There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a freshly made donut, especially when it’s infused with the bright, sweet bursts of blueberries. As summer rolls in and fresh fruit fills the market stalls, I found myself craving a treat that felt indulgent yet simple enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon. Enter the air fryer—my kitchen superhero that transforms traditional frying into a guilt-free affair! These Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts are a delightfully soft, cake-like option that liberate you from the hassle of yeast and deep-frying. With juicy blueberries nestled throughout, they’re drizzled with a light vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them as a relaxing weekend breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts promise to satisfy your sweet tooth without the excess oil. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will make your kitchen the most popular spot in the house!
Why Are Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts a Must-Try?
Decadent Flavor: These donuts boast a delightful balance of sweetness with bursts of fresh blueberries in every bite.
Quick & Easy: With no yeast or deep-frying involved, they come together in no time, perfect for those spontaneous cravings.
Healthier Choice: Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of traditional donuts, thanks to the air fryer, cutting down on excess oil and calories.
Versatile Recipe: Feel free to customize your donuts with spices or toppings, making them uniquely yours.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a snack, or a treat for guests, these donuts are sure to impress everyone!
Give them a try, and you won’t regret it! For more delicious homemade ideas, check out my baking tips.
Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and browning; adjust the amount for a less sweet version.
• Baking powder – The leavening agent that aids in rising; ensure it’s fresh for the fluffiest donuts.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor; don’t skip it as it balances the sweetness.
• Milk – Hydrates the batter and enhances flavor; use almond milk for a non-dairy option.
• Large egg – Binds the ingredients; swap for a flax egg if you’re looking for an egg-free alternative.
• Melted butter – Provides richness; can be replaced with oil for a dairy-free version.
• Vanilla extract – Adds aroma and flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Fresh blueberries – The star ingredient of these air fryer blueberry donuts; toss them with flour to keep them from sinking.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze; consider coconut sugar for a natural sweetener.
• Milk (for glaze) – Helps achieve a thin glaze consistency; dairy-free milk works too.
Get ready to create a batch of these delightful air fryer blueberry donuts that your family and friends will adore!
How to Make Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts
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Preheat the air fryer to 320℉ for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on your donuts.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mix creates the delightful structure of your donuts.
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Combine wet ingredients in another bowl by mixing milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until everything is smoothly incorporated, bringing your batter to life.
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Mix both the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined. Then, fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to overmix as we want those juicy bursts throughout!
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Spoon the batter into greased silicone donut molds, filling each about ¾ full. This will allow the donuts to rise beautifully without overflowing.
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Air fry at 320℉ for 8-10 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 7 minutes; they should be golden and spring back when touched.
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Cool the donuts in their molds for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain their fluffy texture as they finish cooling.
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Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip or drizzle this light glaze over the cooled donuts just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these donuts your own—there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a treat everyone can enjoy. Just be sure to check that your flour mix includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Fruit Medley: Swap blueberries for your favorite fruits like raspberries or chopped strawberries. Each bite will offer a new fruity twist that’s just as delightful!
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Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add dark chocolate chips to the batter for a rich touch of sweetness. It’s a wonderful way to indulge your chocolate cravings while still enjoying the freshness of fruit.
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Lemon Zest Infusion: Stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully. It’ll brighten your donuts and awaken your taste buds!
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Spiced Delights: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that makes these donuts perfect for fall. Just a hint can transform their character and add comforting warmth.
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Nuts & Crunch: Top with chopped nuts or coconut flakes before air frying for an added crunch. This texture contrast adds another layer of enjoyment with every bite.
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Sugar-Free Option: Replace regular sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie treat. Adjust according to your preferred sweetness level—your taste buds will thank you!
Why not experiment with these delightful variations? You’re bound to discover a new family favorite!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts
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Greasing Molds: Lightly grease silicone molds to prevent sticking; this ensures the donuts come out effortlessly and maintain their lovely shape.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Check the air fryer at 7 minutes to avoid overbaking. Timing may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye out!
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Thicker Glaze: For a thicker glaze, slightly reduce the milk used in your icing. This allows for a more substantial coating that clings beautifully to the donuts.
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Freezing Option: Consider freezing unglazed donuts; reheat them in the air fryer before glazing for a fresh taste whenever you crave a sweet treat.
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Fresh Blueberries: Toss fresh blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents sinking during baking and ensures juicy bursts in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them right before baking. To maintain the freshness of your blueberries, toss them with a bit of flour to keep them suspended in the batter. You can also portion the batter into greased silicone molds and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade treats with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings or afternoon snacks!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts?
These delightful treats make for an unforgettable meal experience with the right accompaniments.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee: A rich, aromatic coffee complements the sweetness of the donuts perfectly, making every bite a delightful indulgence.
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Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and fresh fruits, this light and creamy option adds a refreshing contrast to the cake-like texture of the donuts.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits offers a burst of freshness, balancing out the sweetness of the donuts and adding a touch of brightness.
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Herbal Tea: Brew a soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea to enjoy alongside your donuts. The warm flavors create a cozy atmosphere.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling a bit of maple syrup on your donuts enhances their sweetness, lending a comforting and familiar flavor profile that everyone loves.
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Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot and cold contrast is simply divine!
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing beverage that cuts through the sweetness, adding a zesty sparkle to your donut enjoyment. Perfect for summer gatherings!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your donut experience by drizzling melted chocolate over the top. It’s a sweet touch that adds a layer of indulgence.
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Nut Butter Spread: A dollop of almond or peanut butter provides a satisfying creaminess and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the blueberries.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts
Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.
Fridge: If you want to preserve them longer, refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep them sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen donuts in the air fryer at 320℉ for 3-5 minutes. They’ll taste freshly made again, ready to be drizzled with glaze!
Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the blueberries are ripe enough to use in my donuts?
Absolutely! Look for blueberries that are plump, firm, and have a deep blue color. Avoid any that have dark spots all over, as these may be overripe or moldy. You can also give them a gentle squeeze; they should feel slightly soft but not mushy.
What’s the best way to store leftover air fryer blueberry donuts?
You should store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them sealed to maintain their moisture!
Can I freeze these blueberry donuts, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze unglazed air fryer blueberry donuts for up to 3 months! To freeze them, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the air fryer at 320℉ for about 3-5 minutes.
What should I do if my donuts stick to the silicone molds?
Very! To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly grease your silicone molds before adding the batter. If they stick despite this, try allowing the donuts to cool completely in the molds for a little longer; sometimes, the cooling process helps them release easier.
Are these donuts suitable for people with dietary restrictions, like gluten intolerance?
Yes, they can be! I recommend substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Additionally, if you’re looking to make them dairy-free, use almond milk instead of regular milk and substitute the melted butter with oil. Enjoy making them your own!
Air Fryer Blueberry Donuts: Light, Fluffy Perfection at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 320℉ for 3-5 minutes.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients in another bowl by mixing milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Mix both wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined, then fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Spoon the batter into greased silicone donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
- Air fry at 320℉ for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness at 7 minutes.
- Cool the donuts in their molds for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip or drizzle this over the cooled donuts.