Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try these crispy air fryer protein donuts—they’re my newest obsession! I was so tired of feeling guilty after indulging in regular donuts, so I set out to create a version that’s actually good for you. The magic happens when you combine protein powder with just the right amount of almond flour and pop them in the air fryer. The result? Golden, crispy perfection that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your fitness goals.
I’ll never forget the first time I made these—my kitchen smelled like a bakery, but without all the butter and sugar! What I love most is how quick they come together. In less time than it takes to drive to the donut shop, you can have a batch of these crispy protein donuts ready to enjoy. They’ve become my go-to post-workout treat or afternoon pick-me-up. And the best part? No deep frying mess—just your trusty air fryer doing all the work!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Let me tell you why these little crispy wonders will become your new favorite treat:
- Crazy quick – From bowl to table in under 20 minutes (faster than Uber Eats!)
- Guilt-free goodness – Packed with protein to keep you full and energized
- That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives them an irresistible crispy exterior
- Totally customizable – Toss on some cinnamon, drizzle with nut butter, or add chocolate chips
- No deep-fry mess – All the satisfaction without the greasy cleanup
Trust me, once you try that first warm, crispy bite, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Protein Donuts Crispy
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these magical crispy protein donuts:
- 1 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best)
- ½ cup almond flour, packed
- ¼ cup sweetener of choice (I love monk fruit or erythritol)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted but not hot
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No stress if you need to swap things! Whey or plant protein both work great. Out of almond milk? Any milk alternative (or even water) does the trick. For nut allergies, try sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour. The coconut oil can be replaced with butter or ghee if preferred—just keep it melted!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Silicone donut molds
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
How to Make Air Fryer Protein Donuts Crispy
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making these crispy delights! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be biting into warm, golden donuts before you know it.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first—let’s get those dry ingredients playing nice together. Grab a big bowl and whisk your protein powder, almond flour, sweetener, and baking powder until they’re completely combined. No lumps allowed here! This is the foundation of your donuts’ crispy texture, so take an extra few seconds to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now for the magic! In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, egg, vanilla, and that glorious melted coconut oil until it’s silky smooth. Pro tip: Make sure your coconut oil isn’t too hot when you add it, or you might end up with scrambled egg bits—yuck! This wet mixture should look like a creamy, dreamy liquid that’ll transform your dry ingredients into perfect donut batter.
Step 3: Fill Molds and Air Fry
Here’s where the crispy magic happens! Pour your batter into greased silicone donut molds (don’t overfill—they’ll puff up!), then pop them into your preheated 350°F air fryer. Set your timer for 8 minutes, but peek at 7—you want them golden brown with that signature crispy edge. They should spring back when lightly touched. Oh, and that amazing smell? That’s how you know they’re just about done!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Alright, let me share my hard-earned secrets for getting these donuts just right every time! First – silicone molds are non-negotiable if you want them to pop out cleanly (trust me, I learned this the messy way). For perfect doneness, do the toothpick test – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. And that crispy exterior? Don’t skip preheating your air fryer!
Here’s my favorite trick: if the batter seems too thick, add a splash more almond milk. Too thin? A sprinkle more almond flour. And always taste the batter before baking – adjust sweetness to your preference. The beauty is in the customization!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Protein Donuts
Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite way is dunking these crispy donuts in my morning coffee—the perfect protein-packed breakfast. For extra indulgence, try them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and berries, or drizzle with a sugar-free chocolate glaze when you’re feeling fancy. They’re even amazing crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a healthier dessert twist!
Storage & Reheating
These crispy donuts keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days—though let’s be honest, they rarely last that long in my house! The magic trick? Pop them back in the air fryer for just 1-2 minutes to bring back that perfect crispy texture. Watch them closely—they go from “just right” to “too crispy” in seconds!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates based on my ingredients. Your exact counts may vary depending on the brands you use. The beauty of these donuts is you’re getting quality protein with way less sugar than traditional treats! Nutritional data can vary widely based on specific ingredients chosen.
FAQ About Air Fryer Protein Donuts Crispy
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same! Regular flour makes them less crispy and more cakey. If you must swap, use ¾ cup all-purpose flour instead of the almond flour, and expect a softer result. The almond flour really gives that perfect crunch we love!
How do I prevent my protein donuts from turning out dry?
Two secrets: Don’t overbake (check at 7 minutes!), and make sure your batter isn’t too thick. It should pour easily but not be runny. Adding an extra splash of almond milk if needed makes all the difference. Also – never skip the coconut oil!
Can I make these without an air fryer?
While the air fryer gives that signature crispy exterior, you can bake them at 350°F in a regular oven for about 12-15 minutes. They won’t get quite as crunchy, but they’ll still be delicious! Just keep an eye on them. For more tips on air fryer donut recipes, check out this guide.
Why do my donuts stick to the mold?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! Always use silicone molds and give them a quick spray with oil first. Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes before trying to remove them—that patience pays off with perfect, intact donuts every time.
Share Your Results
I’d love to see your crispy creations! Snap a pic of your protein donuts and tell me how they turned out. Did you add any fun toppings? Your tips might help the next baker! If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also like making air fryer churro bites.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Protein Donuts – 20 Minute Magic Treat!
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy protein donuts made in an air fryer for a healthier treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into donut molds.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use silicone donut molds for easy removal.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American