Chocolate-Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Golden, fluffy, and coated in a rich chocolate glaze, these air fryer donuts are the perfect answer to your donut cravings—no deep fryer needed! Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekend treat or impressing guests, this simple recipe delivers bakery-style results right at home.
Craving more donut goodness? Try out my Apple Cider Donuts for those cozy fall vibes, or go with a classic anytime favorite—Baked Glazed Donuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making donuts in the air fryer is quick and effortless. With this method, you can enjoy warm, fresh yeast donuts without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer gives you that perfect golden exterior and tender, fluffy inside—with less oil and fewer calories.
These chocolate-glazed donuts are not only easy but better than store-bought! And if you’re a fan of air fryer desserts, you’ve got to try cookies in the air fryer too—super simple and delicious!
Ingredients
- Yeast: Active dry yeast to make the dough rise
- Milk: Helps activate the yeast
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the dough, powdered sugar for the glaze
- Flour: All-purpose flour
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together
- Butter: Unsalted and melted
- Vanilla Extract: Used in both the dough and glaze
- Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor in the glaze
- Water: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cover and let it sit until foamy.
Step 2: In another bowl, stir together the remaining sugar and flour. Add in the milk mixture, butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix everything until the dough forms.
Step 4: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and not sticky. Let rise until doubled in size.
Step 5: Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 6: Use a donut cutter or a glass to cut out donut shapes, including the holes. Let them rest and rise again.
Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and either line the basket with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. Add 3–4 donuts, depending on size.
Step 8: Cook the donuts in batches. Once done, let them cool slightly. Prepare the chocolate glaze and dip the top of each donut. Add sprinkles if you’d like!
Helpful Tips
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, a wide-mouth glass works great!
- Avoid overcrowding—leave room for air circulation in the air fryer.
- Don’t toss the donut holes—cook them too for a fun bonus treat!
- Letting the dough rise properly is key to getting that airy, soft texture.
