Air Fryer Glazed Old-Fashioned Donuts

Old-fashioned cake donuts have a reputation for being rustic and forgiving, and this air-fryer version leans into that comfort while cutting the mess and fuss of deep frying. The thin, crackly exterior that develops in the basket contrasts with a tender, cakey interior thanks to the buttermilk and the paired leaveners, and the quick vanilla glaze gives a glossy, slightly tangy finish that brightens each bite. Because these are bake-style rings made in an air fryer, they come together in about 25 minutes, making them ideal for an impromptu weekend breakfast or a fast afternoon treat when you want something more substantial than a muffin but less fiddly than traditional frying.

What makes this recipe work is the balance: a scoopable, slightly dense batter that yields an even crumb, and the concentrated, circulating heat of the air fryer that forms a pleasant crust without excess oil. Small technique points — don’t overmix, portion with a piping bag or snipped zip-top, brush the pan lightly with oil, and rotate the pan if your machine cooks unevenly — make a big difference in texture and appearance. These donuts take kindly to tweaks: add cocoa or citrus, swap finishes between glaze and cinnamon sugar, or change the milk for an egg-free or gluten-free version with predictable results.