If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your favorite marshmallow-filled cereal into a fun, fluffy treat, then you are going to adore this Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe. These donuts are delightfully soft, packed with the whimsical colors and crunch of Lucky Charms, and come together faster than you might imagine thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re craving a playful breakfast or a cheerful snack, this recipe is downright irresistible and guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for your Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe. From the fluffy all-purpose flour that forms the base to the vibrant Lucky Charms that add crunch and color, these ingredients come together like a dream.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the donuts.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures a light and airy texture by helping the donuts rise.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Brings moisture and helps blend the dry ingredients smoothly.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a rich, fluffy crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup Lucky Charms cereal (crushed): The star of the show, adding colorful marshmallows and delightful crunch.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden exterior in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl. This simple step ensures all the dry components are evenly combined, which sets the foundation for a consistent donut batter.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will give your donuts their rich flavor and moist texture.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones gradually, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make donuts tough, so just fold everything together until the batter is uniform.
Step 4: Fold in the Lucky Charms Cereal
Now for the fun part—fold the crushed Lucky Charms into the batter. This adds fantastic bursts of sweetness and color, making each bite a little surprise of marshmallow magic.
Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent your donuts from sticking and helps to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Fill Donut Molds and Add Topping
Spoon the batter halfway into silicone donut molds to allow room for rising. Sprinkle additional crushed Lucky Charms on top for extra crunch and a whimsical look before air frying.
Step 7: Air Fry Until Golden
Place the molds carefully in the air fryer basket and cook for about 6 minutes. The donuts should puff up and turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly in the molds before gently removing them—this keeps their shape intact.
How to Serve Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Fresh marshmallows or a sprinkle of extra crushed Lucky Charms on top add a festive touch that’s both colorful and tasty.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a frothy cappuccino for breakfast. For an indulgent brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange your donuts on a platter with marshmallow skewers or edible glitter for sparkle. You can also pop them onto sticks for a fun donut-on-a-stick presentation that kids and adults alike will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their soft texture and colorful crunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the donuts back into the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes. This refreshes their warmth and crispiness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour or gluten-free flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best to give the donuts their classic texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture and rise might differ slightly.
Do I have to use an air fryer for these donuts?
The air fryer speeds up cooking and creates a wonderful crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying, but you can try baking these donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes if needed.
How do I crush the Lucky Charms cereal?
Simply place the cereal in a zip-top bag and gently crush it with a rolling pin or use your hands to break it into smaller pieces. The smaller bits distribute better in the batter while still giving you those iconic marshmallow bursts.
Can I add frosting or glaze to these donuts?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze or even cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the flavors and makes these donuts extra indulgent.
Will these donuts be very sweet?
The sweetness is balanced thanks to the sugar and Lucky Charms cereal. If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the sugar slightly or avoid additional glaze toppings.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe and experience the joy of biting into a fresh, airy donut studded with colorful bits of childhood nostalgia. It’s a quick, fun, and scrumptious way to brighten your breakfast or satisfy your snack cravings any day of the week. Go ahead and whip up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in a fun and colorful treat with these Air Fryer Lucky Charms Donuts. Made with crushed Lucky Charms cereal folded into a tender donut batter, these quick and easy donuts are air-fried to golden perfection in just 16 minutes. Perfect for a whimsical breakfast or snack, they combine the nostalgic flavors of Lucky Charms with the light crispness of air frying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins and Others
- 1 cup Lucky Charms cereal (crushed)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and sweetness.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly blended, creating the liquid base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while gently folding to combine just until incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fold in Cereal: Carefully fold in the crushed Lucky Charms cereal to distribute them evenly throughout the batter, adding a fun texture and flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill Donut Molds: Spoon the batter into silicone donut molds, filling each mold halfway. Sprinkle additional crushed Lucky Charms on top for extra crunch and color.
- Air Fry Donuts: Cook the donuts in the air fryer for 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool slightly before carefully removing from the molds.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use silicone donut molds that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
- For extra color and texture, sprinkle additional crushed Lucky Charms on top before air frying.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Adjust air frying time depending on your air fryer model, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
