Doughnuts & Muffins Without the Oil

Sweet cravings are part of life, but they don’t need to sabotage your healthy habits. With the right approach — and an air fryer in your kitchen — it’s easy to create treats that are light, fluffy, and lower in fat.

This blog shows how to make air fryer doughnuts and oil-free muffins. You can enjoy sweet treats without all the heaviness. These low-fat sweet recipes show that you can have it both ways: flavourful indulgence and lighter nutrition.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Lighter Baking

Traditional doughnuts and muffins are often loaded with oil or deep-fried for crispiness. The air fryer changes everything.

Key Benefits

• Minimal to no oil needed: Achieve golden results with air circulation, not frying
• Faster cook times: Baking in minutes instead of an hour
• Even results: Moist interiors with crisp exteriors without soaking in fat
• Small batch friendly: Perfect for baking just a few treats at a time

When it comes to lighter, smarter baking, the air fryer leads the way.

Mastering Air Fryer Doughnuts

Doughnuts are known for being deep-fried — but air-fried versions can be just as satisfying.

The Air Fryer Donut Basics

• Prepare a yeast dough, simple cake batter, or biscuit-based dough
• Shape into rounds with holes, or use silicone doughnut moulds
• Lightly spray or brush with a small amount of oil (optional for extra browning)
• Bake at 170–180°C for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway if needed

What you get is a tender, fluffy doughnut with a lightly crisp shell — without the heavy greasiness of fried dough.

Flavour Ideas for Air Fryer Doughnuts

You can keep things classic or get creative with your toppings and fillings.

Topping Inspirations

• Cinnamon sugar: Roll warm doughnuts lightly in a cinnamon-sugar mix
• Chocolate glaze: Dip cooled doughnuts into melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts
• Berry compote: Spoon fresh compote over the tops for a fruity twist
• Peanut butter drizzle: Warm nut butter and drizzle over for a rich finish

Simple tweaks add endless variety without extra effort.

Mastering Oil-Free Muffins in the Air Fryer

Muffins are another sweet treat that adapt beautifully to air frying — and going oil-free is simpler than you might think.

Oil-Free Muffin Air Fryer Basics

• Replace oil with ingredients like mashed banana, apple sauce, yoghurt, or pureed pumpkin
• Use silicone muffin moulds or paper cases that fit your basket
• Fill cups only halfway to allow rising
• Bake at 160–170°C for 10–14 minutes, depending on the size

These muffins turn out tender, moist, and packed with flavour, even without a drop of added oil.

Smart Substitutions for Oil-Free Baking

Choosing the right swaps ensures your muffins stay delicious and moist without relying on oils or butters.

Top Oil Substitutes

• Apple sauce: Adds moisture and a light sweetness
• Mashed bananas: Perfect for denser muffins and a natural binder
• Greek yoghurt: Boosts protein while keeping texture fluffy
• Pumpkin puree: Rich and hearty, great for autumn bakes
• Dairy-free milk with vinegar: Creates tender crumb in vegan muffins

Experimenting with these ingredients builds a collection of low-fat sweet recipes you’ll actually love eating.

Best Muffin Flavours for Oil-Free Baking

Some flavours naturally shine when baking lighter, oil-free versions.

Great Choices

• Banana and walnut: Naturally sweet, hearty, and satisfying
• Blueberry oat: Fresh, fruity, and bursting with texture
• Carrot and cinnamon: Earthy, spiced, and perfect for autumn
• Chocolate chip: Comforting, even in lighter versions
• Lemon poppy seed: Bright, zesty, and refreshing

Keeping mix-ins simple and generous makes each bite packed with flavour.

(If you enjoy healthier air fryer baking, you’ll love Baking Cakes in the Air Fryer too.)

Secrets for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Bakes

Whether you’re baking doughnuts or muffins, a few small habits make a big difference.

Top Tips

• Do not overmix batters: Keep mixing gentle to avoid dense textures
• Monitor cooking times: Small batches cook faster — check early
• Use baking paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal
• Space your bakes: Allow hot air to circulate fully around each piece
• Cool slightly before glazing or frosting: Helps toppings stay neat and firm

A little extra care delivers treats that rival anything from a traditional oven — with half the effort.

Fun Ways to Customise Air Fryer Treats

One of the joys of small-batch baking is experimenting with different flavours, textures, and looks.

Customisation Ideas

• Add chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes to toppings
• Swirl nut butter or jam into muffin batter before baking
• Use vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit in your mixes
• Sprinkle edible flowers or colourful sprinkles for special occasions
• Try mini versions for party platters or snacks

Keeping things playful encourages you to keep baking lighter treats more often.

Making Low-Fat Sweet Recipes Even Healthier

You can nudge your air fryer sweets even closer to everyday food with a few mindful swaps.

Healthier Upgrades

• Choose wholemeal or oat flour blends for added fibre
• Reduce sugar slightly and boost natural sweeteners like fruit
• Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for omega-3 fats and protein
• Use dairy-free milk and yoghurts for plant-based options
• Boost flavour naturally with citrus zest, cinnamon, or vanilla

Little changes create treats you can enjoy more often, guilt-free.

Building Sweet Snacks into a Balanced Day

Air fryer sweets can be part of a healthy routine — it’s all about balance and smart pairing.

Smart Pairings

• Serve muffins with fresh fruit and yoghurt for breakfast
• Add a doughnut to a lunchbox with raw vegetables and hummus
• Pair sweet snacks with a protein shake or smoothie for post-workout
• Enjoy smaller portions as a mindful afternoon treat

Building treats into your day keeps cravings satisfied without throwing off nutrition goals.

Batch Baking and Storage Tips for Busy Days

Prepare a little extra when baking — your future self will thank you.

How to Store Air Fryer Sweets

• Muffins: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to four days
• Doughnuts: Best eaten fresh, but freeze well unglazed for up to a month
• Reheating: Warm muffins or doughnuts in the air fryer at 140–150°C for 2–3 minutes for that fresh-baked feel

Batch baking helps you stay stocked with quick, healthy options for busy mornings and late-night cravings.

Guilt-Free Treats Every Day

Air frying opens up a whole new world of low-fat sweet recipes that feel indulgent without derailing your goals.

Making air fryer doughnuts and tasty oil-free muffins is fun and quick. You get delicious treats with less oil and hassle than traditional baking methods.

If you want quick breakfasts, after-school snacks, or tasty weekend treats, these lighter air-fried sweets will brighten your day.

Small changes, big flavour — and no regrets.

If you’re new to air frying, start with our Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer guide.