Okay, I’m obsessed with these 3-ingredient air fryer protein donuts—they’re my guilt-free secret for when that sweet tooth hits but I still want to stay on track. Seriously, just protein powder, almond milk, and an egg transform into fluffy, satisfying donuts in minutes! No fancy equipment, no weird ingredients, just pure, simple magic. I love how these pack in 15g of protein per donut while keeping sugar crazy low, so I can indulge without the crash. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever survived snack time without them.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Listen, I get it—life’s busy, and sometimes you just need a treat that doesn’t derail your whole day. That’s why these donuts are my go-to. They’re not just easy; they’re stupid easy. Plus, they actually taste good while being good for you. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed, too:
Quick and Easy
Three ingredients. One bowl. Eight minutes. That’s it! I’ve made these half-asleep after a workout when my brain was too fried to measure anything complicated. Dump, mix, air fry—boom, donuts. No waiting for yeast to rise or dealing with sticky dough. It’s basically foolproof (and I’ve tested that theory many times).
Healthy Dessert Option
These aren’t those sad “healthy” desserts that taste like cardboard. Each fluffy donut packs 15g of protein to keep you full, with barely any sugar—just 2g! I love that I can actually enjoy dessert without the sugar crash or next-day guilt. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating something good for them. (Shh, don’t tell.)
Customizable Flavors
Vanilla protein powder? Chocolate? Birthday cake? Go wild! I’ve tried them all. My personal favorite is mixing chocolate protein powder with a dash of cinnamon—it tastes like a churro. The base recipe is your blank canvas. Add sprinkles for fun, peanut butter powder for richness, or lemon zest for a tangy twist. Your air fryer’s about to become your new best friend.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Here’s the beautiful part—you probably already have these three simple ingredients in your kitchen right now! (If not, they’re stupid easy to grab.) The magic trio:
- 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (I use vanilla for a neutral base, but chocolate is my weekend treat)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like—just keep it unsweetened if you’re watching sugar)
- 1 large egg (room temperature works best for smooth mixing—just leave it out while you gather everything else)
That’s it. No weird binders, no obscure sweeteners. Just real, simple stuff that whips up into something magical.
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—turning those three simple ingredients into actual donuts! I promise, it’s easier than remembering your WiFi password. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into warm, fluffy protein donuts before you know it.
Step 1: Mix the Batter
Grab a big bowl (no need for fancy mixers—a fork or whisk works great). Dump in your protein powder, almond milk, and egg. Now, here’s the key: mix until just smooth. Overmixing makes the donuts tough, so stop when you don’t see any dry powder. The batter should be thick but pourable—like pancake batter with a little extra oomph. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? A sprinkle more protein powder. Easy fixes!
Step 2: Fill the Molds
Lightly grease your donut molds—trust me, sticky donuts are a tragedy. I use a quick spritz of coconut oil spray, but butter works too. Pour or spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about ¾ full (they puff up like magic in the air fryer!). Pro tip: If you don’t have donut molds, shape little rings on parchment paper—they won’t be as pretty, but they’ll taste just as amazing.
Step 3: Air Fry
Pop those babies into your air fryer at 350°F for 8 minutes. No preheating needed—we’re rebels like that. Set a timer, because one minute too long and they go from fluffy to hockey pucks. Check at 7 minutes if your air fryer runs hot (they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean). The smell? Pure heaven. Try not to hover—I know it’s hard.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Here’s where patience is key (or not, if you’re like me and burn your tongue every time). Let the molds cool for 5 minutes—they’re lava-hot straight out! Then gently pop the donuts out. Eat warm for melty goodness, or let them cool completely if you’re adding glaze. Warning: You’ll probably inhale the first one standing over the counter. No judgment—I do it too.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Protein Donuts
After making these about a million times (okay, maybe 20), I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect donuts every time. These little fixes will save you from the dreaded “protein brick” texture!
Avoid Overmixing
Here’s the big one: mix just until the batter comes together. I know it’s tempting to keep stirring, but once that protein powder is incorporated, stop. Overworked batter turns donuts dense instead of delightfully fluffy. A few lumps? Totally fine—they’ll disappear while cooking.
Check Doneness Early
Air fryers can be sneaky—some run hotter than others. Start checking at 7 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, add 30-second bursts. These cook fast, and that last minute can mean the difference between perfect and overdone. (Voice of experience: set a timer!)
Storage Tips
These are best fresh, but if you have leftovers (ha!), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They get a bit denser, but still tasty! For longer storage, freeze them individually—just pop in the toaster or air fryer for a minute to revive that just-made texture. Game changer for meal prep!
Variations for Your Air Fryer Protein Donuts
The beauty of these donuts? They’re a blank canvas for your cravings! My go-to hack is stirring in a teaspoon of cinnamon for cozy warmth, but here’s where it gets fun: sprinkle in rainbow jimmies for birthday cake vibes, fold in mashed banana for sweetness, or mix cocoa powder into vanilla batter for a chocolate-swirl surprise. Want crunch? Try chopped nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips—just don’t overfill the molds. My kids beg for “confetti donuts” (aka protein powder + sprinkles) every Saturday morning. The rule? Whatever makes you happy goes in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the best part—these donuts taste indulgent but won’t wreck your goals! *Nutrition can vary slightly based on your protein powder brand and milk choice*, but here’s the general breakdown per donut (recipe makes 6):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 15g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 3g
Pro tip: Using a plant-based protein powder? Your numbers might be even lower in carbs. Either way, it’s a win—especially compared to traditional donuts that pack 20g+ of sugar! Understanding nutrition labels can help you make the best choices.
FAQ About Air Fryer Protein Donuts
I get asked the same questions about these donuts all the time—here’s the quick scoop so you can dive in without hesitation!
Can I Use Regular Milk?
Absolutely! Dairy milk works fine, but almond milk keeps the carbs lower. Just make sure it’s unsweetened—otherwise that sugar count creeps up. I’ve even used coconut milk when I was out of almond milk; the donuts came out slightly richer (and delicious).
How Do I Prevent Stickiness?
Grease those molds like you mean it! A quick spritz of oil or swipe of butter makes all the difference. If they still stick, let them cool a full 5 minutes—they’ll release easier once they’ve settled. Worst case? Run a butter knife around the edges gently. (I’ve been there.)
Can I Bake These Instead?
Yes! Bake at 325°F for about 12 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer. They won’t get quite as golden on top, but they’ll still taste amazing. Check with a toothpick—same rules apply. Bonus: baking lets you make a whole tray at once for crowd feeding! If you enjoy baked treats, you might also like these air fryer chocolate lava cakes.
Ready to Make Your Protein Donuts?
Go grab that protein powder—your air fryer’s waiting! Tag me when you make them so I can see your creations. (Extra points if you eat one straight from the mold like I do!)
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3-Ingredient Air Fryer Protein Donuts You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy air fryer protein donuts with just 3 ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour batter into donut molds.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use any flavor protein powder.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American