Soft, pillowy, and bursting with vanilla bean flavor—these air fryer donuts skip the deep fryer but deliver all the satisfaction.
Skip the oil splatter and long wait times—these homemade donuts are air-fried to golden perfection and finished with a sweet, citrusy pink glaze. The dough is rich with butter and eggs, and the glaze? A dreamy mix of vanilla bean, lemon juice, and a playful drop of pink.
These donuts are soft, fun, and surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love These Donuts
✔️ No deep fryer needed – made right in the air fryer
✔️ Real vanilla bean flavor
✔️ A soft, fluffy dough enriched with butter and eggs
✔️ Naturally festive with a pink glaze and sprinkles
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup white granulated sugar (divided)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted and cooled slightly)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 drop pink food dye
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix on low speed for 5–7 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms.
3. Let It Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or cling film, and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out donut shapes. (Cut out the centers too for classic donut holes.)
5. Preheat and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly grease the basket. Place donuts in the basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until golden brown.
6. Make the Glaze
While the donuts are cooking, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean seeds, lemon juice, and pink food dye in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
7. Glaze and Decorate
Let the donuts cool slightly, then dip each one into the glaze. Top immediately with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Tips & Variations
- No vanilla bean? Use 1 tsp of vanilla extract instead.
- Want to freeze them? Freeze unglazed donuts and glaze just before serving.
- For extra decadence, brush with melted butter before glazing.
These air fryer vanilla bean donuts are a bakery-style treat made easy at home. Sweet, citrusy, and irresistibly fluffy—perfect for birthdays, brunch, or just because.