Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it is quicker and lighter than traditional fried donuts. The fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a fruity flavor, while the air fryer keeps the cooking process simple and less messy. I also like how easy it is to customize the glaze and toppings for different occasions.

Ingredients

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

For the donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries

For the strawberry glaze:

1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons strawberry puree
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs
Sprinkles
Fresh strawberry slices

Directions

I preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
I lightly grease a donut pan or silicone donut molds that fit inside the air fryer basket.
I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
I combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
I gently fold in the diced strawberries.
I spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
I air fry the donuts for 8–10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
I remove the donuts from the molds and allow them to cool completely.
I whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
I dip each cooled donut into the strawberry glaze and let the excess drip off.
I decorate the donuts with freeze-dried strawberry crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh strawberry slices before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 donuts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes

Variations

I add lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
I mix mini white chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness.
I use a simple vanilla glaze instead of strawberry glaze for a classic finish.
I sprinkle chopped pistachios or sliced almonds over the glaze for added crunch.
I drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glazed donuts for a richer dessert.

Storage/Reheating

I store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I warm the unglazed donuts in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes. If the donuts are already glazed, I enjoy them at room temperature to keep the glaze looking its best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I can use frozen strawberries if I thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Do I need a donut pan for the air fryer?

I find that silicone donut molds work best, but any air fryer-safe donut pan that fits inside the basket works well.

Can I make the donuts ahead of time?

I often bake the donuts a day ahead and glaze them just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Why are my donuts dense?

I avoid overmixing the batter because mixing just until combined helps keep the donuts soft and fluffy.

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes. I freeze the unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature before glazing.

Conclusion

I always enjoy making Air Fryer Strawberry Donuts because they are easy to prepare, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and much lighter than traditional fried donuts. The soft texture and sweet strawberry glaze make them a delightful treat that I can serve for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, and they are always a favorite with family and friends.

Air Fryer Strawberry Donuts

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These Air Fryer Strawberry Donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with fresh strawberry flavor without the need for deep frying. Finished with a sweet strawberry glaze, they’re a lighter homemade treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts
Category: Breakfast
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease silicone donut molds or an air fryer-safe donut pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries.
Fill the prepared donut molds about three-quarters full with the batter.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Remove the donuts from the molds and allow them to cool completely.
Whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and allow any excess to drip off.
Decorate with freeze-dried strawberry crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh strawberry slices if desired before serving.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the batter.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Store glazed donuts at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 170 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg