Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cake Donuts

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cake Donuts

Enjoy homemade cake donuts in less than 20 minutes with your air fryer! No yeast, rising, no fuss—just tender, moist, and flavorful donuts made from scratch. These donuts are perfect for a quick breakfast treat, a fun weekend project, or even a customizable dessert bar with your favorite toppings. If you’re a fan of cake donuts and have an air fryer, this recipe is a must-try!

Plus, you can easily switch up the flavorings or create a donut bar so everyone can dress their donuts their way. Watch the full recipe in action on YouTube and follow along with the steps below!

Follow along and cook with me in this YouTube video!

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Whisk in the brown sugar, milk, and yogurt until smooth. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Yogurt options

The yogurt makes the donuts tender and soft. Plain regular yogurt, plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream all work well in this recipe. You can also try vanilla yogurt and reduce the amount of vanilla extract.

Step 2: Fill the Donut Molds

Lightly spray the silicone mold with cooking spray. Pipe or spoon the batter into 3-inch silicone donut molds, filling them evenly.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 2-3 minutes. Place the donut molds in the air fryer basket and bake at 330°F (166°C) for 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reads above 160°F (71°C).

Let the donuts cool in the mold for 2 minutes to firm up and prevent breakage, then carefully remove them and transfer them to a cooling rack. Continue to cook in batches with the remaining batter.

Baked Just Right

These donuts are done in 6 minutes. Use a toothpick test or an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. After coating, an additional 2 minutes in the air fryer creates a perfect cinnamon sugar crust.

Step 4: Coat the Donuts

Dip the rounded side of each donut into melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated donuts back into the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for an extra-crispy coating for 2 additional minutes.

More Topping Variations for Air Fryer Donuts:

• Powdered Sugar: A simple and sweet coating that melts in your mouth.
• Chocolate Glaze: Add a rich and decadent layer to your donuts.
• Sprinkles: Perfect for a colorful and fun finishing touch.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle them on for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Maple Glaze: A deliciously sweet and classic option for your donuts. Follow this glaze recipe here!

How to Store Air Fryer Donuts

Room Temperature

Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry area. For a freshly baked texture, reheat the donuts in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Freezer

Allow the donuts to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a donut and a cake donut?

Cake donuts are made with a batter similar to cake, which includes baking powder for leavening. They have a denser, more tender texture compared to traditional yeast-raised donuts, which are light and airy.

Why do I need to use room-temperature ingredients?

Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly and help create a smoother batter. This can also improve the rise of your donuts by ensuring the baking powder activates effectively, and the fat in the yogurt and milk is incorporated seamlessly.

To quickly bring an egg to room temperature, place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

Are donuts better in an air fryer or a deep fryer?

Air-fried donuts are healthier as they require little to no oil, reducing fat and calorie content. While deep-fried donuts may have a slightly crispier exterior, air-fried donuts are easier to make, less messy, and still deliver a deliciously moist and flavorful result. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with air fryers compared to the greasy aftermath of deep frying.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the rest of the ingredients, like baking powder and yogurt, are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, these air fryer cake donuts are a game-changer for homemade treats. They’re faster than driving to a donut shop, more budget-friendly, and you control exactly what goes into them.

Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy warm, freshly baked donuts anytime. What toppings do you love on your donuts? Let us know in the comments below!

More Donut Recipes to Enjoy:

• Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
• 2 Ingredient Donuts in the Air Fryer
• Simple and Easy Air Fryer Maple Bars
• Air Fryer Donuts with Jelly or Cream Filling
• Air Fryer Funfetti Cake Mix Donuts

More Quick and Easy Dessert Recipes:

• Dessert Foldover in the Air Fryer (TikTok Inspired Recipe)
• Air Fryer Hocus Pocus Buns
• The Best Air Fryer Molten Lava Cake
• 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Cake
• Delicious Air Fryer Pizookie Recipe

Air fryer tips and tricks

• Air Fryer 101
• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about the Best and Worst Air Fryer Accessories
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer
• How to Cook Any Recipe in the Air Fryer
• FREE Download → Air Fryer Tips & Temps
• Air Fryer Buying Guide
• Watch Fabulessly Frugal YouTube Channel for Air Fryer Recipes

Keep up to date on our newest air fryer recipes!

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