Air Fryer Donuts
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Donuts
Description
Air Fryer Donuts start with a yeast-based dough incorporating milk, sugar, eggs, and melted butter, which is kneaded until elastic and allowed to rise until doubled. After rolling out the dough to half-inch thickness, donut shapes are cut and left for a second rise to develop airiness. Instead of frying in oil, the shaped dough is cooked in batches in an air fryer, ensuring an evenly cooked, soft interior with slightly crisp outside edges. The donuts are then glazed by brushing on a classic sugar glaze made from butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and warm milk. The glaze sets after about 10 minutes, forming a light, mildly crisp coating over the soft dough. This recipe lets you enjoy donuts with reduced fat while preserving their characteristic tender crumb and sugary finish.
These donuts are suited for serving fresh at breakfast or snack time. The yeast dough offers a richer taste than simpler fried doughnuts, and the glaze adds sweetness and shine. They provide a homemade alternative when you want the classic donut experience without deep frying.
Ensure the milk used for proofing the yeast is lukewarm but not hot to keep the yeast active. Air fry the donuts in batches to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking. After glazing, wait about 10 minutes for the icing to set into a slight crispness. Use a non-stick spray lightly on the air fryer basket or parchment to help release the donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk lukewarm
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter melted, unsalted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- cooking spray
Glaze:
- 8 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons milk or as needed, warm
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, stir together lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and yeast.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix on low speed until combined, add the remaining cup of flour slowly, and mix until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.
- Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.
- Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Using a 3-inch round cutter cut out 10-12 donuts and use a 1-inch round cutter to remove the center.
- Transfer donuts and the donut holes to a lightly floured parchment paper-covered baking sheet and cover loosely with greased plastic wrap or waxed paper.
- Let donuts rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Spray the basket with oil spray, transfer the donuts to the Air Fryer basket in a single layer and make sure they do not overlap and there is a 1-inch distance between them.
- Spray donuts with oil spray and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining donuts and donut holes. Cook in batches if needed.
Glaze:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in hot milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is thin, but not watery. Set aside.
- Dip the hot donuts and donut holes into the glaze, use two forks to submerge them, and place onto a wire rack for excess glaze to drip off.
- Let sit until glaze hardens, about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure the milk temperature is about 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Air fry donuts in batches to prevent sticking and allow even cooking throughout.
- After glazing, wait around 10 minutes for the icing to form a lightly crisp shell on the donuts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12donuts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 352 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 352kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 217mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 147mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 473IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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