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Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Cake Donuts Easy Recipe with Cream Cheese Glaze

air fryer carrot cake donuts - featured image
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These carrot cake donuts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made quickly in an air fryer and topped with a silky cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a quick breakfast or sweet treat without heating up the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) freshly grated carrots
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For the cream cheese glaze:
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Grate the carrots using a fine grater and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and slightly pale, about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the sugar-egg mixture until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  8. Lightly grease a silicone donut mold and spoon the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
  9. Place the mold in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Rotate halfway if needed.
  10. Let the donuts cool in the mold for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice until silky and spreadable.
  12. Spoon or dip the top of each cooled donut into the cream cheese glaze. Let set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Preheat the air fryer for better crispiness. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep donuts tender. Rotate the mold halfway through cooking if your air fryer heats unevenly. Let donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off. Adjust glaze consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed. For vegan or gluten-free versions, see recipe variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake donuts, air fryer donuts, cream cheese glaze, quick dessert, easy carrot cake, healthy donuts

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-air-fryer-carrot-cake-donuts-easy-recipe-with-cream-cheese-glaze/