Let’s be honest: the craving for a fresh, warm donut is real, but the heavy feeling (and the kitchen cleanup) afterward often isn’t worth it. Forget the deep-fryer and step away from those dense, disappointing “healthy” baked donuts. This recipe is your new secret weapon.
What makes these so special? The magic isn’t just the air fryer—it’s the brilliant combination of rice flour and shredded coconut. This pairing creates an impossibly light, tender crumb that’s satisfyingly fluffy, not heavy. They have a delicate, slightly sweet aroma that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. In just 10 minutes, you can have a batch of these warm, airy donuts ready to enjoy, completely guilt-free.
Try it: Air Fryer Chocolate Palmiers with Pistachio Crunch
Air Fryer Light Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the eggs with the sweetener or sugar using an electric mixer until slightly foamy.
- Add the oil and mix with a spatula until incorporated.
- Fold in the rice flour, shredded coconut, and finally the vanilla baking powder, mixing until smooth.
- Lightly grease the donut molds suitable for the air fryer and fill them about three-quarters full.
- Cook in the air fryer at 340°F (170°C) for about 10 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool slightly before unmolding, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. In winter, they can rest at room temperature for several hours without spoiling. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight containers and thaw before serving.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Donuts
To easily customize the flavor, feel free to mix in about a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest along with the rice flour; it pairs beautifully with the coconut. This batter is quite thick, so using a piping bag (or a simple plastic bag with the corner snipped off) is the cleanest and easiest way to fill your donut molds. Remember that all air fryers heat differently, so it’s wise to start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. They cook very quickly and are perfect the moment a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Since 2012, I’ve been sharing life through the things I love most — cooking, traveling, observing, and writing. I do it with the curiosity of someone who’s always learning, and the joy of sharing something real and heartfelt
