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Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious treat that feels fancy but is actually super easy, you’re going to love this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe. I absolutely love how these donuts turn out—soft, fluffy, and packed with bursts of fresh blueberry and a hint of lemon zest that totally brighten the flavor. When I first tried making donuts in my air fryer, I was a bit skeptical, but this recipe blew me away every single time. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to make these beauties yourself, with all my best tips for success!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No Yeast Needed: It’s so convenient to skip waiting for dough to rise but still get fluffy, soft donuts!
  • Air Fryer Magic: You get that perfect golden crust with minimal oil, making these lighter than traditional fried donuts.
  • Burst of Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries give every bite a vibrant, juicy flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
  • Quick & Easy Prep: You can have these donuts on your plate in about 20 minutes—perfect for a last-minute breakfast or snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple staples you likely have around, combined thoughtfully to bring out maximum blueberry and lemon flavor while keeping the texture perfectly soft. The self-raising flour acts as both flour and leavening, which simplifies things—and yogurt adds moisture and tenderness.

  • Self Raising Flour: This speeds up preparation since it already contains baking powder and salt; just make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
  • Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang—plain yogurt or Greek yogurt both work wonderfully.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness from the lemon and blueberries.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
  • Baking Powder: Gives these donuts an extra lift, even though the flour is self-raising.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brushed on top for a lovely golden finish and added richness.
  • Blueberries: Fresh or frozen both work; frozen might bleed a little but still tastes amazing.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright note that complements the berries perfectly.
  • Lemon Zest: Optional, but trust me—you want that fresh zing as a final touch.
  • Heavy Cream: Used in the blueberry glaze to add richness and help it stick beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe depending on what I have or who I’m sharing with. Feel free to get creative, and tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

  • Gluten-Free Version: I swapped self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it still came out fantastic—just watch the texture as some blends absorb more moisture.
  • Vegan Version: Using coconut yogurt and a plant-based butter alternative worked great when I made these for a friend’s dairy-free diet. The flavor stayed bright and fresh!
  • Spiced Blueberry Donuts: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a cozy twist, which is perfect for cooler months.
  • Extra Sweet Glaze: I experimented by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice for a drizzle instead of the blueberry glaze, and my kids went wild for it.

How to Make Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients and Lemon Juice

Start by tossing together the self-raising flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and your granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the fresh lemon juice. This combination might feel a bit unusual at first, but that lemon juice gives a subtle brightness you’ll notice in every bite. Stir them gently so everything’s evenly combined without overmixing—your donuts will thank you later!

Step 2: Incorporate Yogurt and Blueberries into Dough

Next, add the yogurt to your dry mix and start folding the ingredients together to form a dough. Carefully fold in the blueberries—if you’re using frozen ones, no need to thaw, just be gentle so the dough doesn’t turn an unappetizing purple. I like to do this slowly by hand, so I can feel when the dough is ready; it should be soft but not too sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

Here’s a fun part—take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms, then gently elongate it lengthwise. Join the ends to form a donut ring shape. If you want, you can roll it out to about an inch thick and use donut cutters to get perfect shapes. Either way, you’ll get adorable little donuts that cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry and Butter Up

Place your shaped donuts into the air fryer basket, spacing them out so they don’t touch (this helps them get crispy edges). Brush the tops lightly with melted unsalted butter for that golden finish. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes. You’ll see them puffing up and turning a lovely golden color. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches to keep that perfect texture.

Step 5: Make the Blueberry Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, mix together granulated sugar, blueberries, and heavy cream. If you have fresh blueberries, I highly recommend blending this into a smooth glaze in a food processor for a vibrant, flavorful coating. Pour or brush this glaze over your donuts, and sprinkle lemon zest on top for a fresh aromatic finish. The glaze adds just the right sweet-tart counterpoint to the soft donuts.

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Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: I learned this the hard way—overworking the dough makes your donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Space Donuts Evenly: Give each donut some breathing room in the air fryer so they crisp up nicely on all sides.
  • Use a Pastry Brush: Brushing melted butter on the donuts before air-frying gives them a golden, crispy exterior that tastes amazing.
  • Watch the Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so start checking around 8 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out your donuts.

How to Serve Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe

A close-up of a purple donut covered in thick, shiny lavender icing with small dark purple bits mixed in, topped with a small yellow lemon wedge and sprinkled with tiny crushed nuts. The donut has a soft, fluffy texture with visible swirls of darker purple inside. The background shows another layered purple cake blurred out, with similar icing and decoration. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple yet fresh with lemon zest sprinkled on top and a light dusting of powdered sugar if we’re feeling fancy. Sometimes, I add a tiny drizzle of honey or a few fresh blueberries as a pop of color—makes for a beautiful presentation when you’re serving guests!

Side Dishes

These donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite morning tea. For a fun brunch, I serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola. It makes the meal feel complete without stealing the show from these blueberry gems.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the donuts on a tiered serving tray with fresh edible flowers and a small bowl of the blueberry glaze for dipping. Kids love decorating their own with sprinkles and extra lemon zest, turning snack time into a mini celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I add a small piece of parchment paper between layers. My family tends to finish them quickly though—they’re that good!

Freezing

These donuts freeze surprisingly well. I wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick treat, I pull one out and thaw it at room temperature or warm it gently in the air fryer for a few minutes. The texture holds up great!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 320°F—this revives that crisp exterior without drying out the soft inside. Microwave works too in a pinch, but you lose a bit of that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe?

    Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great and save prep time since you don’t have to thaw them beforehand. Just fold them gently into the dough to minimize bleeding coloring. The flavor stays delicious, and sometimes the dough takes on a lovely purple hue!

  2. What if I don’t have a donut cutter?

    No worries at all. You can shape the dough by rolling small portions into rings by hand, which adds a charming handmade look. Alternatively, use two round cookie cutters of different sizes to cut the outer ring and hole, or a small bottle cap for the donut hole if you want precision.

  3. Can I make this recipe without yogurt?

    Yogurt adds moisture and tenderizes the dough, but if you’re out of it, you can substitute with buttermilk or sour cream. Just keep the quantity the same and expect a very similar texture and slight tang.

  4. How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?

    I usually spray the air fryer basket with a little nonstick spray or brush with oil before placing the donuts. This simple step ensures they lift out easily without breaking.

  5. Can I add other fruits instead of blueberries?

    You can! Raspberries or chopped strawberries make lovely alternatives, though their moisture content may affect the dough’s texture slightly. Just fold gently to avoid breaking the fruit.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe because it’s one of those rare treats that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated or time-consuming. I love sharing them with family on lazy weekends, and the fresh burst of blueberries combined with the light lemon glaze always gets rave reviews. If you want a fun, satisfying way to enjoy homemade donuts without the mess or long wait, go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 donuts
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these soft and fluffy Blueberry Donuts made effortlessly in the air fryer. This yeast-free recipe combines tangy lemon and sweet blueberries for a fresh, fruity twist, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. The donuts are finished with a luscious blueberry glaze and a hint of lemon zest, offering a vibrant, delicious treat with minimal fuss.


Ingredients

Donut Dough

  • 2 cups Self Raising Flour
  • ½ tsp Baking Powder
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Topping and Glaze

  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for brushing)
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Blueberries
  • 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the self raising flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Mix these dry and wet ingredients until they start to form a dough. Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to crush them excessively.
  2. Shape the Donuts: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to elongate it lengthwise. Join the two ends together to form a ring-shaped donut. Alternatively, roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes.
  3. Air Fry the Donuts: Place the formed donuts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly brush the tops with melted unsalted butter. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the donuts for 10 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.
  4. Make the Blueberry Glaze: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, blueberries, and heavy cream. For fresh blueberries, blend the mixture in a food processor until smooth to create a glaze. For frozen blueberries, thaw and mash gently with the sugar and cream to preserve some texture.
  5. Glaze and Garnish: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, brush or drizzle the blueberry glaze over them. Sprinkle with lemon zest to add a fresh, zesty finish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • These Blueberry Donuts are made without yeast, making them quick and easy to prepare.
  • Using fresh or frozen blueberries works well; just be gentle to avoid turning the dough blue.
  • The air fryer gives the donuts a light, fluffy texture similar to traditional frying but with less oil.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the dough or glaze.
  • Serve donuts fresh for optimal softness and flavor as they can become denser if stored too long.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 117 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg

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