Description
Crispy golden air fryer donuts bring bakery magic right into home kitchens with minimal effort. Delightful homemade treats satisfy sweet cravings while offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pastries you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (100°F / 37.8°C)
- 1 egg
Leavening and Sweeteners:
- 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Glaze and Finishing:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- Coconut oil spray
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Incorporate the remaining sugar, salt, egg, softened butter, and gradually mix in the flour. Blend until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
- Knead the dough using a medium-low speed for approximately 5 minutes. The texture should become smooth, elastic, and slightly springy to the touch.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Use circular cutters to create donut shapes, removing the center to form the classic ring design.
- Allow the shaped donuts to undergo a second rise for 30 minutes, during which they will become puffy and slightly larger.
- Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 350°F. Lightly spray the donuts with cooking oil to ensure a crisp, golden exterior. Cook for 4 minutes, monitoring for even browning.
- Create a quick glaze by melting butter and mixing with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Thin the mixture with hot water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Immediately dip the warm donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set and let the glaze harden slightly before serving.
Notes
- Create a consistent dough temperature by using room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate perfectly and ensure even rising.
- Prevent sticking while rolling by lightly dusting work surface with flour, using gentle pressure to maintain dough’s soft texture.
- Customize glaze by adding flavor extracts like almond or maple for unique taste variations that complement the classic donut.
- Ensure donuts stay moist by not overcrowding air fryer basket, allowing proper air circulation and even golden-brown cooking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg