Craving something sweet without straying from your keto goals? These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts are a dream come true—crispy on the outside, soft and cakey inside, and completely low-carb. This guide will take you through the story, recipe, variations, expert tips, and FAQs to help you make the best keto donuts right in your air fryer.
From Farmhouse Mornings to Keto Creations
Growing up in Missoula, Montana, I spent countless weekends in our cozy farmhouse kitchen. My mom’s donuts were legendary—pillowy, golden, and dusted with sugar straight from the fryer. When I transitioned to a ketogenic lifestyle a few years ago, I feared I had said goodbye to those comforting treats forever. But a craving led to curiosity, and curiosity led to experimenting.
One rainy afternoon, I pulled out my trusty air fryer and thought, “What if I could recreate that donut joy with just a few keto ingredients?” After a few flops and funny-looking circles, I landed on a simple recipe using only three ingredients. These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts have become a staple in my kitchen—and now, in my online community of keto-loving home cooks.
Embracing the Keto Lifestyle with Air Fryer Delights
The keto lifestyle reshaped how I cook, eat, and even think about food. It’s not about restriction—it’s about transformation. And my air fryer? It’s my kitchen superhero. It crisps, bakes, and works magic without excess oil or carbs. These donuts prove you can enjoy something indulgent, like a warm, satisfying donut, without breaking your diet.
The magic is in the simplicity: almond flour for body, Greek yogurt for moisture, and a keto-friendly sweetener for just the right hint of sweetness. In minutes, the air fryer turns this mixture into a golden, guilt-free treat. Whether it’s a morning boost or a late-night bite, these donuts bring comfort, nostalgia, and nutrition in every crispy ring.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Donut
The Magic Trio: Almond Flour, Greek Yogurt, and Sweetener
At the heart of these 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts is a winning combination of simplicity and function. Almond flour provides a dense, cake-like texture without the high carb content of wheat flour. It’s a staple in many keto kitchens for good reason—it’s versatile, gluten-free, and adds a pleasant nutty flavor.
Next is Greek yogurt. Rich in protein and low in carbs, it lends moisture and structure to the donuts without needing eggs or dairy-heavy fillers. It also brings a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness beautifully. The final touch is a keto-friendly sweetener—like erythritol or monk fruit—just enough to make these feel like a treat without the sugar spike.
This trio forms a thick dough that’s easy to shape into donuts or donut holes. You don’t need yeast or rising time; these are mix, shape, and fry. It’s a game-changer for busy mornings or when a craving strikes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Donut Perfection

Making these 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts couldn’t be easier. Here’s a quick rundown to guide you:
Start by combining 1 ¾ cups of almond flour with ¾ cup of full-fat Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of erythritol in a mixing bowl. Stir until a smooth, pliable dough forms. If it’s sticky, a little extra almond flour does the trick.


Next, divide the dough and shape it into small rings or balls—your choice. For the classic donut look, use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with avocado oil spray or line it with parchment.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the donuts for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside turns a light golden brown and they feel firm to the touch.
Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before adding optional toppings like powdered monk fruit, a cinnamon-sweetener dusting, or a simple sugar-free glaze. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring solo, you’ll love how these donuts satisfy both your cravings and your macros.
Enhancing Your Donut Experience
Creative Toppings and Flavor Variations
One of the best things about these 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts is their versatility. While delicious on their own, you can take them to the next level with keto-friendly toppings and add-ins. For a classic feel, roll the warm donuts in a mix of erythritol and cinnamon. The result? A low-carb version of a cinnamon sugar donut that’s hard to resist.
Want to get a little more decadent? Melt a couple of tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate chips with a splash of coconut oil and dip the tops for a glossy, chocolate-covered finish. Or make a simple glaze by combining powdered monk fruit sweetener with a few drops of almond milk and vanilla extract—drizzle it over cooled donuts for a bakery-style treat.
For flavor twists, try mixing in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate donuts or a drop of maple extract for that warm breakfast feel. Some crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even sugar-free sprinkles add fun textures and colors, especially if you’re making these for a special occasion.
Check out other low-carb sweet ideas in the Keto Air Fryer Desserts section, where you’ll find plenty of inspiration to match your donut-making adventures.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts are the perfect partner to your morning cup of coffee or an afternoon matcha latte. They’re light enough for a snack but satisfying enough to be part of a larger keto brunch spread. Try pairing them with creamy scrambled eggs or some crispy air fryer bacon bites for a sweet-and-savory combination.

Hosting a keto-friendly gathering? Serve these donuts on a platter with dipping sauces like peanut butter, melted chocolate, or sugar-free caramel. Or keep it simple and stash a batch in your fridge—they reheat beautifully in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes, regaining their perfect texture.
If you love easy snack ideas, don’t miss our Keto Air Fryer Snacks & Appetizers category. You’ll find low-carb recipes that go great with donuts on any occasion.
Troubleshooting and Expert Tips
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though these 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts are incredibly simple, a few common slip-ups can make or break your batch. One issue I see often is overly sticky dough. This happens if the Greek yogurt is too watery. Always opt for full-fat, thick Greek yogurt—draining off any liquid if necessary—so your dough is easier to handle.
Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If the donuts are too close together, they won’t cook evenly or get that crisp, golden surface. Space them out in a single layer, and cook in batches if needed. Also, flipping the donuts halfway through cooking ensures they brown on both sides.
Don’t forget the cooling step. It’s tempting to eat them straight out of the fryer, but giving them 2–3 minutes to rest helps set the texture and allows toppings to stick better. If your donuts come out dense, it’s likely because the dough was overworked—just mix until combined.
And remember: while these are super low in carbs, portion control still matters on keto. A couple of these donuts paired with high-protein sides makes a complete and balanced keto-friendly meal or snack.
For more insights on common cooking challenges and how to solve them, check our Keto Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes for tips that apply to all kinds of air-fried foods.
Expert Tips for Consistent Results
To get the best results every time you make these 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts, consistency is key. Use a kitchen scale to measure your almond flour—it’s more precise than cups and ensures the dough texture turns out the same with each batch.
If shaping the donuts feels tricky, lightly oil your hands or use a silicone donut mold to maintain uniformity. When preheating the air fryer, let it run for at least 3–5 minutes before adding your donuts. A hot start leads to that satisfying outer crisp.
Want even more structure? Chill the shaped dough for 10–15 minutes in the fridge before air frying. This firms up the yogurt and helps the donuts hold their shape better during cooking.
And finally, track your results! If you tweak ingredients or times, jot down what worked best for your air fryer model. This turns each batch into a stepping stone for perfecting your personal donut style.
FAQs About 3-Ingredient Keto Air Fryer Donuts
What makes a donut keto?
A keto donut is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, using alternative flours like almond or coconut and natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit instead of sugar. These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts fit that definition perfectly, offering flavor and satisfaction without the carb overload.
What is the secret ingredient in doughnuts?
For these donuts, the standout ingredient is Greek yogurt. It’s not just there for moisture—it adds a slight tang that mimics the richness of buttermilk while helping bind the dough without eggs or yeast. Its thick consistency is key to creating the perfect texture in these keto donuts.
Can you use an air fryer on keto?
Absolutely. In fact, the air fryer is one of the best tools for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle. It allows you to prepare crispy, satisfying foods with little to no oil, making it easier to recreate traditional comfort foods like fries, chicken, or donuts in a keto-friendly way.
Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer without yeast?
Yes, and this recipe proves it. These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts don’t require any yeast. The leavening effect comes from the air fryer’s high heat and the thick yogurt in the dough, which helps them puff slightly while maintaining a moist interior.
Conclusion
These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts are proof that indulgence doesn’t have to derail your health goals. With just almond flour, Greek yogurt, and a keto sweetener, you can whip up warm, golden donuts in under 10 minutes. They’re ideal for satisfying cravings, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself on a low-carb lifestyle.
This recipe celebrates simplicity, flavor, and flexibility—core values that I live by in my kitchen. Whether you top them with chocolate, glaze them with cinnamon, or enjoy them plain, you’ll find yourself returning to this go-to donut recipe again and again. And the best part? You won’t miss the carbs or the mess of deep frying.
Don’t forget to explore more keto air fryer creations over in our Keto Air Fryer Desserts and Keto Air Fryer Snacks & Appetizers for even more delicious, easy-to-make ideas.
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3-Ingredient Keto Air Fryer Donuts (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
These 3-ingredient keto air fryer donuts are a low-carb, quick-fix dessert made from almond flour, Greek yogurt, and erythritol. Delicious, fluffy, and easy to customize with toppings.
- Total Time: 13 mins
- Yield: 6 donuts
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups superfine almond flour
¾ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tbsp erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)
Instructions
1. Mix almond flour, Greek yogurt, and sweetener until dough forms.
2. Shape into small rings or balls.
3. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
4. Place donuts in air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Cool and add toppings if desired.
Notes
Use thick Greek yogurt to avoid sticky dough.
Chill dough before frying for cleaner shaping.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Keto Air Fryer Desserts
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American