Puff pastry donuts in the air fryer are one of those treats that look complicated, but you can actually make them in fifteen minutes with what you already have in the fridge. Puff pastry, milk chocolate and some colorful decorations: the result is spectacular, delicious and, let’s be honest, impossible to resist.
The great thing is that the air fryer makes them magical: puffed, golden and crispy on the outside with no oil. They’re perfect for Sunday breakfast, kids’ snack time or to surprise everyone at the table during Easter with little colored chocolate eggs.
Try them once and you’ll see they become a household must, just like they did for me!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 12 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Easter
Ingredients for puff pastry donuts in the air fryer
- 3 puff pastry rolls
- 5.3 oz milk chocolate (you can also use dark or white chocolate)
- as needed milk chocolate eggs
- as needed colored sprinkles
- 2 strawberries (sliced)
Tools for puff pastry donuts in the air fryer
- 1 Air fryer
- 2 Cookie cutters
Steps for puff pastry donuts in the air fryer
To prepare the puff pastry donuts for the air fryer, layer the puff pastry sheets on top of each other.
Using a round cutter (about 3.1–3.5 inches in diameter), cut out the circles.
Then, with a smaller cutter (about 3/4–1 1/8 inches), cut a hole in the center of each circle.
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F for 3 minutes.
Arrange the donuts in the basket without overlapping. If necessary, cook them in two batches.
Cook at 320°F for 12 minutes, until puffed and golden.
Meanwhile, break the milk chocolate into pieces and melt it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until you obtain a smooth cream. When the donuts are warm (not hot), dip them halfway into the melted chocolate and let them drain.
Decorate immediately with colored sprinkles, milk chocolate eggs and the sliced strawberries.
Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes and then… they’re ready!
HOW TO STORE
Store at room temperature under a glass dome or in a closed container for 1–2 days. In the fridge they keep up to 3 days, but the chocolate may lose some shine. I don’t recommend freezing them: already-baked puff pastry tends to lose its crispness.
TIPS
Use puff pastry straight from the fridge: it’s easier to work with and puffs up more during cooking. That’s the secret for tall, beautiful donuts!
If you can’t find the little chocolate eggs, regular chocolate dragees or colored sprinkles work perfectly too. The visual effect is just as impressive.
For an extra touch, add a pinch of fine salt on top of the chocolate while it’s still soft: chocolate and salt is a combo everyone loves.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I use round puff pastry instead of rectangular?
Of course! Only the starting shape changes, but the result is identical. Cut the circles in the same way and you’re good to go.
How can I prevent the donuts from deflating after cooking?
Only open the air fryer when the cooking time is finished and let them rest for one minute before touching them. It’s normal for them to deflate slightly as they cool, but they will remain soft and airy inside.
