Classic Air Fryer Donuts

Imagine the smell of freshly baked donuts in your kitchen. It’s a treat you can enjoy any time. Our Classic Air Fryer Donuts recipe lets you make these fluffy delights at home¹².

These donuts start with a yeast-based dough. This makes them soft inside and lightly crispy outside. Plus, they’re air-fried, so they’re less fatty than deep-fried donuts but taste just as good¹².

Choose from a vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar for your donuts. Our recipe is easy to follow. You’ll soon be enjoying homemade donuts that are as good as those from a bakery¹².

Key Takeaways

• Air Fryer Donuts are made from scratch with a yeast-based dough
• They have a soft, tender interior and a lightly crisp exterior
• Cooked in an air fryer, they contain less fat than deep-fried donuts
• Can be glazed or coated with cinnamon sugar for a variety of flavors
• Easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients

Why Air Fryer Donuts Are the Perfect Homemade Choice

Air fryer donuts are changing the game for homemade treats. They are healthier than deep-fried donuts but just as tasty³. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, just like the real thing.

Health Benefits of Air Frying vs Deep Frying

Air fryer donuts have less fat than their deep-fried friends³. They use hot air instead of oil, so they soak up less fat. This makes them a guilt-free treat for your sweet tooth.

Time and Cost Savings

Making air fryer donuts is quicker and cheaper than deep-frying⁴. They cook in just 4-5 minutes per batch. You’ll also save on oil and cleaning up is easy, making them perfect for busy cooks.

Convenience Factors

Air fryers are more convenient than deep fryers³. They don’t heat up your kitchen like deep frying does. They’re great for any time of year, and easy to clean up.

Whether you’re new to baking or a donut lover, air fryer donuts are a healthier, easier option. They’re crispy, fluffy, and super convenient, making them a favorite for many³⁴.

Essential Equipment and Tools for Success

Making delicious homemade donuts in an air fryer requires the right tools⁵. Donut shops have been a favorite for over a century⁵. They use special equipment that helps them make a variety of donuts, from classic glazed to matcha or bacon maple⁵.

The air fryer is key for making donuts at home⁶. Our recipe makes about 8 donuts and cooks at 350°F⁶. You’ll need a combo Air Fryer & Grill or a smaller air fryer, depending on your space⁵.

You’ll also need a stand mixer, a donut cutter, cookie cutters, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a wire cooling rack⁶. The recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare and 5-6 minutes to cook⁶. Having these tools ready will make the process easier and ensure your donuts are perfect.

With the right equipment, you’ll soon be a pro at making homemade donuts in your air fryer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound donut-making skills!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts

Making air fryer donuts starts with the right ingredients. We’ll look at the dry and wet parts, and how to work with yeast. This will make your donuts light and fluffy every time.

Dry Ingredients Overview

All-purpose flour is the base of our air fryer donut recipe⁷. It makes the donuts soft and tender⁸. We also add granulated sugar for flavor and a bit of salt for taste.

Wet Ingredients Breakdown

For the wet parts, we use fresh, lukewarm milk⁷. An egg adds structure and richness. Unsalted butter⁷ makes them tender and a bit rich. A light oil spray helps them get that golden-brown look.

Special Notes About Yeast

Yeast makes our donuts rise and airy. Use active dry yeast and check the expiration date⁷. Warm the milk to 100°F⁷ to activate the yeast. This is key for the dough to rise right.

With these ingredients and a few tips, we’re ready to make delicious air fryer donuts. Next, let’s make the dough!

Making the Perfect Donut Dough

To make the best air fryer donuts, start with a tasty dough. First, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast to activate the yeast⁹. After the yeast blooms, add melted butter, eggs, and more sugar to a stand mixer. Then, mix in the yeast mixture, flour, and salt until the dough is smooth⁹.

It’s important not to add too much flour while kneading. The dough should be slightly sticky for a fluffy texture⁹. If kneading by hand, do it on a floured surface for 5 minutes.

Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl until it doubles in size. This step is key for the dough’s structure and flavor⁹. With these steps, you’re on your way to making perfect homemade air fryer donuts.

For a quicker option, use canned biscuits to make air fryer donuts¹⁰. Cut them into donut shapes and fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway¹⁰. You’ll get a lighter, healthier donut that’s just as tasty¹⁰.

For homemade self-rising flour, mix 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt⁹. This gives the same light texture as store-bought, without preservatives.

Whether you make the dough from scratch or use canned biscuits, you’ll get delicious air fryer donuts. They’re low in fat, full of flavor, and will satisfy your sweet tooth⁹¹⁰.

The Art of Proofing and Shaping

Making delicious glazed air fryer donuts needs focus on proofing and shaping. First, we knead the dough. Then, we let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes¹¹.

This first rise is key for the dough’s structure and taste.

First Rise Techniques

To get the best first rise, find a spot in your kitchen that’s 75-78°F (24-26°C)¹². If your kitchen is colder, use an oven with the light on. This creates a warm, cozy spot¹³.

Proper Shaping Methods

After the dough rises, it’s time to shape our glazed air fryer donuts. First, punch down the dough to get rid of air bubbles. Then, roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cutter for the donuts and a 1-inch cutter for the centers¹².

Place the shaped donuts on a lightly floured surface. They’re ready for the second rise.

Second Rise Tips

The second rise is vital for the right texture and rise in our glazed air fryer donuts. Let the shaped donuts rise for 15-20 minutes, until they double in size again¹¹. Keep the temperature between 72-75°F (22-24°C) during this rise for the best results¹².

Mastering proofing and shaping will give our glazed air fryer donuts a light, airy texture and even rise. With these tips, you’ll make perfect homemade donuts every time.

Air Fryer Donuts: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Get ready for a fun homemade donut adventure with our simple guide for quick air fryer donuts. These air-fried treats are perfect for both newbies and seasoned bakers. They offer fluffy, golden donuts without the mess and extra calories of deep-frying¹⁴.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and let it heat up for 10 minutes¹⁵.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to avoid sticking¹⁵.
3. Place the donut dough in a single layer, leaving 1 inch of space between each donut¹⁵.
4. Lightly spray the donuts with oil for even browning¹⁵.
5. Cook the donut holes for 6 minutes and the larger ones for 8 minutes, until golden¹⁵.
6. Adjust cooking time if your air fryer is different in strength and efficiency¹⁵.

Cook the donut holes and larger donuts separately because they need different times¹⁵. With a bit of practice, you’ll make delicious quick air fryer donuts in no time. Share these tasty treats with your loved ones!

Creating the Perfect Glaze

The glaze is what makes glazed air fryer donuts truly special. It’s a mix of art and science. We’re excited to share our tips to help you get that perfect sheen and flavor¹⁶.

Classic Vanilla Glaze

The classic vanilla glaze is a timeless favorite. It pairs well with the light texture of air fryer donuts. To make it, mix powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and shiny¹⁶.

For an extra touch, add a tablespoon of corn syrup. It makes the glaze smoother and more consistent¹⁶.

Alternative Glazing Options

There are many glazing options beyond vanilla. Try a maple glaze for a sweet and warm taste. Or, toss your donuts in cinnamon-sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor¹⁷.

Chocolate lovers will enjoy a rich chocolate glaze. It’s made by melting dark chocolate and mixing it with powdered sugar and milk.

It’s important to dip the donuts while they’re warm. This ensures the glaze sticks well, creating a nice crackly texture¹⁶. Once set, your donuts are ready to enjoy on their own or with brunch or dessert¹⁶.

Topping and Flavor Variations

Creating homemade donuts in the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities. You can try different toppings and flavors to match any taste or event¹⁸.

For a unique taste, try a maple bacon topping. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a maple glaze. Then, add crispy bacon bits on top¹⁸. Or, go for a classic with cinnamon-sugar. Just toss the donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a tasty crunch¹⁸.

Chocolate fans will love a chocolate glaze. Use powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk to make it. Add colorful sprinkles for a fun look. You can make your air fryer donuts any way you like, so they’re perfect for any occasion¹⁹.

Source Links

1. Air Fryer Donuts
2. Air Fryer Donuts {From-Scratch Recipe!} – Plated Cravings
3. Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
4. Air Fryer Doughnuts
5. Essential Equipment Needed to Start a Donut Shop: A Comprehensive Guide
6. Air Fryer Donut Recipe
7. How to make Easy Air Fryer Donuts (Using Pillsbury Biscuits)
8. 4 Ingredient Air Fryer Donuts (No Yeast, Dairy or Eggs)
9. Air Fryer Donuts {from scratch} – The Big Man’s World ®
10. Air Fryer Donuts
11. Easy Homemade Doughnut Recipe
12. How To Make Doughnuts (Doughnut Troubleshooting)
13. Master the Art of Donut Making: A Step-by-Step Guide
14. Air-fryer doughnuts
15. Air Fryer Donuts
16. Glazed Air Fryer Donuts (from scratch) VIDEO
17. Air Fryer Donuts
18. Air Fryer Donuts {quick and easy!} – Belly Full
19. Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts