You’re going to flip when you try these air fryer chocolate donuts—I sure did the first time! Honestly, who knew you could get such rich, tender donuts without all the messy deep-frying? It’s like magic. My kids go absolutely wild for them, and I love that they’re ready in just 20 minutes (and way less guilt-inducing than the drive-thru version). The secret? That deep cocoa flavor paired with the air fryer’s crispy edges makes them taste downright indulgent. Trust me, once you’ve had a warm chocolate donut fresh from the air fryer, there’s no going back. Let’s make some!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Listen, these donuts are seriously life-changing—here’s why:
- Unbelievably quick: From bowl to plate in 20 minutes flat. Forget waiting for yeast to rise or oil to heat up!
- Way less grease: All that crispy goodness without the deep-fried heaviness (your stomach will thank you).
- Chocolate heaven: That rich cocoa flavor? It’s like biting into a cloud of fudgy joy.
- Easy cleanup: No oil splatters, no sticky countertops—just one bowl and your trusty air fryer.
Oh, and did I mention they make your kitchen smell like a bakery? Bonus.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Grab these simple ingredients—I bet you’ve got most in your pantry already! Precision matters here, so measure carefully (I learned that the hard way after a few too-dense batches).
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned into the cup and leveled—no packing it down!)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, the good dark stuff—none of that hot chocolate mix!)
- 1/2 cup sugar (regular granulated works great, though brown sugar adds a fun twist)
- 1 tsp baking powder (fresh is key—check the date!)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes them extra rich, but any kind works)
- 1 egg (room temperature cracks cleaner—leave it out 30 minutes first)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted, your call—I use salted for that extra oomph)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, not imitation—trust me, you’ll taste the difference)
See? Nothing fancy! Now let’s turn these into magic.
How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! These donuts come together so easily—just follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into chocolatey perfection before you know it. I’ll walk you through every little trick I’ve picked up after making these way too many times (not that I’m complaining).
Preparing the Batter
First things first: grab two bowls—one for dry stuff, one for wet. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in the first bowl (no clumps allowed!). In the second bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Now pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want clouds, not hockey pucks!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you grease those donut molds really well—butter or nonstick spray both work. Pro tip: use a piping bag or ziplock with the corner snipped to fill molds 2/3 full (less mess, more precision). Pop them in the fryer basket, leaving space between each—crowding steams them instead of crisping. Set the timer for 8 minutes first, then check with a toothpick. Need more time? Add 1-2 minutes max. They’ll keep cooking a bit after you pull them out! If you need more general tips on using your appliance, check out this guide on air fryer cooking techniques.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Want bakery-quality donuts every time? Here are my hard-won secrets after many (delicious) experiments:
- Check early: At 8 minutes, do the toothpick test—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overcooking dries them out fast!
- Cool completely: I know it’s hard to wait, but glazing warm donuts makes a sticky mess. Let them rest 10 minutes first.
- Grease generously: Those molds need a thorough coating—butter works better than spray for easy release.
Bonus tip: For extra shine, brush warm donuts with melted butter before dusting with powdered sugar. You’re welcome!
Variations for Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and eaten half the batch straight from the air fryer—no judgement), try these fun twists! My kids go nuts for the sprinkle version, but my personal favorite is the cinnamon-swap when I need a chocolate break. Here’s the easy lineup:
- Party time: Fold in rainbow sprinkles before cooking—they make every bite feel like a celebration.
- Cinnamon twist: Replace cocoa powder with 1 tbsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg for cozy spice donuts.
- Caramel drizzle: Warm store-bought caramel sauce and zigzag it over cooled donuts for a fancy touch.
Oh, and if you’re feeling wild? Sandwich two donuts with whipped cream. Just saying. For another fun, quick dessert, check out these air fryer churro bites.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Nothing beats serving these donuts warm with a steaming cup of coffee—it’s my favorite Saturday morning ritual! If (big IF) you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They freeze beautifully too—just thaw and reheat for 30 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-fryer taste. If you are looking for other great air fryer dessert ideas, you might enjoy these air fryer cinnamon rolls.
Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts Nutritional Info
Now, let’s talk numbers—sort of! Nutrition varies based on your exact ingredients and brands (like whether you use whole milk or almond milk). These are just friendly estimates per donut to help you enjoy them without the guesswork. Understanding general nutritional guidelines can be helpful when enjoying treats like this; you can find reliable information on food science from organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FAQ About Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about these dreamy donuts:
Can I bake these in a regular oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just pour the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. They won’t get quite as crispy on the edges, but they’ll still taste amazing.
How do I keep the donuts from sticking to the molds?
Grease, grease, grease—and then grease some more! I use melted butter with a pastry brush to get into every nook. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before gently loosening with a butter knife.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You bet! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend (I like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture might be slightly denser, but they’ll still satisfy that chocolate craving.
Why are my donuts dry?
Two likely culprits: overmixing the batter (stop as soon as it’s combined!) or overcooking. Set that timer for 8 minutes first—they cook fast!
Can I prep the batter ahead?
I don’t recommend it—the baking powder starts working right away. But you can mix dry and wet ingredients separately (keep chilled) and combine just before cooking for a 5-minute shortcut!
Final Thoughts
Alright, go make these donuts—I dare you not to fall in love after one bite! Snap a pic and tag me when you do; I live for your kitchen victories. Now excuse me while I go “test” another batch… purely for research, of course.
Print
“20-Minute Air Fryer Chocolate Donuts You’ll Crave”
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make delicious chocolate donuts quickly using your air fryer. These donuts are soft, rich, and perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into greased donut molds.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use a piping bag for easier batter transfer.
- Check doneness at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American