2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donut

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about weekend mornings, it’s that they call for something warm, sweet, and just a little indulgent. But let’s be honest—who has the time (or energy) for complicated recipes first thing in the morning? That’s where these 2 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts come to the rescue.

I was skeptical the first time I made these. I mean, no yeast? No frying? Just two ingredients? But once that golden, slightly crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside donut came out of the air fryer, I was completely sold. And so was my family. Now, it’s become our go-to for a fast breakfast treat or an easy dessert when the craving hits.

This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who wants homemade donuts without the hassle. No waiting for dough to rise. No oil splatter. No mixers. Just a bowl, two ingredients, and a few minutes in the air fryer. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts

• Only 2 ingredients — Yep, really. Just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt.

• No yeast or proofing time — Which means no waiting around!

• No deep frying — They’re lighter, less greasy, and easier to clean up.

• Customizable — Dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle on a glaze, or dip in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup self-rising flour
  (If you don’t have it, don’t worry—I’ve got a quick DIY substitute for you in the Notes.)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  (Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.)

That’s it. Really. You’ll be amazed how these two humble ingredients come together to create something that tastes like a fresh donut shop treat.

How It Works

Greek yogurt brings moisture and a little tanginess to the dough, while the self-rising flour takes care of the lift. The result? Soft, slightly chewy donuts with a tender crumb and a beautiful golden crust—without needing yeast or eggs.

I usually use a full-fat Greek yogurt (like Fage or Chobani), and it works like a dream. The dough comes together quickly and is easy to shape, especially with a little flour on the counter.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Make the Dough

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Mix it together with a spoon or spatula until it starts to form a rough, shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy—that’s normal.

Once it’s holding together, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth, slightly tacky (but not sticky), and holds its shape well.

Tip: If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle a little extra flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more yogurt. You want a dough that’s easy to work with and holds together when shaped.

STEP 2: Shape the Donuts

Divide the dough into equal portions—this recipe makes about 4 medium-sized donuts. Roll each piece into a log shape using your hands, then connect the ends to form a ring. Pinch the ends together gently to seal them.

I like to make sure the hole in the center isn’t too small, since the donuts puff up a bit while cooking and can close in the middle. You can also make mini donuts or donut holes if you prefer!

STEP 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Meanwhile, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper with holes punched in it (this helps with airflow).

Now that your homemade donut rings are prepped and your air fryer is warming up, it’s time to bring it all together! This part is where the magic happens—those golden, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside donuts come to life in just minutes. And the best part? You get to choose how you finish them—classic powdered sugar, a sweet glaze, or a warm cinnamon-sugar coating. Let’s get cooking.

STEP 4: Air Fry the Donuts

Once your air fryer has preheated to 350°F, carefully place the shaped donut rings into the basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each donut so the air can circulate and cook them evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time. This helps both sides get that perfect golden color and a light crisp. I usually flip around the 5-minute mark. When done, the donuts should be puffed, slightly golden brown, and cooked through.

Tip: The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. If they’re browning too fast, lower the temp slightly. If they’re pale after 10 minutes, give them another 1–2 minutes.

STEP 5: Let Cool & Add Toppings

Once your donuts are beautifully golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack or plate. They’ll be very hot straight out of the fryer, so give them a few minutes before adding your favorite finishing touch.

Here’s where you can have fun:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the warm donuts with a bit of melted butter, then dip them into a cinnamon-sugar mix.

• Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, sweet finish.

• Glaze: Mix a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk (or vanilla extract) and drizzle it over the top.

• Chocolate Dip: Melt chocolate chips with a splash of milk, then dip the tops for a donut-shop vibe.

Make It Your Own: Tips & Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You’ve already got the perfect base dough—now here are some ways to switch it up:

Make Donut Holes

Instead of forming rings, roll small pieces of dough into bite-sized balls. These cook even faster—about 5–7 minutes in the air fryer—and are perfect for dipping or popping into a cinnamon-sugar bag.

Add Flavors to the Dough

If you want a flavor twist, you can fold in a bit of:

• Vanilla extract

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Mini chocolate chips

Just be sure not to overwork the dough when mixing in extras.

Use Different Yogurts

Greek yogurt works best because it’s thick and tangy, helping with the texture and flavor. If you’re using a regular plain yogurt, try straining it a bit through a cheesecloth to thicken it first. Non-dairy yogurt can also work, but results may vary slightly.

Troubleshooting Common Dough Issues

If it’s your first time working with a two-ingredient dough, here are a few quick fixes to keep things on track:

• Too sticky? Add a light sprinkle of self-rising flour and knead it gently until it’s manageable.

• Too dry or crumbly? Mix in a spoonful more of Greek yogurt until the dough holds together.

• Dough not rising? Check if your self-rising flour is fresh. If it’s old, the leavening might not be active enough.