Fluffy Air Fryer Cake Donuts: Ready in 15 Minutes

Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy donut with a golden exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth center—all made without a drop of oil for frying! These air fryer cake donuts are a game-changer for busy mornings and sweet cravings alike.

They’re incredibly easy to make, require just one bowl, and deliver that classic bakery taste you love without the guilt or mess of traditional deep-frying.

Here’s a fun fact: donuts have been an American favorite since the 1800s, but the air fryer has revolutionized how we make them at home. These beauties come together in under 20 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for weekend brunches, birthday celebrations, or simply treating yourself on a Tuesday morning.

If you loved our air fryer cinnamon rolls, you’re going to be obsessed with these donuts! They’re family-friendly, customizable with endless topping options, and will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’ll make you feel like a pro baker!

What Are Air Fryer Cake Donuts?

Ever wondered why they’re called “cake” donuts? Unlike their yeast-risen cousins that require proofing and patience, cake donuts get their name from their dense, tender texture that resembles cake more than bread. They’re made with a simple batter similar to muffins or pound cake, and they’re ready in a fraction of the time. No waiting for dough to rise, no complicated techniques—just mix, pour, and air fry!

The beauty of cake donuts lies in their versatility and speed. Whether you’re a morning person who needs a quick breakfast or someone who gets midnight sweet tooth attacks, these donuts have your back. After all, they say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and nothing says “I care” like warm, homemade donuts. Ready to become the donut hero of your household? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cake Donuts Recipe

The Ultimate Guilt-Free Indulgence

Traditional donuts swim in gallons of hot oil, but these air fryer cake donuts use just a light spray of cooking oil to achieve that perfect golden crust. You’ll save hundreds of calories per serving while still enjoying that satisfying crunch on the outside and fluffy softness on the inside. The air fryer circulates hot air around each donut, creating an even, beautiful finish without any greasy residue.

Budget-Friendly Bakery Quality at Home

Why spend $3-5 per donut at fancy bakeries when you can make a whole batch at home for less than $5? This recipe uses simple pantry staples you probably already have: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. Making your own air fryer cake donuts means you control the quality of ingredients, avoid preservatives, and can whip up a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes. Plus, you’ll never waste money on stale store-bought donuts again!

Endless Flavor Possibilities

The basic cake donut recipe is just your canvas. Top them with classic cinnamon sugar, dip them in rich chocolate glaze, dust them with powdered sugar, or go wild with maple glaze and crispy bacon bits. Add vanilla extract for classic flavor, lemon zest for brightness, or cocoa powder for chocolate donuts. The toppings and mix-ins are limited only by your imagination.

If you’ve tried our air fryer apple fritters, you know how incredible air-fried pastries can be. These cake donuts take it up another notch with their perfectly uniform shape and endless customization options. Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfast for the week or creating a dessert bar for a party, these donuts deliver every single time. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

How to Make Air Fryer Cake Donuts

Quick Overview

These air fryer cake donuts are incredibly simple to prepare and require minimal equipment. The batter comes together in one bowl using the traditional muffin method—no mixer needed! You’ll combine your dry ingredients, whisk together your wet ingredients, then gently fold everything together. The magic happens in the air fryer, where they cook to golden perfection in just 8 minutes.

The texture is tender and fluffy with a slightly crispy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible. What makes these donuts truly special is their versatility—you can customize them with different extracts, spices, or mix-ins before cooking, then finish them with your choice of glaze, sugar coating, or frosting.

Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 donuts

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Cake Donuts

For the Donuts:

1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but traditional)
1 large egg, room temperature
⅓ cup whole milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray for air fryer

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

Alternative Glaze Options:

Simple vanilla glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla
Chocolate glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 3 tablespoons cocoa powder + 3 tablespoons milk
Maple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup + 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Pan and Air Fryer

Start by generously spraying a silicone donut pan with cooking spray. Silicone pans work best in air fryers because they’re flexible and heat-resistant. Make sure every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a regular muffin tin and create the hole later using a small knife, though the results won’t be as uniform. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. The nutmeg is traditional in cake donuts and adds a subtle warmth, but you can skip it if you prefer. Whisk for about 30 seconds to incorporate air into the mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The butter should be melted but not hot, or it might cook the egg. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a smoother batter.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. You should still see a few small lumps—this is important! Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, dense donuts. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to muffin batter. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag, zip-top bag with the corner cut off, or use a spoon to carefully fill each donut cavity about ⅔ full. Don’t overfill or the donuts will lose their distinctive ring shape and the center hole will fill in during cooking. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of batter per donut. Smooth the tops with a wet finger if needed.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

Carefully place the filled donut pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7-8 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should spring back when gently pressed. Don’t open the air fryer too early, as this releases heat and affects cooking time.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes—this helps them set and makes removal easier. Then carefully invert the pan or use a small offset spatula to gently lift each donut out. If any stick, run a butter knife around the edges. Place the donuts on a wire cooling rack. They’re now ready for coating or glazing!

Step 8: Add Your Toppings

For cinnamon sugar donuts, brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll or toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. For glazed donuts, let them cool for 5 minutes, then dip the top of each donut into your glaze and place back on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for 5 minutes before serving. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

What to Serve Air Fryer Cake Donuts With

These air fryer cake donuts are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with various beverages and complementary dishes. For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside hot coffee, cold brew, or a creamy latte. The coffee’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced oranges adds a refreshing contrast and makes your plate more colorful and nutritious.

For a complete brunch spread, pair these donuts with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausages to balance the sweet with savory. A fresh fruit salad with mint adds brightness and helps cut through the richness. If you’re serving them as dessert, consider pairing with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an over-the-top treat.

Beverage options beyond coffee include hot chocolate for kids, chai tea lattes for spice lovers, or even mimosas and Bellinis for adult brunch gatherings. Cold milk is always a classic choice that never disappoints. For a cozy afternoon snack, serve them with herbal tea or hot apple cider, especially during fall and winter months.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Cake Donuts

Temperature Matters for Ingredients

Always use room temperature eggs and milk for the smoothest batter. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate well and can cause the melted butter to solidify into lumps. Take your egg and milk out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting, or warm the milk gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This simple step ensures a uniform, silky batter.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

The biggest mistake beginners make is overmixing, which develops gluten and creates tough, rubbery donuts. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix only until you can no longer see dry flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during cooking. Think of it like making pancakes—the less you mix, the fluffier the result.

Master the Perfect Fill Level

Fill each cavity only ⅔ full—this is crucial! Overfilled donuts will puff up and close the center hole, turning them into muffins. Underfilled donuts will be too thin and may become crispy instead of tender. Use a measuring spoon or scale to ensure consistency across all donuts.

Adjust for Your Air Fryer

Every air fryer is different. Some run hotter, some cooler. Start checking your donuts at the 6-minute mark for the first batch. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by 25°F. If they’re pale after 8 minutes, increase by 25°F or add another minute. Once you find the perfect setting for your model, write it down for future batches.

Enhance the Flavor Profile

Beyond vanilla extract, experiment with almond extract, lemon zest, orange zest, or a pinch of cinnamon in the batter itself. Browned butter instead of regular melted butter adds an incredible nutty depth. For chocolate donuts, replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder. Small additions make a big flavor impact.

Timing the Coating

For cinnamon sugar coating, do it while donuts are still warm so the sugar adheres properly. For glazes, wait until they’ve cooled slightly (about 5 minutes) or the glaze will be too runny and slide off. If making ahead, wait to glaze until just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Storage Secret

Store unfrosted donuts in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread maintains moisture and keeps donuts soft for up to 3 days. Replace the bread slice daily. Glazed donuts should be stored in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Store unfrosted air fryer cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. They’ll stay soft and fresh if properly sealed. Avoid refrigerating unfrosted donuts, as this dries them out quickly due to the low humidity in refrigerators.

Refrigerator Storage

If your donuts have perishable frosting or filling (like cream cheese frosting or custard), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before eating, or warm them slightly for the best texture and flavor. Glazed donuts can be refrigerated but may develop slight moisture on the surface.

Freezer Storage for Long-Term

These donuts freeze beautifully! Freeze unfrosted donuts for