are estimates – exact numbers depend on your specific ingredients. My philosophy? Life’s too short not to enjoy warm glazed donuts occasionally!
FAQs About Air Fryer Donuts Glazed
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these magical air fryer donuts. Here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! My grandma’s buttermilk dough works beautifully – just roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness before cutting. The canned stuff is just my lazy-day shortcut. If you are interested in other quick air fryer recipes, check out this air fryer beef meatballs with marinara recipe.
Why do my donuts sometimes stick to the basket?
Two culprits: not enough cooking spray (don’t be shy with it!) or flipping them too soon. Wait until they’ve set slightly before turning – about 2 minutes in.
Help! My glaze is too runny/thick!
No stress! Too thin? Add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. Too thick? Tiny splashes of milk will fix it. Aim for honey-like consistency. Understanding the science behind glazes and icing can help perfect this step.
Can I make these gluten-free?
For sure! Just grab GF biscuit dough (they sell it near the refrigerated cookies) – same method, same delicious results!
What’s your favorite glaze variation?
Hands down, adding a tablespoon of melted butter to the basic glaze – it creates this luscious, bakery-style shine that makes them extra irresistible! For another fun, quick treat, try this air fryer cinnamon sugar banana chips recipe.
Did You Try This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your Air Fryer Donuts Glazed turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite glaze variation or snap a photo of your donut masterpiece – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen successes!
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3-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts Glazed You Must Try Now
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy-to-make donuts using an air fryer, topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Separate the biscuit dough and cut a hole in the center of each to form donuts.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the donuts in the air fryer, ensuring they do not touch.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- While the donuts cook, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze and let them set before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American