How To Make Krispy Kreme Donuts In Air Fryer | Copycat

Nothing beats the smell of fresh, hot donuts. The original Krispy Kreme glaze and soft texture are legendary, but the deep-frying process makes them a heavy treat. You can replicate that tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience at home without a vat of hot oil. Using your air fryer cuts down on fat while keeping the center fluffy and the exterior golden.

This method requires patience with the dough, but the cooking time is incredibly fast. You get a batch of warm, glazed treats that rival the “Hot Now” sign at the local shop. We will walk through the dough preparation, the specific air fryer settings, and the glaze technique that creates that signature crackly coating.

Ingredients You Need For The Dough

The foundation of a great copycat recipe lies in the dough. Krispy Kreme uses a yeast-raised dough, not a cake batter. This means you need ingredients that support a good rise and a tender crumb. Using high-quality butter and fresh yeast makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. The goal is to create an enriched dough, which means fats like milk, butter, and eggs are added to the flour. This fat content inhibits gluten slightly, resulting in a softer bite rather than a chewy bread texture.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Review this table to gather exactly what you need. Precision matters in baking, so measurements are provided for clarity.

Ingredient Category	Item & Measurement	Role In Recipe
Liquids	Milk (1.25 cups)	Provides moisture and fat for tenderness.
Leavening	Instant Yeast (2.25 tsp)	Creates the rise and air pockets.
Fats	Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp)	Adds richness and flavor. Melted.
Binding	Large Egg (1)	Structure and stability for the shape.
Sweetener	Granulated Sugar (0.25 cup)	Feeds the yeast and sweetens dough.
Dry Base	All-Purpose Flour (3-4 cups)	Structure. Avoid bread flour here.
Seasoning	Salt (0.5 tsp)	Balances the sweetness.
Aromatics	Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)	Classic bakery scent and taste.

Preparing The Yeast Dough Correctly

Getting the yeast right is the first major step. If your milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If it is too cold, the yeast won’t wake up. Aim for milk that is warm to the touch, roughly 110°F. If you do not have a thermometer, test it on your wrist; it should feel like warm bathwater.

Combine your warm milk and instant yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for about five minutes until it looks frothy or bubbly. This bloom confirms your yeast is active. If the mixture remains flat after ten minutes, toss it and start with fresh yeast. Old yeast is the primary reason homemade donuts fail to rise.

Once the yeast is bubbly, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Mix these on low speed until combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. You want the dough to come together but stay slightly tacky. Dry dough leads to tough donuts. Switch to a dough hook and let the machine knead the mixture for about five to seven minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still stick slightly to the bottom.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a warm towel. Place the bowl in a draft-free area. Allow it to rise for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. This proofing stage develops the flavor and texture required for that signature airiness.

How To Make Krispy Kreme Donuts In Air Fryer

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface. You do not need to knead it heavily again; just bring it into a cohesive ball. Roll the dough out until it is about half an inch thick. If you roll it too thin, you will get crispy crackers instead of fluffy donuts.

Cutting And Second Proofing

Use a donut cutter to punch out your shapes. If you lack a specific cutter, use a wide-mouth glass for the outer circle and a shot glass or bottle cap for the donut hole. Save the holes; they air fry beautifully as bite-sized snacks.

Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This next part is vital: cover them and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. They should look puffy. Skipped this step? Your air fryer donuts will turn out dense and heavy. The second rise relaxes the gluten and ensures the heat circulates through an open crumb structure.

Cooking Process Steps

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Preheating helps the dough expand immediately upon contact with the heat. While it heats up, prepare your basket. Cut small squares of parchment paper, slightly larger than each donut. Place each donut on its own square. This prevents the soft dough from sticking to the wire rack and makes transferring them into the hot basket much safer.

Place two or three donuts in the basket, leaving room for air to flow. Do not overcrowding the basket. Air fryers rely on rapid air circulation to cook evenly. If the donuts touch, the sides will remain raw and doughy.

Spray the tops of the donuts lightly with coconut oil or melted butter. This mimics the frying effect and encourages browning. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Check them at the 3-minute mark. They should be a light golden brown. Flip them gently and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes if the bottoms look pale. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will dry out.

The Secret To The Signature Glaze

The magic of a Krispy Kreme copycat is the glaze. It sets into a thin, crackly shell that dissolves when you bite into it. You must make the glaze while the donuts are cooking so it is ready the moment they come out.

Whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The consistency should be like heavy cream. If it is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. If it is too runny, add more sugar. You want it to cling to the donut but drip off slightly to create a smooth finish.

Dip the donuts while they are still warm. This is non-negotiable for the right texture. The heat from the donut melts the glaze slightly, allowing it to coat the surface evenly before setting. Place the dipped donuts on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch the drips. Let them set for about 10 minutes, or eat them immediately for the full “Hot Now” experience.

Tips For Soft And Fluffy Results

Air frying removes moisture, whereas deep frying locks it in with oil. To combat dryness, keep your dough hydration high. Do not add too much extra flour during the rolling phase. The tackier the dough you can handle, the softer your final product will be.

Another trick is to brush the cooked donuts with a little melted butter right before dipping them in the glaze. This adds a layer of richness that mimics the oil absorption of a deep-fried treat. It bridges the gap between a “bread roll” taste and a true donut flavor.

Always verify your yeast activity. According to King Arthur Baking, yeast is a living organism that needs specific conditions to thrive; water above 120°F can damage it, stopping your rise completely. Using fresh ingredients ensures your effort in the kitchen pays off with a proper rise.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many first-timers mistake the cooking speed. Air fryers are intense. A minute too long creates a hard, dry biscuit. Watch your first batch closely to learn your specific machine’s behavior. Every model varies slightly in wattage and airflow.

Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays (like Pam) directly on your air fryer basket if it has a non-stick coating. Propellants in these cans can chip the coating over time. Instead, use a spray bottle filled with pure oil or rely on the parchment paper squares suggested earlier.

Do not skip the salt in the dough. It might seem odd for a sweet treat, but salt strengthens the gluten structure and makes the sweetness pop. Without it, the flavor falls flat.

Storage And Reheating Your Donuts

Homemade donuts lack the heavy preservatives found in commercial versions. They are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, you can extend their life with proper storage methods.

Never store warm donuts. Let them cool completely to room temperature before sealing them. Trapped heat creates condensation, which will turn your beautiful glaze into a sticky, wet mess.

Storage Guidelines

Refer to this table for the best ways to keep your treats fresh based on when you plan to eat them.

Timeframe	Storage Method	Expected Quality
0–24 Hours	Countertop (Airtight Box)	Best texture. Soft and fresh.
1–3 Days	Refrigerator (Sealed)	Glaze may sweat. Dough firms up.
1 Month	Freezer (Ziploc Bag)	Good for long term. Thaw needed.
Reheating	Microwave (8 Seconds)	Restores softness instantly.
Safety	Throw Away	If mold appears or odor changes.
Dough Only	Fridge (Overnight)	Proof dough in fridge for flavor.
Glaze	Fridge (1 Week)	Stir well before using again.

Flavor Variations To Try

Once you master the classic glazed version, the base dough is versatile enough for other flavors. For a chocolate version, dip the tops in a ganache made from melted chocolate chips and heavy cream. You can add sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets.

For a cinnamon sugar twist, skip the glaze. Brush the hot donuts with melted butter and toss them in a bowl of cinnamon and granulated sugar. This is easier than glazing and offers a nice crunch. You can also fill these donuts. Use a piping bag with a long tip to inject raspberry jam or custard into the side of the cooked donut. Just ensure the donut has cooled slightly so the filling does not melt and run out.

Comparison: Air Fryer Vs. Deep Fryer Method

The traditional method involves submersing dough in oil at 375°F. This creates a distinct crust and forces oil into the outer layer of the dough. The result is richer but significantly higher in fat. The cleanup involves filtering and storing large amounts of used oil, which is messy and time-consuming.

The air fryer method uses convection heat. A fan circulates hot air around the food. You save roughly 200 to 300 calories per serving by avoiding the deep fry. The texture is slightly more bread-like, similar to a soft dinner roll, but the glaze helps mask this difference. Cleanup is as simple as washing the basket and wiping the counter.

Food Safety And Hygiene

When working with dough that contains raw eggs, hygiene is important. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the raw dough. Ensure your workspace is clean before rolling out the dough. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, perishable foods (including those containing dairy and eggs) should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If you are proofing dough in a very warm kitchen, keep an eye on the time.

If you choose to fill your donuts with cream or custard, those must be refrigerated. Plain glazed donuts can sit on the counter safely for a day, but cream fillings are prone to spoiling if left out.

Why This Recipe Works For Beginners

Yeast dough intimidates many home cooks, but this recipe is forgiving. The use of a stand mixer removes the physical labor of kneading. The visual cues—looking for the “doubled in size” proofing stage—are easy to spot. Because air fryers have precise temperature controls, you don’t have to worry about maintaining oil temperature on a stove, which fluctuates and can burn donuts easily.

This process breaks down a bakery favorite into manageable steps. You control the ingredients, meaning no artificial preservatives or unpronounceable additives. You get the satisfaction of creating something from scratch with a tool you likely use for simple reheating.

Final Thoughts On Air Fryer Donuts

Learning how to make Krispy Kreme donuts in air fryer opens up a new world of baking. It turns a special-occasion treat into something you can make on a lazy Sunday morning. The combination of fluffy, yeast-risen dough and sweet vanilla glaze satisfies the craving without the heaviness of the fried original.

Remember that the second rise is the most important part of the process. If you rush it, the donuts will be dense. Give the yeast time to work, and the air fryer will handle the rest. With minimal cleanup and a fraction of the calories, this method is a smart addition to your recipe rotation. Enjoy your hot, fresh donuts with a cup of coffee and share them while they are warm.