Let me tell you about the first time I made these easy air fryer red velvet donuts—my kitchen smelled like a bakery, and my kids came running before I even finished the glaze! I’ve always loved the idea of homemade donuts but hated the mess of deep frying. That’s why I fell hard for this air fryer version. They’re seriously simple to whip up (we’re talking less than 20 minutes start to finish), with that perfect red velvet flavor—just enough cocoa to be interesting but still sweet and festive. The creamy glaze dripping down the sides? Pure magic. These have become our go-to when we want something special without the hassle—birthday mornings, sleepover treats, or just because it’s Tuesday!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Oh, where do I start? These donuts are my happy little kitchen miracle, and here’s why they’ll become your favorite too:

• No messy deep frying – Your air fryer gives them that perfect golden edge without the oil splatters (or that lingering fryer smell in your hair!)
• Ready in under 20 minutes – From craving to glaze-drizzled heaven faster than a donut shop run
• Light-as-a-cloud texture – That first bite? Pure fluffy joy with just the right amount of red velvet richness
• Total kid magnet – My littles go wild for the bright red color and sweet cream topping (perfect for tiny hands to help dip!)

Honestly, once you try these easy air fryer red velvet donuts, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Gather these simple pantry staples – I promise you probably have most already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled – don’t pack it down!)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder – Dutch process gives the richest color
• 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp baking soda – our rising dream team
• 1/4 tsp salt – trust me, it balances the sweetness
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – just enough to make them sing
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (no buttermilk? Mix 1/4 cup milk with 3/4 tsp vinegar)
• 1 large egg, room temp – takes 10 mins in warm water if forgotten
• 1 tbsp red food coloring – gel gives vibrant color without thinning batter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff makes all the difference
• 2 tbsp melted butter – cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg

Plus glaze ingredients – but let’s get these beauties baked first!

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these easy air fryer red velvet donuts is seriously simple, but I’ve got a few tricks to share that’ll make them perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into fluffy, glazed goodness before you know it!

Preparing the Donut Batter

First things first – grab two bowls. In one, whisk together all your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar). In the other bowl, beat the egg lightly, then stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and melted butter. Now here’s my secret – pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir JUST until combined. Overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want clouds, not hockey pucks! The batter should be thick but still pourable – like a slightly runny cake batter.

Air Frying the Donuts

While you’re mixing, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (this is crucial for even cooking!). Lightly grease your donut molds – I use a pastry brush with melted butter or nonstick spray. Fill each mold about 2/3 full (they puff up beautifully!). Air fry for 6-8 minutes – start checking at 6 minutes with a toothpick. When it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done! Let them cool in the molds for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack. Pro tip: If your donuts stick, run a butter knife around the edges gently.

Making the Creamy Glaze

While the donuts cool, whip up that dreamy glaze. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Want it thicker? Add more sugar. Thinner? More milk. Here’s my favorite part – dip each cooled donut top into the glaze, then hold it upside down for a few seconds to let the excess drip off. The glaze sets quickly, so work fast! For extra flair, sprinkle some red velvet crumbs or sprinkles on top before it dries.

Tips for Perfect Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

After making these dozens of times (yes, we’re obsessed), here’s what I’ve learned for foolproof donuts every time:

• Room temp is your friend – Cold buttermilk or eggs can make your batter lumpy. Take them out 30 minutes early!
• Peek early – Air fryers vary, so check at 6 minutes. Overbaked donuts lose that magical fluffiness.
• Glaze thickness trick – Too thick? Add milk drop by drop. Too runny? More powdered sugar in small amounts.
• Let them breathe – Don’t glaze until fully cooled, or you’ll get a melty mess instead of that perfect white crown.

There you go – my hard-earned secrets for donut perfection!

Variations for Your Easy Air Fryer Donuts

Oh, the fun you can have with these easy air fryer red velvet donuts! Here are my favorite twists:

• Cake flour swap – For extra tenderness, replace half the all-purpose flour with cake flour
• Chocolate chips – Fold in mini chips for happy little surprises in every bite
• Birthday version – Skip cocoa, use rainbow sprinkles in batter and glaze for instant party vibes
• Mocha magic – Add 1 tsp instant espresso to dry ingredients for grown-up depth

See? One recipe, endless possibilities – that’s the beauty of homemade!

Serving and Storing Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Here’s the honest truth – these donuts are absolute perfection when eaten fresh, still slightly warm with that glaze just set. My family hovers around the cooling rack like vultures! If you must store them (who has leftovers?!), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that just-made magic. Pro tip: Store unglazed donuts separately from the glaze – dip right before eating for maximum freshness!

Nutritional Information for Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Now, let’s be real – these are treats, not health food! But for those curious, each glazed donut has about 210 calories, 18g sugar, and 6g fat (nutrition facts are estimates). The air fryer cuts way down on oil compared to traditional frying, so we’re calling that a win! Remember – serving sizes vary based on how generously you pour that luscious glaze.

FAQs About Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Can I bake these donuts instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, just pour the batter into greased donut pans and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They’ll come out just as delicious, though they might take a smidge longer to cook through. The air fryer just gives that perfect golden edge we all love!

What’s the best way to make gluten-free red velvet donuts?
I’ve had great success swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (I like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture stays wonderfully light! Just be sure your cocoa powder and baking powder are certified gluten-free too – some brands sneak in sneaky additives.

Help! I’m out of buttermilk – what can I use instead?
No worries! My go-to buttermilk substitute is 1/4 cup regular milk with 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice – let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled. Plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk works great too. The acidity is what really matters for that perfect rise and tender crumb.

Share Your Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

I’d love to see your donut masterpieces! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures. Happy baking, friends!

20-Minute Easy Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts – Irresistible!

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• Author: ushinzomr
• Total Time: 18 mins
• Yield: 6 donuts 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these easy air fryer red velvet donuts with a creamy glaze. They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, vanilla, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into greased donut molds.
6. Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before glazing.
8. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
9. Dip donuts in glaze and let set.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
• Adjust food coloring for deeper red color.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: air fryer donuts,red velvet donuts,easy dessert