Name: Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fried instead of deep fried—lighter but still delicious.
Fresh lemon glaze adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
Quick and simple to make with pantry ingredients.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Kid-friendly and a great alternative to store-bought donuts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk or buttermilk
Unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla extract

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Pipe or spoon the batter into greased silicone donut molds.
Place molds in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch.
Allow donuts to cool slightly before removing from molds.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze, let excess drip off, and set on a rack until the glaze firms up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 donuts. Prep time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 10 minutes, and glazing adds 5 minutes, for a total of 25 minutes.

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the batter for a lemon poppy seed version.
Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Drizzle with white chocolate instead of glaze for extra sweetness.
Fill with lemon curd for a surprise center.
Make them dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze without glaze for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore freshness.

FAQs

Do I need a donut mold for this recipe?

Yes, silicone donut molds work best to hold the shape in the air fryer.

Can I make these donuts without glaze?

Yes, they’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Can I bake them in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

Add more powdered sugar until it thickens to the right consistency.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, bake them a day ahead and glaze just before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

How do I keep the donuts soft?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.

Are air fryer donuts healthier than fried ones?

Yes, they use much less oil, making them lighter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded.

What toppings go well with lemon glaze?

Coconut flakes, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried berries add great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Glazed Air Fryer Donuts are a quick, bright, and satisfying treat that brings bakery-style flavor into your own kitchen. With their fluffy texture and zesty glaze, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something sweet, citrusy, and homemade