There’s something undeniably magical about donuts. Their fluffy texture, sweet glaze, and the joy they bring are hard to resist. But what if I told you that you could enjoy these delightful treats without the guilt of frying? Enter the Air Fryer Donuts Recipe. Using an air fryer not only reduces the amount of oil needed but also makes the whole process quicker and easier. Get ready to indulge in warm, fluffy donuts right from your kitchen!
Top Reasons to Make Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
- Healthier Option: With minimal oil, you can enjoy donuts without the extra calories.
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer significantly cuts down cooking time.
- Customizable Flavors: You can add various toppings or flavors to fit your mood.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch, birthday, or just a treat for yourself, these donuts are always a hit.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for the yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil spray
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons warm milk (or as needed)
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! Make sure it’s preheated for the best results.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the perfect thickness.
- Donut Cutter: For shaping your donuts, but a round cutter works too!
- Cooling Rack: To let your donuts cool before glazing.
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to go!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and holes. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Air Fry the Donuts
Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough warm milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 10: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are done, let them cool slightly before dipping them into the glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off and place them on a cooling rack to set.
How to Make It Lighter
- Use skim or almond milk instead of whole milk for fewer calories.
- Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute.
- Try using a lower-fat butter alternative or coconut oil.
Cook’s Commentary
The beauty of this Air Fryer Donuts Recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or by incorporating chocolate chips. You can also try various toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. Each batch can be uniquely yours!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers. To refrigerate, place them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. The texture may be denser, but it will still be delicious!
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/4 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make these donuts vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter alternative. You can also replace the milk with plant-based milk.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
The donuts should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready!
Bring It to the Table
Imagine serving these warm, fluffy donuts at your next brunch gathering. They’re sure to impress your friends and family, and they won’t believe how easy they were to make! The aroma of freshly baked donuts will fill your home, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. So grab your air fryer, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Air Fryer Donuts Recipe!
Air Fryer Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the activated yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and holes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the donuts in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a medium bowl, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough warm milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once the donuts are done, let them cool slightly before dipping them into the glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off.
Notes
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days.
- Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months for longer storage.
- To make them vegan, substitute the egg and butter with plant-based alternatives.
