Oh my goodness, you have to try these Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts! I swear, my friends think I’ve got some kind of magic trick up my sleeve when I serve these warm, jam-filled delights—they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” The best part? No messy deep-frying, no waiting forever, just crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside perfection in about 20 minutes flat.
I discovered this little miracle during one of those “I need dessert NOW” moments (we’ve all been there). My air fryer was just sitting there, and I thought—why not donuts? Turns out, it’s the easiest way to get that bakery-quality treat without leaving your kitchen. The fruit jelly center? Absolute game-changer. One bite and you’ll be hooked—just like I was!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at donuts the same way again. Here’s why they’re my go-to treat whenever I need something special:
- Crazy quick: From bowl to table in 20 minutes flat – perfect for those “I need dessert NOW” moments!
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives them this magical crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Jelly surprise: That little burst of fruit flavor in every bite? Absolute game changer.
- No deep-fry mess: My kitchen stays clean, and I don’t end up smelling like a fast food joint.
- Endless options: Swap the jelly – strawberry today, maybe apricot tomorrow? The choice is yours.
Seriously, these are the donuts that made my neighbor ask if I’d secretly opened a bakery. The secret’s all in that air fryer magic!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts
Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when these everyday items come together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (I like to spoon it into the cup, then level it off for accuracy)
- 1/4 cup sugar (regular granulated works perfectly)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for maximum puff!)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just enough to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes them extra rich, but any kind works)
- 1 egg (room temperature blends smoother)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg)
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly (strawberry is my favorite, but see notes below!)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for that picture-perfect dusting at the end)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – here’s how to adapt:
- Out of milk? Almond milk or even water works in a pinch.
- Need gluten-free? 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blends perfectly.
- Only have jam? Strain thicker jams through a sieve for smooth filling.
- Vegan option: Flax egg and plant butter work great here.
- Pro tip: Freeze jelly for 15 minutes before filling – less messy!
See? No fancy ingredients needed – just good old pantry staples ready to transform into something amazing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Let’s talk tools – you don’t need anything fancy, just these basics to make magic happen:
- Air fryer (any size works as long as your molds fit!)
- Donut molds (the silicone ones are my favorite – no sticking!)
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
- Measuring cups & spoons (precision matters with baking)
- Small spoon or piping bag (for that perfect jelly filling)
That’s it! If you’ve got these, you’re minutes away from homemade donut bliss. If you are looking for more inspiration on air fryer accessories, check out this guide on air fryer pizza pockets for ideas.
How to Make Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little pockets of joy! Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect donuts every time:
Step 1: Whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Now pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are totally fine!
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you prep the molds. Lightly grease them – I use a pastry brush with melted butter or cooking spray. Spoon batter into each mold until they’re about halfway full. Here’s where the magic happens!
Step 3: Add about a teaspoon of jelly to the center of each donut. Then cover with more batter until the molds are about 3/4 full. Don’t overfill or you’ll lose that perfect donut shape!
Step 4: Air fry for 8-10 minutes. At 8 minutes, do the toothpick test – it should come out clean with maybe a crumb or two. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Understanding the science behind air frying temperatures can help ensure this step is perfect.
Step 5: Let them cool in the molds for 5 minutes (I know, the hardest part!), then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar. Or don’t wait – I won’t judge if you eat one warm!
Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts
Here are my hard-earned secrets for donut success:
- Resist overfilling molds – they puff up more than you think!
- Check at 8 minutes – air fryers vary, and overcooked donuts are sad donuts.
- Let them cool completely before dusting – otherwise the sugar melts into glaze (which isn’t bad, just different!).
- For extra-pretty donuts, dust through a fine-mesh sieve.
Follow these tips and you’ll have bakery-worthy donuts that’ll make you feel like a pastry pro!
Variations for Air Fryer Jelly Donuts
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to play. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Lemon lovers: Swap the jelly for lemon curd – that tart burst is heavenly!
- Cinnamon sugar: Skip the powdered sugar and roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead.
- Chocolate dreams: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or fill with Nutella.
- Berry bliss: Mix fresh berries into the batter along with the jelly.
- Savory twist: Fill with cream cheese and top with everything bagel seasoning – trust me!
The best part? You can make a different flavor every time. My kids love “donut taste tests” where we try new combinations – messy kitchen, happy faces! For more sweet air fryer treats, check out these air fryer churro bites.
Serving & Storing Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts
Oh, you’ll want to eat these warm – that’s when the jelly center turns gloriously gooey! But if you must save some (who has that kind of willpower?), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When craving strikes again, just air fry for 2 minutes – they’ll taste freshly made!
Pro tip: Store them single-layer with parchment between if stacked, or the powdered sugar gets absorbed. And if you’re feeling fancy? Warm donut + cold scoop of vanilla ice cream = instant dessert heaven. Not that I’ve done this… multiple times…
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop – each donut clocks in around 180 calories, but remember these are estimates. Your exact numbers will dance a bit depending on your jelly choice and ingredient brands. The good news? They’re way lighter than traditional fried donuts! For context on how air frying reduces fat content compared to deep frying, you can read about general air fryer crab rangoon preparation methods.
FAQ About Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts
I get asked about these donuts all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to an airtight bag. They’ll keep for about a month. To enjoy, just pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes – good as new!
Do I have to use donut molds?
Not at all! Silicone molds work beautifully (no sticking!), but you can also use a muffin tin if that’s what you’ve got. The shape will be different, but the taste is just as amazing.
Why did my jelly leak out?
Oh honey, we’ve all been there! This usually means either the batter was too thin (measure carefully!) or you overfilled. Try chilling your jelly for 15 minutes before using – it helps it stay put better.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
You bet! Bake them the day before, then give them a quick 2-minute warm-up in the air fryer right before serving. The powdered sugar dusting is best done fresh though – it keeps that perfect snowy look.
What’s the best jelly flavor?
My personal favorite is strawberry, but honestly? Whatever makes your taste buds happy! Raspberry gives a gorgeous color, apricot is wonderfully tart, and grape is nostalgic fun. Mix and match for a donut tasting party!
Share Your Donut Success
Did you make these air fryer wonders? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @MyKitchenAdventures or leave a star rating below. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your jelly-filled masterpieces – and hearing which flavor combinations you’ve dreamed up!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Fruit Jelly Donuts—Irresistible Magic (58 characters)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden donuts with a fruity jelly filling, made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly (your choice)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop batter into greased donut molds, filling halfway.
- Add a tsp of jelly to each donut, then cover with more batter.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use any fruit jelly like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
- Ensure donut molds are lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Check donuts at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American