Air Fryer Donuts are an absolute delight, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings while keeping things simple. These fluffy, crispy treats are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or an afternoon snack. Just imagine biting into a warm donut that melts in your mouth, coated in a creamy glaze that sends your taste buds into overdrive. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to create these delightful morsels through a step-by-step process that comes together in no time.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Air Fryer Donuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 package Pillsbury Grand Rolls (flaky or homestyle): These soft rolls become the base of your donuts, providing an airy and fluffy texture once cooked.
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar: This sweet, snowy treat will give your glaze the perfect sweetness and a gorgeous finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The aromatic taste of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: The secret to achieving the right consistency for your glaze lies in the richness of the milk, making it perfectly creamy.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Dough: Take your Pillsbury Grand Rolls and open the package. Using a small circular cookie cutter about 1-2 inches in diameter, carefully cut a hole into the middle of each roll. This will create your donut shapes.
Air Fry the Donuts: Place the shaped donuts and the donut holes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Keep an eye on them; air fryers can cook quickly!
Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooking, whip up a quick and easy glaze. In a bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add the extra tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have finished cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Immediately dip each one into the glaze while they are still warm, allowing the glaze to coat them generously.
Cool and Enjoy: Place your glazed donuts on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 minutes before indulging. Enjoy the deliciously sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
- Dough Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of rolls such as cinnamon or blueberry for a fun twist.
- Glaze Alternatives: For a chocolate glaze, simply mix in melted chocolate. You can also add food coloring to make the glaze more visually appealing.
- Sprinkles: Add a bit of fun by topping your glazed donuts with colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Air Fryer Donuts are perfect for a casual breakfast or snack. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate treat. They also work wonderfully as a sweet addition to any brunch spread or can make for delightful gifts when packaged in a cute box for special occasions.
Nutritional Information
Each donut contains approximately 150 calories, with around 3 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of sugar. While it’s a sweet treat, remember that balance is key; enjoy these donuts in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until warm. You can try variations by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze or using different types of toppings.
Conclusion
Now that you have the complete guide for making Air Fryer Donuts, it’s time to bring this delightful recipe to life in your own kitchen. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up these sweet treats, and I encourage you to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Don’t forget to invite friends and family over for a sweet bonding time over these amazing donuts!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free biscuit dough or a mix that can replicate the flaky texture.Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Just make sure to roll and shape it similar to the pre-made rolls.How can I store leftover donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them.What other toppings can I try?
Consider melted chocolate, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a gourmet touch.

Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts
- 1 package Pillsbury Grand Rolls (flaky or homestyle) These soft rolls become the base of your donuts, providing an airy and fluffy texture once cooked.
For the glaze
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar This sweet, snowy treat will give your glaze the perfect sweetness and a gorgeous finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The aromatic taste of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk The secret to achieving the right consistency for your glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Open the package of Pillsbury Grand Rolls and cut a hole into the middle of each roll using a small circular cookie cutter.
Cooking
- Place the shaped donuts and donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Keep an eye on the donuts as air fryers can cook quickly.
Glazing
- While the donuts are cooking, combine the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy, adding the extra tablespoon of milk if necessary.
- Carefully remove the donuts from the air fryer and dip each one into the glaze while still warm.
Serving
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 minutes before serving.














