Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts: 7 Irresistible Steps to Bliss

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 27, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts! They’re simply divine and so easy to whip up, you won’t believe how quickly they come together. Imagine biting into a fluffy, warm donut topped with a sweet, shiny maple glaze that just melts in your mouth. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! I love making these for weekend brunch with my family. The kids go absolutely wild for them, and honestly, who can blame them? The best part is that I can feel a little less guilty because they’re air-fried instead of deep-fried. It’s a win-win! Plus, the smell wafting through the kitchen while they cook is enough to get everyone buzzing with excitement. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Saturday morning treat, these donuts never fail to impress. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll want to keep the air fryer buzzing with this delightful recipe!

Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our donuts, giving them that lovely structure.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavors in every bite.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps our donuts rise and become fluffy, so they’re not dense.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for that perfect lift.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors in the donuts.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with maple.
1/4 cup milk: Helps bring the batter together and keeps the donuts moist.
1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds richness.
2 tablespoons melted butter: For that delicious buttery flavor that makes the donuts irresistible.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and warmth.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet glaze that tops our donuts.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: The star of the show, giving that classic maple flavor we all adore.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts

Getting these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts ready is a breeze! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches in no time. Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy these heavenly treats as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is super important for that perfect donut texture!
Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, add in the milk, the large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Now, here’s a tip: mix everything gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! The batter should be smooth but not too dense.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step as it ensures even cooking! While it’s heating up, you can get your donut molds ready.
Prepare the Donut Molds: If you’re using silicone molds, you’re in luck! They’re so easy to work with. If you have metal molds, be sure to grease them lightly with a bit of oil or cooking spray. This helps the donuts pop out easily after cooking.
Fill the Molds: Here comes the fun part! You can either spoon the batter into the molds or use a piping bag for a neater approach. If you’re piping, fill the bag and cut a small hole at the end. Squeeze the batter into each mold, filling them about halfway. This gives them room to rise!
Air Fry the Donuts: Place the filled molds in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry the donuts for about 5-6 minutes or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Oh, the smell is going to be amazing!
Cool Slightly: Once done, carefully remove the molds from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This helps them set and makes glazing easier!
Make the Maple Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl. You want a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk until it’s just right.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip each warm donut into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a wire rack or a plate to let the glaze set. Don’t worry if they look a bit messy; that just adds to their charm!

And there you have it! A simple step-by-step guide to making delicious Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts. Enjoy them warm, and watch them disappear in no time!

Nutritional Information

When you’re indulging in these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per donut:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a slightly healthier donut is always a plus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These donuts come together in just 16 minutes, so you won’t be waiting long to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Flavorful: The combination of warm spices and sweet maple glaze creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Healthier Option: Air frying cuts down on oil, making these donuts a lighter choice compared to traditional frying.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different glazes or toppings to make them your own!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts is all about the little details, and I’ve got some great tips to help you nail it every time!

Ingredient Substitutions:

If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it should work just fine! For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can replace regular milk, and you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a delightful twist.

Avoiding Overmixing:

Remember, when you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that! A few lumps in the batter are perfectly okay.

Donut Mold Tips:

If you’re using metal molds, make sure to grease them well to avoid sticking. Silicone molds are a breeze, but if you notice any sticking, give them a quick rinse with warm water before using them next time.

Watch the Cooking Time:

Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on those donuts! They’re ready when they’re golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t be afraid to check them a minute or two early if you’re unsure!

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to crafting the most delicious, fluffy Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Variations

Get ready to unleash your creativity with these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts! While the classic maple glaze is simply irresistible, there are so many fun ways to mix things up!

Chocolate Glaze: Swap out the maple syrup for melted chocolate or cocoa powder mixed with a bit of milk for a rich chocolate glaze that’s pure indulgence.
Spiced Rum Glaze: Add a splash of spiced rum to your glaze for an adult twist that’s perfect for parties. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
Fruit Zest: Incorporate citrus zest like orange or lemon into the glaze for a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the donut.
Add-Ins: Consider adding mini chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before air frying for extra texture and flavor in every bite!

The possibilities are endless! Don’t hesitate to experiment and make these delightful donuts your own. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days, but trust me, they’re usually gone long before that! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month.

When you’re ready to enjoy a donut, simply pop it in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 minutes to warm it up. You’ll be amazed at how fresh they taste!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delightful Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they’re golden brown!
How can I make these donuts vegan?
Great question! To make these donuts vegan, simply replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and butter substitute. They’ll taste just as delicious!
What if I don’t have donut molds?
If you don’t have donut molds, you can use a muffin tin! Just fill the cups about halfway, and you’ll have delightful donut holes instead.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the maple glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it, as it might thicken up a bit.
How long do these donuts stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Donuts will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. But trust me, they’re so tasty, they won’t last that long!

Hope that clears up any doubts! Enjoy making those scrumptious donuts!