Name: Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm milk (around 100°F); 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar, divided; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; Coconut oil spray, for greasing; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for glaze; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons hot water

Air Fryer Donuts are about to revolutionize your mornings and sweet cravings! Forget the complicated yeast doughs and the deep-frying splatters; these delightful rings of joy bring the irresistible charm of freshly made donuts right into your home with remarkable ease. What is it about donuts that captivates us? Perhaps it’s the fluffy, pillowy texture that yields to a satisfying bite, or the sweet glaze that perfectly complements the tender dough. Whatever the secret, these Air Fryer Donuts capture that magic and elevate it with a touch of modern convenience. They are unbelievably quick to whip up, making them perfect for spontaneous treat sessions or impressing guests without the usual fuss. The air fryer’s magic ensures a golden-brown exterior with a wonderfully soft interior, achieving that bakery-quality taste and texture in a fraction of the time and with so much less mess. Get ready to discover your new favorite weekend indulgence!

Ingredients:

1 cup lukewarm milk (around 100°F)
2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar, divided
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, at room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Coconut oil spray, for greasing
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for glaze
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons hot water

Preparing the Donut Dough

The journey to perfect Air Fryer Donuts begin extracts with a classic yeast dough. It’s crucial to get the yeast activated correctly for a light and airy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of lukewarm milk with 1 teaspoon of the white sugar and the 2½ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the yeast is submerged. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to become frothy and bubbly on the surface, which indicates your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If you don’t see any froth, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast, as inactive yeast won’t leaven your dough properly.

Once your yeast is active, whisk in the remaining ¼ cup of white sugar and the ½ teaspoon of salt. Then, crack in the 1 large egg and pour in the ¼ cup of melted and slightly cooled butter. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Gradually add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, about a cup at a time, mixing after each addition. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this, or a sturdy spoon and your hands. Once the dough starts to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Kneading and First Rise

Now comes the satisfying part: kneading! Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough feels too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time. The goal is a soft, pliable dough. Once kneaded, lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. A slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!) is a great spot for this.

Shaping the Air Fryer Donuts

After the dough has had its first rise and doubled in volume, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto your lightly floured surface again. Now, it’s time to shape these into beautiful donuts! You can roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Then, using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters of different sizes (one for the outer edge and one for the center hole), cut out your donuts. Carefully transfer the cut donuts to a piece of parchment paper that has been lightly dusted with flour or cornmeal. This makes transferring them to the air fryer basket much easier. You can also re-roll the scraps to cut out more donuts, but be gentle to avoid overworking the dough.

Preheating and First Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior without burning them. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with coconut oil spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place 2-3 donuts in the air fryer basket at a time, ensuring they have enough space and are not touching. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking. Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes. At this point, you’ll want to carefully flip them over using tongs.

Second Fry and Glazing

After flipping the donuts, continue to air fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. You’re looking for a beautiful, uniform color. Once they are done, immediately remove the donuts from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. While your first batch is cooling, you can continue with the remaining donuts, making sure to re-spray the basket as needed.

Making the Vanilla Glaze

While the donuts are still warm but not hot, it’s time to whip up a luscious vanilla glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the 6 tablespoons of softened butter with the 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually pour in the 4 tablespoons of hot water, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. If the glaze seems too thick, add another teaspoon of hot water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack to set. You can also drizzle the glaze over the donuts for a different look. Enjoy your incredibly fresh and delicious Air Fryer Donuts!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating delicious and surprisingly easy Air Fryer Donuts! We’ve explored the simple steps to transform basic ingredients into these delightful treats. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re craving a classic glaze, a decadent chocolate coating, or even a sprinkle-covered masterpiece, these Air Fryer Donuts are the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Serve them warm for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a fun dessert. Experiment with different toppings and flavor extracts to make them uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy and have fun with it – that’s part of the joy of baking! We hope you enjoy making and devouring these fantastic Air Fryer Donuts as much as we do.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Donuts:

Q: Can I make these Air Fryer Donuts ahead of time?

A: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the donut dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. For toppings, it’s best to prepare those just before serving to maintain their texture and appeal.

Q: What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I still make Air Fryer Donuts?

A: Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin and simply fill the cups about two-thirds full. The result will be more like donut holes or mini cakes, but they will still be incredibly delicious. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into rings by hand, though this requires a bit more practice to get them uniform.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour for these Air Fryer Donuts?

A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other flours. Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a slightly denser donut. Gluten-free blends can also work, but you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly for the right consistency.