Summary

Can you air fry donuts instead of frying? The short answer is yes! After trying it out, I’m here to share how easy it is to make Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts that are just as delicious as fried.

If you’re like me, you love the taste of a warm, freshly made donut. But deep frying can be a messy, time-consuming task—not to mention not the healthiest option. So, when I first got my air fryer, I had one big question: Can you air fry donuts instead of frying? The short answer is yes! After trying it out, I’m here to share how easy it is to make Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts that are just as delicious as fried.

Why Air Frying is a Great Alternative

When I first started experimenting with my air fryer, I wasn’t sure how well it would work for things like donuts. After all, donuts are traditionally fried in hot oil to get that crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior. But I quickly discovered that air frying is a fantastic alternative for a few reasons:

1. Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, making it a lighter, healthier option. You still get that satisfying texture without all the added grease.
2. Less Mess: Deep frying can smell your kitchen like oil for hours, and cleanup is a hassle. With the air fryer, there’s no greasy mess to worry about, which is a huge win in my book.
3. Faster & Easier: Air fryers heat quickly and cook food faster than a traditional oven or stovetop. You can whip up a batch of donuts in no time!

Do Air Fryer Donuts Taste the Same?

One of my first concerns was whether air fryer donuts would taste as good as traditional fried donuts. While some differences exist, the air fryer version still delivers flavor and texture. You won’t get that super-crispy exterior from frying in oil, but the donuts are still golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Trust me—you won’t even miss the extra oil after you bite!

Plus, air fryer donuts have a slightly lighter feel, which means you can enjoy one (or two!) without feeling weighed down.

Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts Recipe

Now that we’ve established that you can air fry donuts let’s get to the fun part—making them! This Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners. Plus, who doesn’t love a colorful sprinkle topping?

Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts

Ingredients 

• Vanilla Frosting 
• Rainbow Sprinkles 
• Cooking Spray
• 1 Can of Biscuits 

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. Cut a circle out of the centers of the biscuits. If you don't have a tiny cookie cutter on hand, a shot glass works perfectly. You can also roll the centers of the biscuits into balls to make donut holes.
3. Lightly spray the biscuits with cooking spray.
4. Place in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes or until biscuits have browned.
5. Remove from air fryer and transfer to a cooling rack.
6. Cool for 10 minutes. You don’t want the frosting to melt off of the donuts!
7. Frost and sprinkle away. 

Why I Love These Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts

These donuts are everything you want in a sweet treat—light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Using biscuit dough is a time-saver, and the air fryer gets them perfectly golden without any fuss.

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can switch up the glaze by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version or using flavored extracts like almond or lemon. Try topping the donuts with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips instead of sprinkles for a fun twist.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between each donut in the air fryer so they cook evenly. You’ll likely need to cook them in batches.
• Watch the time: Air fryers can cook quickly, so keep an eye on your donuts to prevent them from overcooking. Every air fryer is a little different, so check them a minute or two early if you’re unsure.
• Glaze right away: For the best results, dip your donuts in the glaze while they’re still warm. This helps the glaze adhere to the donut and gives it that perfect, sticky-sweet coating.

Final Thoughts

Can you air-fry donuts instead of frying them? Absolutely! Air-fried donuts are a healthier, less messy alternative to traditional fried donuts and just as delicious. I love making these Air-Fried Sprinkle Donuts whenever I crave a sweet treat or want to impress friends with a quick and fun dessert.

Give them a try, and you’ll see how easy (and tasty) air fryer donuts can be. Happy air frying!

Air Fryer Sprinkle Donuts

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Ingredients

• Vanilla Frosting 
• Rainbow Sprinkles 
• Cooking Spray
• 1 Can of Biscuits

Instructions

1. Pre-heat air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. Cut a circle out of the centers of the biscuits. A shot glass works perfectly if you do not have a tiny cookie cutter on hand. You can roll the centers of the biscuits into balls to make donut holes.
3. Lightly spray the biscuits with cooking spray.
4. Place in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes or until biscuits have browned.
5. Remove from air fryer and transfer to a cooling rack.
6. Cool for 10 minutes. You don’t want the frosting to melt off of the donuts!
7. Frost and sprinkle away. 

Did you make this recipe?

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