How To Make Air Fryer Donuts

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of air fryer donuts! If you’re a donut lover looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, then you’re in for a treat. Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a way to enjoy crispy and delicious foods with significantly less oil.

Donuts, with their fluffy texture and sweet glazes, are a beloved indulgence for many. But the deep-frying process can make them high in calories and unhealthy fats. The good news is that you can easily make your own donuts at home using an air fryer, cutting down the amount of oil and still achieving that golden brown perfection.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making perfectly light and airy air fryer donuts. From preparing the dough to shaping, air frying, and adding your favorite toppings, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create these delightful treats from scratch.

So, without further ado, let’s gather our ingredients, preheat the air fryer, and get ready to make some delectable air fryer donuts!

Ingredients

To make air fryer donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• Optional: Your choice of glazes or toppings such as chocolate, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar

These ingredients are pantry staples and are likely already in your kitchen. They are simple yet essential for creating the base of the donut dough.

Feel free to get creative with the toppings and glazes. You can customize your air fryer donuts with different flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a classic sugar coating, a decadent chocolate glaze, or a playful sprinkle decoration, the choice is yours!

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the equipment needed to make these delicious air fryer donuts.

Equipment Needed

To make air fryer donuts, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Air Fryer: A countertop air fryer is the star of this recipe. It mimics the crispiness of deep frying while using significantly less oil. Look for an air fryer with a temperature control and sufficient space to fit a couple of donuts.
• Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls in different sizes to mix the dough and the coating ingredients.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Use a whisk or an electric mixer to get a smooth and well-incorporated dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for baking, so make sure to have measuring cups and spoons to add the ingredients precisely.
• Baking Sheet or Plate: A flat surface to place the shaped donuts before air frying them.
• Cooking Spray or Brush: To lightly grease the air fryer basket or racks to prevent sticking.
• Tongs or Fork: Use these tools to remove the donuts from the air fryer’s hot basket.
• Cooling Rack: Place the cooked donuts on a cooling rack to cool completely before adding the glaze or toppings.

These are the basic equipment you’ll need to create fantastic air fryer donuts. Make sure everything is clean and in good working condition before starting the recipe. Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making these delightful donuts in the air fryer!

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

Now that you have gathered your ingredients and equipment, it’s time to start making the donut dough. Follow these simple steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix the dry ingredients together evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as it can lead to dense donuts.
4. If the dough seems too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour and continue mixing until it becomes more manageable. Conversely, if the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk and mix until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Once the dough is well combined and has a smooth texture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This rest time allows the gluten in the dough to relax and makes it easier to handle.

Preparing the donut dough is an important step in achieving light and fluffy donuts. Take your time to ensure all the ingredients are properly mixed and the dough has the right consistency. Once the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the donuts!

Step 2: Shape the Donuts

Now that your donut dough is rested and ready, it’s time to shape the donuts. Follow these steps to create perfectly round and uniform donuts:

1. Lightly flour a clean surface or a baking sheet to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Gently transfer the rested dough onto the floured surface and pat it down to form a rectangle. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
3. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one larger and one smaller), cut out donut shapes from the rolled-out dough. Press the cutter firmly into the dough and twist it slightly to ensure clean edges.
4. Remove the cut-out donuts and place them on the floured surface or baking sheet. Don’t discard the dough scraps – you can re-roll them to create more donuts.
5. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter to make the outer shape and a smaller round object (like a bottle cap) to create the hole in the center of the donut.
6. Repeat the process until all the donut dough is used up, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Shaping the donuts is where you can get creative. Experiment with different sizes and shapes, like mini donut holes or filled donuts. Don’t worry if they’re not all perfectly uniform – the homemade, rustic look adds to their charm! With the donuts shaped, it’s time to move on to air frying.

When making air fryer donuts, be sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the dough. This will help ensure that the donuts cook evenly and have a nice, golden exterior.

Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts

Now that you have your beautifully shaped donuts, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly golden and fluffy donuts:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking the donuts.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or racks with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of oil. This will prevent the donuts from sticking and help them achieve a crispy exterior.
3. Place the shaped donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the racks, making sure they have sufficient space between them to allow for even cooking.
4. Cook the donuts in the preheated air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your donuts and the model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
5. The donuts are ready when they turn golden brown and have a slightly firm texture. To test doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into one of the donuts – if it comes out clean, they’re done.
6. Once the donuts are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a fork and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding any glazes or toppings.

Air frying the donuts is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires significantly less oil. The hot air circulates around the donuts, providing that crispy exterior while leaving the inside light and fluffy. With the donuts cooked to perfection, it’s time to move on to the next step of coating them.

Step 4: Coat the Donuts

After air frying the donuts to a beautiful golden brown, it’s time to add some delicious coatings. Whether you prefer a simple dusting of powdered sugar or an elaborate glaze, here’s how to coat your air fryer donuts:

1. Prepare your desired coating or glaze while the donuts are cooling. For a classic powdered sugar coating, place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or plate.
2. If you’re making glazes, you can choose from a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or maple. Follow the recipe for the desired glaze and prepare it in a separate bowl.
3. You can also experiment with different toppings such as sprinkles, crushed nuts, or cinnamon sugar. Prepare the toppings in small bowls to easily dip the donuts later.
4. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, carefully dip each donut into the powdered sugar or glaze of your choice, making sure to coat all sides. For toppings, sprinkle or gently press them onto the glaze before it sets.
5. Place the coated donuts back on the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set and any excess to drip off.
6. If you’re making multiple flavors or toppings, repeat the coating process with the remaining donuts, ensuring to clean and dry the cooling rack in between.

Coating the donuts is a fun and customizable step. Get creative with different glazes, coatings, and toppings to cater to your personal taste preferences. With the donuts now coated and beautifully adorned, it’s time to savor the deliciousness!

Step 5: Enjoy your Air Fryer Donuts

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own batch of mouthwatering air fryer donuts. Now it’s time to indulge in the sweet and delightful flavors. Here’s how to enjoy your freshly made treats:

1. Allow the glaze or coating on the donuts to fully set before digging in. This will help maintain the integrity of the toppings and prevent them from smudging.
2. Serve the air fryer donuts while they’re still slightly warm for the best taste and texture. The light and airy interior, coupled with the crispy exterior, is a heavenly combination.
3. Pair your donuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage. The contrast of flavors makes for a delightful culinary experience.
4. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. However, bear in mind that the donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
5. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings or fillings. Add a scoop of ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or stuff them with your favorite fruit jam for an extra burst of flavor.

It’s important to note that air fryer donuts are best consumed the same day they’re made to experience their optimum freshness. However, if you do have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of their crispiness.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making air fryer donuts, get ready to impress your family, friends, and even yourself with these delectable treats. Enjoy every bite and savor the joy of creating homemade delights!

Tips for Perfect Donuts

To ensure your air fryer donuts turn out absolutely perfect, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Measure accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure your ingredients. Too much or too little of certain ingredients can affect the texture and taste of the donuts.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts. Mix the dough until it just comes together to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
3. Resting the dough is crucial: Allowing the dough to rest before shaping it helps the gluten relax and improves the texture of the donuts. Don’t skip this step!
4. Keep an eye on the cooking time: Air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time. Keep an eye on the donuts while they’re frying to prevent them from becoming overly browned or undercooked.
5. Prevent sticking: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or racks to prevent the donuts from sticking. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as it can affect the air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
6. Experiment with flavors and toppings: Donuts are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors, coatings, and toppings. Get creative and have fun with it!
7. Don’t forget to let them cool: Allowing the donuts to cool slightly before adding glazes or toppings helps them set and prevents them from becoming too messy.
8. Enjoy them while they’re fresh: Air fryer donuts are at their best when they’re still warm and fresh. They may lose some of their crispiness and become denser as they cool, so enjoy them as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect air fryer donuts every time. Remember to have fun, be creative, and most importantly, savor the deliciousness of your homemade treats!

Conclusion

Congratulations on mastering the art of making air fryer donuts! By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating the tips provided, you can easily whip up batches of delicious and healthier donuts right in your own kitchen.

Air fryer donuts offer a fantastic alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts, reducing the amount of oil while still delivering the same crispy and mouthwatering results. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can enjoy homemade donuts that are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

From preparing the dough to shaping, air frying, and coating the donuts, each step plays a crucial role in creating the perfect final product. Through experimentation, you can customize your donuts with various glazes, coatings, and toppings to cater to your personal preferences.

Remember, the joy of making air fryer donuts extends beyond the final bite. It’s an experience that allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and share the delight of homemade treats with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and let the aroma of freshly baked donuts fill your home.

Whether you enjoy them as a special breakfast treat, a delightful snack, or a dessert to cap off a memorable meal, air fryer donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face and satisfy your sweet tooth.

So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to impress yourself and others with your newfound skills in making irresistible air fryer donuts. Enjoy the journey, the process, and most importantly, enjoy the scrumptious results!