There’s something about donuts that just makes a day feel a little brighter, don’t you think? Whether it’s the smell of warm dough or the sweet coating of cinnamon sugar, donuts are pure comfort. But making them from scratch can feel like a big task—especially when yeast and frying oil are involved. That’s exactly why I love this recipe for 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts. It’s the perfect shortcut when you’re craving something delicious and don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe truly special is how incredibly simple it is. You only need two ingredients—yes, just two!—and about 15 minutes of your time. No yeast, no waiting for the dough to rise, and absolutely no messy oil splatters. Just quick, fluffy, golden donuts right from your air fryer.
This is one of those go-to recipes I stumbled upon during a busy weekday morning when the sweet craving hit hard. I had a tub of Greek yogurt, some self-rising flour, and very little patience. A few quick mixes later, and voila: warm donuts that tasted like they came from a bakery. Since then, it’s become one of my favorite treats to whip up when time is tight but I still want something homemade.
These donuts are also super easy to customize—dust them with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle on a glaze. However you top them, they’re bound to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Optional Toppings:
Cinnamon sugar
Powdered sugar
Vanilla glaze or chocolate drizzle
If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, don’t worry. You can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Just be sure to measure accurately for the best texture.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt in a medium mixing bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until they start coming together into a shaggy dough.
Once the dough is mostly formed, lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead it gently for 1 to 2 minutes, just until it’s smooth and not too sticky. Be careful not to over-knead—this dough doesn’t need much handling. Overworking it could make your donuts a bit tough instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. If you’re going for a traditional donut shape, roll each portion into a log and connect the ends to form a ring.
Alternatively, you can flatten the dough slightly and use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out circles. Then, use a smaller cutter (or even the back of a piping tip) to punch out the center hole. Either method works great—it just depends on what look you’re going for and what tools you have on hand.
A little tip: if the dough feels sticky while shaping, dust your hands with a bit of flour. It makes the process so much easier!
How to Cook 2-Ingredient Donuts in the Air Fryer (Plus Topping Ideas!)
Now that your dough is shaped and ready, it’s time for the fun part—cooking them up in the air fryer! If you’re anything like me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these donuts come together. In just a few minutes, you’ll have golden, warm donuts that are soft on the inside and just slightly crisp on the outside.
The air fryer really is the secret hero here. It gives these donuts that perfect texture without needing to deep fry anything. So, whether you’re whipping these up for a quick weekend treat or surprising your family with an after-school snack, you’ll love how simple and mess-free the process is.
Let’s keep going with the recipe!
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you cook the donuts, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your model. Preheating helps the donuts cook evenly and ensures that nice golden-brown exterior.
While the air fryer is heating up, lightly spray the basket with oil (I usually use a neutral spray like avocado or canola). This keeps the donuts from sticking and helps them crisp up just a bit.
Step 4: Air Fry the Donuts
Carefully place the shaped donuts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each one so they have room to expand and cook properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches—and that’s totally fine.
Air fry at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a slightly firm texture. The exterior should have a light crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
Once done, transfer the donuts to a cooling rack or plate. Let them cool for a minute or two before adding your toppings. Trust me—warm donuts are wonderful, but if they’re too hot, your toppings might melt or slide right off.
Topping Ideas & Flavor Variations
This is where things get really fun. These donuts are delicious on their own, but toppings can take them to the next level. Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress them up:
Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Classic and always a hit.
Powdered Sugar: For a super simple finish, dust cooled donuts with powdered sugar using a fine sieve. They look bakery-ready in seconds.
Vanilla Glaze: Combine ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled donuts for a sweet glaze that sets beautifully.
Chocolate Glaze: Melt a few tablespoons of chocolate chips with a splash of milk or cream, then dip the tops of the donuts. Let them sit for a few minutes to firm up.
And if you want to get a little creative, here are a few flavor twists to try:
Add-ins to the dough: A pinch of cinnamon, a few drops of vanilla extract, or even a little lemon zest can totally change the flavor profile.
Fruity glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little strawberry or raspberry puree instead of milk for a bright, fruity topping.
Stuffed version: Roll the dough thinner, add a small spoon of jam or Nutella, fold and seal into a pocket, and then air fry as usual. These turn out like donut “pillows” and are just as delicious.
FAQ: Your 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donut Questions Answered
You’ve got the dough, the air fryer is preheated, and the toppings are ready—but before you dive into making your first batch (or your fifth), let’s tackle some of the most common questions I’ve seen about these donuts. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions or storage, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-rising flour, just make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will give your donuts the right lift and texture.
2. What kind of Greek yogurt should I use?
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt works best in this recipe. It gives the dough the right balance of moisture and structure. You can use low-fat Greek yogurt as well, but avoid non-fat versions—they can make the dough a bit dry and sticky.
3. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. However, you can store them at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container. Reheat them for a few minutes in the air fryer at 300°F to revive their texture.
4. Can I freeze the dough or cooked donuts?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped, uncooked dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. To cook, let them thaw for about 10–15 minutes and then air fry as usual. Cooked donuts can also be frozen—just let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat in the air fryer.
5. Why did my donuts turn out tough?
Tough donuts usually mean the dough was over-kneaded or too much flour was added. Be sure to knead gently and avoid adding too much extra flour during shaping. The dough should be soft and just slightly sticky.
6. Can I make mini donuts with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and shape as desired. Mini donuts will cook faster—start checking around the 4-minute mark and adjust as needed.
7. Do I need to use oil spray in the air fryer?
A light spray of oil in the basket helps prevent sticking and encourages even browning. You don’t need much, but it definitely helps improve the texture and appearance of the finished donuts.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There are a lot of donut recipes out there, but this one really does check all the boxes: fast, easy, and surprisingly delicious. With just two main ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can enjoy warm, fluffy donuts without the hassle of yeast or frying oil.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for lazy weekend mornings, impromptu dessert cravings, or even a fun kitchen project with the kids. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Want cinnamon sugar today? Great. Craving chocolate glaze tomorrow? Go for it. You can make this recipe your own every time.
I hope you give these 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts a try—and if you do, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Let me know in the comments if you added any special flavors or tried fun toppings. And if you’re anything like me, don’t be surprised if this becomes a weekly tradition.
Print
2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donut
Description
This 2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donut recipe is the ultimate quick-fix treat. With just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, you can create fluffy, golden donuts in minutes—no yeast or deep frying required. The air fryer gives them a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, these donuts can be customized with your favorite toppings or glazes.
Ingredients
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Optional toppings:
Cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or glaze
Instructions
1️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead lightly on a floured surface for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
2️⃣ Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log and shape into a donut by connecting the ends. Alternatively, flatten the dough and use a round cutter to shape.
3️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Place the donuts in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5️⃣ Remove the donuts and let them cool slightly before adding your choice of toppings such as cinnamon sugar or glaze.
Notes
Self-rising flour is essential for the right texture and lift. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep the donuts soft. For added flavor, mix a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract into the dough before shaping.
