Okay, confession time – I used to think making homemade donuts meant deep frying and a mountain of guilt. Then I discovered these magical air fryer protein donuts with just 5 ingredients, and wow, game changer! Picture this: fluffy, slightly sweet donuts packed with protein that come together in minutes. No fancy skills needed, just your trusty air fryer doing all the hard work. My Sunday morning routine now involves PJs, coffee, and whipping up a batch of these while my kids stare in disbelief that “healthy donuts” actually exist. The best part? You probably have everything in your pantry right now. Let’s make some magic!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
Trust me, these aren’t your average donuts – they’re my secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings without derailing healthy eating. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Crazy quick – From bowl to air fryer in under 5 minutes (I timed it during my last Netflix binge)
- Actually good for you – Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full, not crashing
- No fancy equipment – Just an air fryer and whatever mug you can find to mix the batter
- Forgiving recipe – Mess up the measurements? These still come out delicious (speaking from experience)
- Kid-approved – My picky eaters gobble them up before realizing they’re eating something healthy
The best part? You can eat two (or three) without that heavy, greasy feeling. Don’t tell anyone I said that.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just five pantry staples transform into donut magic. But listen, quality matters here (my last batch taught me that the hard way when I grabbed the wrong protein powder!). You’ll need:
- 1 cup (120g) oat flour – Make your own by blitzing oats, or buy it pre-made like I do on lazy days
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder – The good stuff! Whey or plant-based both work, but avoid “baking” proteins (they make donuts weirdly dry)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce – That half-used jar in your fridge? Perfect! It keeps for weeks if sealed tight
- 1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk – Any milk works, but almond keeps it light – shake the carton well before measuring
- 1 tsp baking powder – Check the date! Old baking powder = sad, flat donuts (been there)
See? Nothing fancy. I keep these ingredients in my “healthy baking” corner because this recipe happens at least twice a week in my kitchen! If you are looking for other quick air fryer treats, check out these easy air fryer protein balls.
Equipment You’ll Need for Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Here’s the beautiful part – you barely need any special gear! My kitchen looks like a tornado hit it half the time, but these always come together with just:
- Silicone donut molds – My absolute must-have (or use a greased metal donut pan in a pinch)
- One decent mixing bowl – The one your salad just came out of? Rinse it, we’re moving fast
- Your trusty air fryer – Any model works, though basket styles might need creative arranging
That’s it! No stand mixer, no fancy piping bags – just simple tools for simple (but magical) donuts.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
Okay, here’s where the magic happens – and I promise it’s easier than remembering your coffee order. Follow these steps and you’ll be biting into warm, fluffy donuts before your next podcast episode finishes!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Grab that trusty mixing bowl and dump in all five ingredients at once (yep, we’re rebels like that). Stir until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter – think pancake batter consistency. No lumps allowed! Pro tip: If it looks too thick, add 1 tbsp more milk. Too thin? Sprinkle in a bit more oat flour. This batter should pour slowly off your spoon, not run like water.
Step 2: Fill the Donut Molds
Now, the fun part! Lightly grease those silicone molds (I use coconut oil spray, but butter works too). Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full – these babies rise! Smooth the tops with a wet finger if you’re feeling fancy. Warning: You’ll be tempted to overfill, but resist! I learned the hard way when my “mega donuts” became one giant donut blob.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop those beauties into your preheated air fryer at 350°F (180°C). Set your timer for 8 minutes – but peek at 7! They’re done when the edges pull away slightly and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool for 2 minutes (I know, torture) before gently popping them out. That first bite of warm, vanilla-scented donut? Pure bliss! For more air fryer baking inspiration, check out these air fryer cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
Let me share the little tricks I’ve picked up after burning (okay, slightly over-browning) more batches than I’d like to admit:
- The toothpick test never lies – If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done. Wet batter? Give them another minute.
- Want them sweeter? Stir in 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup to the batter – my kids’ favorite hack!
- Cool first, devour later – I know it’s hard, but waiting 5 minutes helps them firm up perfectly.
- Baking powder check – Drop 1/2 tsp in hot water. If it bubbles violently, you’re golden. If not? Time for a new tin.
Oh! And if your first batch sticks? Just smile – that’s what chocolate drizzle is for (covering imperfections is my specialty).
Variations for Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Now for the fun part – let’s play with flavors! My kids call this “donut science” (and by that they mean licking the bowl after experiments). Try these easy twists:
- Chocolate cravers – Swap 2 tbsp oat flour for cocoa powder (my midnight snack version)
- Cinnamon spice – Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the batter – tastes like churros without the guilt
- Dairy-free? Use soy milk and plant-based protein – turns out just as fluffy!
- Berry blast – Fold in 1/4 cup mashed raspberries (warning: pink batter leads to happy kids)
The base recipe is your canvas – I’ve even added lemon zest when feeling fancy. No rules, just delicious! If you enjoy cinnamon flavors, you might also like these air fryer churro bites.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Here’s my donut survival guide! Store cooled donuts in an airtight container – they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). For that just-made warmth, pop them back in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 60 seconds. Magic restored!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
Just so we’re clear – these numbers are estimates (my kitchen scale and nutrition app had a long conversation about this). Per donut, you’re looking at roughly: 110 calories, 8g protein, 15g carbs, and 2g fiber. The exact amounts depend on your protein powder brand and how generously you “accidentally” overfill the molds (no judgment here!). But the important part? They’re packed with way more nutrition than any drive-thru donut could dream of! Understanding the macronutrient breakdown of foods like protein powder can help optimize your diet, according to general nutritional guidelines.
FAQ About Air Fryer Protein Donuts 5 Ingredient
I’ve gotten so many questions about these donuts (usually while covered in flour mid-batch), so let’s tackle the big ones:
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes! Swap 1:1 with whole wheat or all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. For gluten-free, stick with oat flour or almond flour (add 1 extra tbsp milk).
Why did my donuts come out dry?
Two likely culprits: over-measuring the protein powder (scoop it lightly!) or over-baking (set that timer!). They keep cooking a bit after coming out of the air fryer.
Can I make these without protein powder?
Absolutely! Use 2 tbsp more oat flour plus 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. They won’t be as protein-packed, but still delicious.
Help – my batter’s too thick!
No panic! Add milk 1 tbsp at a time until it flows slowly off your spoon. Different protein powders absorb liquid differently – I’ve been there with that cement-like batter!
Ready to Make Air Fryer Protein Donuts?
Alright, donut warrior – your air fryer’s calling! Whip up a batch today and show me your creations (I live for those golden-brown success photos). Tag me so I can cheer you on – and maybe steal your topping ideas! If you are looking for other savory air fryer options, try these crispy air fryer onion petals.
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5-Ingredient Air Fryer Protein Donuts Your Kids Will Devour
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy and healthy protein donuts made in the air fryer with just 5 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (120g)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (30g)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (60g)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (60ml)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour batter into greased donut molds.
- Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool before removing from molds.
- Enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For best results, use silicone donut molds.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American