Air Fryer Jelly Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving an old-school bakery treat that’s shockingly easy to make at home, Air Fryer Jelly Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a warm, fluffy donut enrobed in shimmering sugar and bursting with tangy raspberry jelly, but without the hassle of frying in hot oil. These donuts come together with just a handful of ingredients, and the air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible golden crust and pillowy-soft inside. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to surprise your family with a fresh-baked delight, Air Fryer Jelly Donuts hit every nostalgic note while staying weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a few staples, you’re well on your way to donut bliss! Each element in this recipe brings something essential, transforming biscuit dough into a treat that rivals your favorite bakery’s best. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Refrigerated biscuit dough: The superstar shortcut—these fluffy biscuits bake up beautifully in the air fryer, making donuts possible in minutes.
• Melted butter: Dipping the hot donuts in butter gives them that authentic bakery flavor and helps the sugar adhere perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Coating the donuts in sugar transforms each bite, adding sweetness and a bit of sparkle.
• Raspberry jelly: Choose a good-quality jelly for a bright, fruity burst at the donut’s center—classic, but you can experiment with your favorite flavors!
• Oil spray: Just a spritz ensures the donuts get that gorgeous, even browning without becoming greasy.

How to Make Air Fryer Jelly Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Fire up your air fryer to 350 degrees to get everything nice and toasty. Once it’s preheated, give the basket a quick spritz with oil spray so your donuts don’t stick. This part is essential for that crispy, golden exterior.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Pop open your can of biscuit dough—always a satisfying moment! Lay the biscuits in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each for air to circulate. If your basket is smaller, work in batches to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Give Them a Little Shine

Lightly spray the tops of the biscuits with oil spray. This tiny step encourages that enviable golden glow on your Air Fryer Jelly Donuts, helping them bake up as lusciously as they taste.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden

Cook the biscuits for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should look puffed, deeply golden, and ready for their sugary transformation. The air fryer does all the real work, cutting down on mess and time.

Step 5: Prepare the Jelly

While your donuts are turning irresistibly golden, load your raspberry jelly into a piping bag fitted with a long tip (Bismarck tips are perfect, but any thin, long tip will do). This gets the jelly right into the center—no more unevenly filled donuts!

Step 6: Butter Bath

Once they’re done, while still warm, quickly dunk each donut in melted butter. This step gives every donut that soft, luxurious edge, and sets the stage for the sugar to cling beautifully.

Step 7: Sugar Coat

Transfer the buttered donuts to a shallow dish of sugar. Gently toss or roll them until they’re thoroughly, evenly coated—the texture and sparkle are simply irresistible.

Step 8: Fill With Jelly

Insert the piping bag tip into the center of each donut and squeeze until you feel a little pressure (or see a puff of jelly appear). Be generous! The best Air Fryer Jelly Donuts practically burst with filling in every bite.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your donuts while they’re still warm—there’s truly nothing better. Watch as they disappear from the plate in record time!

How to Serve Air Fryer Jelly Donuts

Garnishes

A final dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates the look (and sweetness) of your Air Fryer Jelly Donuts. Add a few fresh raspberries on the side or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming mug of coffee, a vanilla latte, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For a bigger breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad—the jelly’s sweetness plays so nicely with savory or bright flavors!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the donuts high on a pretty cake stand, or arrange them in parchment-lined baskets for brunch. If you’re hosting, offer a plate of warm Air Fryer Jelly Donuts with small bowls of extra jelly for dipping or add colorful sprinkles for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, allow the donuts to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and satisfying—just don’t refrigerate, as that can make them tougher.

Freezing

Air Fryer Jelly Donuts freeze surprisingly well! Place the filled (and cooled) donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid; then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Just know that the texture will be softest when served fresh.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked feeling, heat donuts in the air fryer at 300 degrees for 2–3 minutes or microwave in short bursts. This warms the jelly and revives the fluffy interior for an experience close to just-made.

FAQs

Can I use other fillings besides raspberry jelly?

Absolutely! Any firm jelly, jam, or even chocolate hazelnut spread works beautifully in Air Fryer Jelly Donuts. Peach, strawberry, or even lemon curd are delicious alternatives.

Can I make these with homemade dough?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite yeast dough if you’re up for extra prep time. The biscuit dough is super convenient, but feel free to get creative if you love baking from scratch!

How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

Allow your donuts to cool on a wire rack so air circulates all around, and avoid wrapping them tightly until fully cool. This prevents condensation and keeps the sugar coating crisp.

Can I reheat Air Fryer Jelly Donuts after filling?

Yes, reheating filled donuts is quick and easy—just be gentle so the jelly doesn’t spill out. A couple of minutes in the air fryer brings back that irresistible just-baked warmth.

What’s the best way to get the jelly into the center?

Using a piping bag with a long (Bismarck) tip gives you the most even, generous filling. If you don’t have one, poke a hole with a chopstick and pipe the jelly through a plastic bag with the corner snipped.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so delightfully nostalgic and satisfying about making Air Fryer Jelly Donuts at home—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to become a sweet favorite for weekend mornings or anytime you want to bring a little bakery magic to your kitchen. Don’t wait—give these a go and treat yourself to the easiest, fluffiest jelly donuts around!

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