Oh my gosh, have you ever had that craving for something sweet, salty, and downright irresistible? I remember one lazy Sunday morning when I was staring at my air fryer, half-asleep, and suddenly it hit me – maple bacon donuts! Not just any donuts, but crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside air fryer maple bacon donuts. I nearly burned my first batch in my excitement (whoops!), but once I nailed the technique, these became my go-to treat. They’re ridiculously easy to make – no deep-frying mess, just pure maple-bacon goodness in about 20 minutes flat. My kids now beg for them every weekend, and honestly? I don’t blame them one bit.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts
Listen, these aren’t just donuts—they’re little bites of happiness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Here’s why they’re about to become your new obsession:
- Crazy quick: From bowl to plate in 20 minutes (yes, even on groggy mornings!)
- No vat of oil: The air fryer gives that perfect golden crunch without the greasy aftermath
- Sweet meets salty: That maple-bacon combo is pure magic—like breakfast and dessert had a love child
- Kid-approved: My picky eater actually cheers when these come out of the fryer
- Smells divine: Your kitchen will smell like a cozy diner (warning: may cause neighbors to drop by)
Trust me, once you try them, regular donuts just won’t cut it anymore.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts
Here’s everything you’ll need for these glorious donuts – and yes, I measure everything by hand because eyeballing it leads to donut disasters (speaking from experience!). Grab:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, please!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (the sweet soul of our donuts)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (not soda – big difference!)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
- ½ cup whole milk (or your favorite milk alternative)
- 1 large egg (room temp works best)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (salted, always)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (imitation? never!)
- 4 strips crispy cooked bacon, crumbled (thick-cut is my fave)
- ¼ cup real maple syrup (none of that pancake stuff!)
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, confession time—I once tried making these without proper tools and ended up with donut-shaped pancakes (not cute). Here’s what actually works:
- Silicone donut molds (trust me, metal ones stick like crazy)
- Your trusty air fryer (mine’s a basic 5-quart model)
- A medium mixing bowl (I use my grandma’s chipped yellow one)
- A whisk or fork for batter (no fancy mixer needed)
- Pastry brush for that maple glaze (fingers work in a pinch)
That’s it! No special gadgets—just stuff you probably already have. If you are looking for more great uses for your appliance, check out these air fryer roast chicken recipes.
How to Make Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! I’ve made these enough times to know all the little tricks that make them perfect. Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into donut heaven before you know it:
- Preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C) – takes about 3 minutes in mine. This step is crucial for even cooking!
- Mix the dry stuff first – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in your bowl. Give it a good whisk to banish any lumps.
- Add the wet ingredients – milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir just until combined (overmixing = tough donuts, and nobody wants that).
- Fold in the bacon gently – those crispy bits should be evenly distributed but not smashed to bits.
- Fill those molds halfway – I use a spoon, but a piping bag works if you’re feeling fancy. Pro tip: greasing the molds first prevents tragic stickage.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden. Peek at 8 minutes – they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Brush with warm maple syrup immediately – it soaks in beautifully when the donuts are hot.
See? Easier than you thought! The batter should be thick but pourable – like pancake batter with bacon friends. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. For more quick treats, you might enjoy these air fryer pecan pie bars.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts
After burning my third batch (don’t ask), I learned some golden rules for donut success. First, silicone molds are non-negotiable—metal ones will leave you scraping out sad donut remnants. Second, peek at 8 minutes—some air fryers run hotter, and overcooked donuts are tragic. Want extra crisp? Add 1-2 minutes max! Third, syrup brushing is an art—do it while warm so the donuts drink it up like happy little sponges. Oh, and if your batter’s too thick? A splash more milk saves the day. You’re welcome! For more tips on using this appliance, check out this guide on air fryer tips and tricks.
Variations for Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts
These donuts are crazy versatile! For cinnamon lovers, add 1 teaspoon to the dry ingredients—it plays beautifully with the maple. Turkey bacon works if you’re keeping it light, and for a grown-up twist, try bourbon-infused maple syrup. Feeling wild? Chocolate drizzle + bacon = mind blown. Have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Oh boy, let me tell you how I love serving these beauties! A piping hot cup of dark roast coffee is my go-to pairing – the bitterness cuts through the sweet maple perfectly. For special mornings, I’ll add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and an extra drizzle of warm syrup. Kids go crazy when I sprinkle extra bacon bits on top (because more bacon is always better). And if you’re feeling fancy? Dust with powdered sugar right before serving – it makes them look straight from a bakery case! If you love bacon in your breakfast, you might also like these air fryer bacon wrapped dates.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the deal – these donuts taste best fresh, but if you must save some (who has that kind of willpower?), pop them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To revive that crispy magic, air fry at 300°F for 2 minutes – good as new!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – these aren’t health food, but they’re not terrible either! Based on my ingredients, each donut has about 220 calories, 5g protein, and 15g sugar. Remember, values vary based on your bacon thickness and syrup brand. Everything in moderation, right? Now go enjoy that maple-bacon goodness! Understanding general nutritional information can help balance treats like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pancake mix instead of flour?
Oh honey, I tried this once in a pinch – disaster! Pancake mix already has leavening agents that’ll make your donuts puff up weirdly. Stick with plain flour for that perfect tender-crumb texture we love.
How long do these maple bacon donuts stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within 2 hours (like that’s ever a problem in my house!). If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days – but trust me, they lose that magical crispness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! I’ve had great results swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just add an extra tablespoon of milk since GF flour tends to be thirstier. The bacon and maple flavors still shine through beautifully.
Why silicone molds instead of metal?
Learned this the hard way – metal conducts heat too fast, giving you burnt bottoms and raw centers. Silicone gives that perfect even bake and releases like a dream. Worth every penny!
Alright, donut lovers – it’s go time! I’m telling you, these air fryer maple bacon donuts are about to become your new weekend tradition. They’re so easy, so delicious, and so much better than anything you’ll find at a drive-thru. I want to see your beautiful creations – tag me when you make them so I can drool over your photos! And hey, if you discover any brilliant tweaks (extra crispy bacon? A dash of cayenne for heat?), shout ’em out in the comments. Now get to air frying – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Maple Bacon Donuts That Wow
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious air fryer maple bacon donuts that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in crumbled bacon.
- Pour batter into greased donut molds, filling halfway.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm donuts with maple syrup.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use silicone donut molds for easy removal.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional minute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: air fryer, maple bacon donuts, easy dessert