These Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed Donuts are literally the best. One bite and you’ll never be buying donuts again.
Who knew that the air fryer was capable of getting better and better with every single recipe? Make certain to try this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe as well!
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I decided to make this recipe because I love how donuts taste. Let’s face it – donuts are amazing. But what I didn’t love was having to put on real pants and leave the house. With this recipe, my problems are solved and my tummy stays happy.
Since you just need 7 simple ingredients to make this Krispy Kreme chocolate iced donut recipe, it’s no trouble at all to do!
Why We Love This Recipe
Um, they’re donuts! Who doesn’t love donuts?
These aren’t quite as cute as these Polar Bear Donuts but I can only carve out enough time to bake or to decorate, not both.
Joking aside, I love that I can skip the drive and waiting in line at Krispy Kreme by making these at home.
My favorite thing about these homemade donuts though is that they’re healthier (i.e. less guilt when I indulge!) than the Krispy Kreme version which is deep fried.
Ingredients / Shopping List
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 stick of melted butter
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 can chocolate frosting
Substitutions
Milk: For this recipe, make certain that you’re not using almond milk. It needs to be regular milk for the flavor. You can, however, use whole milk or reduced fat — whichever you prefer.
Yeast: The included instructions are for active dry yeast but you can use instant yeast instead and skip the 10 minute wait.
Chocolate frosting: To save time, you can simply use store-bought frosting, but if you want to make your own, this homemade chocolate glaze is terrific. You’ll need between 1 1/2 and 2 cups of frosting.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Kitchen Towel (wet and wrung out)
- Dough Hook
- Rolling Pin
- Circle Cutters (one large, one medium)
- Tongs
How to Make Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed Donuts
This recipe creates the best homemade donuts, ever! Here’s what you’ll need to do to make them:
Step 1
Mix together the milk, yeast, and 1 T of the sugar carefully in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes to start foaming.
Step 2
Add in the egg, sugar, and melted butter and stir.
Step 3
Add in the flour and use your dough hook to mix it on low. Once it starts to get mixed, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it forms a ball.
Step 4
Put the dough ball in a bowl that has been oiled and cover the whole thing with a damp towel. Let it sit for an hour for it to double in size.
Step 5
After the dough has risen, remove and roll it out to be 1/2 inch thick. You’re going to want to flour the surface as well.
Step 6
Take a circle cutter or a cup or jar and cut out 10-12 donuts.
Step 7
Use a hole cutter and punch out the donut holes.
Step 8
Put the donuts on a rack and cover with plastic wrap. Let them rise for 20 minutes.
Step 9
Make certain to spray the air fryer basket with oil and put two donuts in at a time. Spray the donuts with oil and cook for 4 minutes on each side at 350 degrees.
Step 10
Once done take out the donuts using tongs and dip them halfway into the chocolate frosting. Set the donuts back on the rack to dry.
Topping Ideas
Sprinkles: Donuts are always better with sprinkles, right? Add on sprinkles, chocolate chips or even shredded coconut for a fun flavor.
Chopped Nuts: Chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch to a sweet, chewy donut.
More Frosting: Drizzle some melted frosting that’s another color back and forth over the top of each donut for added sweetness, color, and visual appeal.
Tips
- If you don’t want to frost the donuts, just add on powdered sugar instead
- Make certain to not overbake the donuts as they’ll get hard fast
FAQs
To keep them as fresh as possible for as long as possible, store them in a container with a lid. I like to keep mine in the fridge but you don’t have to.
Some people like their donuts warm. If this is you, just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or so. This should make them warm and soft again.
The outer area of the donuts is going to be a golden brown. As long as both sides are that coloring, the donuts should be done cooking.
Other Recipes
- Easy Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts Recipe
- Easy Air Fryer Bagels
- Apple Cheesecake Pancakes
- Air Fryer Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Danish Recipe
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed Donuts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Dough hook
- Rolling Pin
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk between 95°F and 105°F
- 2 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 stick butter melted
- 2 cups flour
- 1 can chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Mix together the milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar carefully in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes to start foaming.
- Add in the egg, sugar, and melted butter and stir.
- Add in the flour and use your dough hook to mix it on low. Once it starts to get mixed, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it forms a ball.
- Put the dough ball in a bowl that has been oiled and cover the whole thing with a damp towel. Let it sit for an hour for it to double in size.
- After the dough has risen, remove and roll it out to be 1/2 inch thick. You're going to want to flour the surface as well.
- Take a circle cutter or a cup or jar and cut out 10-12 donuts.
- Use a hole cutter and punch out the donut holes.
- Put the donuts on a rack and cover with plastic wrap. Let them rise for 20 minutes.
- Make certain to spray the air fryer basket with oil and put two donuts in at a time. Spray the donuts with oil and cook for 4 minutes on each side at 350 degrees.
- Once done take out the donuts using tongs and dip them halfway into the chocolate frosting. Set the donuts back on the rack to dry.
Nutrition
Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!
Super easy yet super yummy donut recipe to make at home!
It’s great to be able to make donuts at home, especially when you don’t feel like going to the store. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for sharing this great recipe. This is the best donut recipe for an air fryer that I have tasted so far.
You’re welcome, I’m so glad you like the donuts! Thanks for commenting.
Oh my goodness! Now, I can easily make donuts at home.
I hope you like them!
Wow! I can now make our favorite donut at home!