Air Fryer Heart Shaped Donuts

Introduction

Air Fryer Heart-Shaped Donuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These adorable, warm, and fluffy donuts are shaped into hearts, making them the perfect sweet gesture for a loved one or just a fun way to enjoy a delicious breakfast or dessert. Made easily in the air fryer, these donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried ones, while still offering a soft, tender bite with a crispy outer layer. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just treating yourself, these heart-shaped donuts are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.

What I love most about these donuts is how quick and easy they are to make. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, so you can enjoy your donuts in just a matter of minutes. I still remember the first time I made them—it was for a special breakfast surprise, and my family couldn’t get enough of them. The sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts paired with the fun shape made the morning feel extra special.

The best part is how customizable these heart-shaped donuts can be. Whether you’re drizzling a little glaze, sprinkling powdered sugar, or dipping them in your favorite frosting, you can create your own unique twist. I also love that this recipe is so versatile—you can adjust the flavor, texture, and toppings depending on your preference. Once you try these Air Fryer Heart-Shaped Donuts, you’ll find yourself making them often for all sorts of occasions. They’re just too irresistible not to enjoy!

Perfect For

These donuts are ideal for celebrations, romantic mornings, or just as a fun treat for family or friends. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an after-dinner dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: You won’t need a deep fryer, and they cook in just a few minutes.
Light and Fluffy: The air fryer cooks these donuts to perfection, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Fun Shape: The heart shape adds a personal and playful touch, perfect for sharing on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
No Deep Frying: Enjoy the crispy exterior without the extra oil and mess from traditional frying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 8 donuts
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 150 calories
Key Nutrients Per Serving:
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (make sure it is plain, not flavored)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp sugar (for rolling)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (more for thinner glaze, less for thicker)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional for a fun color)

Ingredient Highlights

Biscuit Dough: A shortcut that makes these donuts quick and easy while still offering that soft, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the donut’s soft texture.
Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, giving it the perfect consistency to coat the donuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Donuts:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and unroll the biscuit dough onto it.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a round cutter to cut out the heart shapes from the dough.
Carefully remove the center hole using a smaller round cutter to form donut shapes (you can save the centers for making donut holes if desired).
Brush each donut with melted butter and a light dusting of sugar. Optionally, you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Cooking the Donuts:

Place the heart-shaped donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure they are not overcrowded to allow air circulation.
Cook the donuts for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Carefully remove the donuts from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Glazing the Donuts:

While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add food coloring if desired to create a festive glaze.
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the top of each donut into the glaze and return them to the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

How to Serve

Serve these heart-shaped donuts fresh, either as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. They can be enjoyed as-is, or paired with coffee, milk, or tea. For an extra touch, you can add sprinkles or edible glitter to the glaze to make them even more festive.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: These donuts are best served fresh, but you can prepare the donut dough the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before air frying.
Crispier Donuts: If you prefer your donuts to be extra crispy, lightly spray them with cooking spray before air frying.
Fun Toppings: Aside from glaze, you can top your donuts with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even colorful sprinkles to personalize them further.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Glaze:
- If you’re a fan of chocolate, why not elevate your donuts with a rich chocolate glaze? To the basic glaze mixture, simply add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. This will give the glaze a deep, chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetness of the donut beautifully. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can also melt some chocolate chips and mix them into the glaze for a smoother, more decadent texture. This variation turns your regular donuts into a chocolate lover’s dream, perfect for those who want an extra layer of richness with each bite.
Sprinkles or Frosting:
- For those who love a colorful touch or extra sweetness, dipping your donuts in sprinkles or swapping the glaze for frosting can bring a fun, festive twist. You can roll the glazed donuts in vibrant, fun sprinkles—think rainbow, chocolate, or even themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions. Alternatively, you can top your donuts with a swirl of your favorite frosting. Vanilla, chocolate, or even cream cheese frosting would work wonderfully and give you an extra creamy, indulgent donut experience. Whether for birthdays, a treat for the kids, or a whimsical dessert, sprinkles and frosting add that extra flair and sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon:
- Take your donuts to a whole new level by adding an apple-cinnamon twist! Before air frying, sprinkle the dough with a mix of cinnamon and sugar, creating a warm and aromatic coating that gives each bite a delightful spice. For an added dimension, consider adding small, diced apples to the dough or topping the freshly fried donuts with a bit of apple compote. The combination of cinnamon, apples, and sugar will evoke comforting autumn flavors that everyone loves. This variation is perfect for cozy mornings, fall-inspired treats, or anytime you’re craving the sweet and spice of apple cinnamon.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: You can freeze unglazed, cooked donuts for up to a month. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Special Equipment

Air fryer
Heart-shaped or round cookie cutter
Small bowl for the glaze
Whisk

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use homemade donut dough?
A: Yes! If you prefer homemade donut dough, you can make it from scratch. Just make sure the dough is firm enough to hold its shape in the air fryer.

Q: How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure the donuts don’t stick.

Q: Can I make these donuts without a heart-shaped cutter?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can use any other shape you like, such as circles or stars, or even make donut holes.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Heart-Shaped Donuts are a fun and delightful treat, perfect for adding a sweet touch to any occasion. These donuts are made with love, shaped like hearts to make them even more special for holidays, celebrations, or a simple breakfast. They have a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, giving you all the indulgence of traditional donuts without the deep-frying guilt.

Using an air fryer makes this recipe a healthier option, reducing the oil and calories while still delivering the deliciously satisfying flavor that everyone loves. With just a few simple ingredients, you can customize your heart-shaped donuts by adding glazes, sprinkles, or any topping of your choice. They’re sure to be a hit at your next brunch or a charming gift for someone special.

Make a batch today, and enjoy the process of crafting these sweet heart-shaped donuts. Share your creations on Instagram and be sure to tag me—I’d love to see your delicious results. Happy cooking!