Easy Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts Recipe
Maple bars are simple, classic donuts that many people already love. This air fryer Maple Bar Donuts recipe keeps that same familiar taste while making the process easier at home. The donuts turn out soft and fluffy, with a smooth maple glaze on top. That gentle maple sweetness feels especially right in fall, but it’s enjoyable any time.
These air fryer donuts are light, not heavy. The maple icing is made with basic ingredients like milk and powdered sugar, then finished with warm maple flavor. They make an easy breakfast treat or a relaxed weekend snack. If you like a fluffy donut with clean maple taste, this recipe fits well.
Air Fryer Maple Bar Donuts Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuits | 1 can |
| Powdered sugar | 1½ cup |
| Milk | 3½ tablespoons |
| Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Maple extract | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | A small pinch |
How to Make the Maple Bars in Air Fryer – Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Open the biscuit package. Press each biscuit into a rectangle. You don’t need to be perfect.
- Place the biscuits in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While they cook, make the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, maple extract, and salt. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick but pourable.
- Take the donuts out of the air fryer. Let them cool just enough to handle. Dip the tops into the glaze. Set them aside for about 5 minutes so the glaze can firm up.
How to Make Maple Bar Glaze – Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Maple extract
- Milk
- Salt
Instructions
- Add the butter and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Heat until mostly melted and mixed together.
- Whisk in the milk. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir often. The butter should be fully melted and the sugar dissolved.
- Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the corn syrup (or your substitute) and the maple extract.
- Add the powdered sugar a half cup at a time. Whisk after each addition until smooth. Stop once the glaze looks thick but still pourable.
Note: The glaze thickens as it cools. Don’t make it too stiff. If it does get too thick, add a small splash of milk and whisk to loosen it.
Can you freeze maple bar donuts?
You can air fryer maple bar donuts can be frozen. For best results, freeze them unglazed. Let the donuts cool completely, then wrap them tightly or place them in an airtight container. They keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze after thawing. Glazed donuts can be frozen, but the texture of the glaze may change once thawed.
Can you make them dairy-free?
Yes, maple bar donuts can be made dairy-free. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter and a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The dough and glaze will still set properly, and the flavor stays close to the original. Just check that all ingredients, including sugar and maple flavoring, are dairy-free.
Air fryer vs deep-fried maple bar donuts: what’s the difference?
Air fryer maple bars are cooked with hot air instead of being submerged in oil. This means they use far less fat and have fewer calories than deep-fried donuts. The texture is different too. Air fryer donuts are lighter and more bread-like, while deep-fried maple bars have a crisp outer layer and a richer, fried flavor from the oil. Deep frying also creates more grease and requires careful oil temperature control. The air fryer is cleaner, faster, and easier for home cooking, but it won’t fully match the classic bakery-style fried taste.