Air Fryer Donuts: Light & Fluffy Treats

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, fluffy donut that makes the world feel just a little bit brighter. Now imagine enjoying that bliss while knowing you didn’t deep-fry it in a gallon of oil. Enter air fryer donuts, the culinary equivalent of finding out your favorite jeans have an elastic waistband. These delightful treats are light, airy, and oh-so-easy to make!

Growing up, donuts were a Saturday morning staple in my house. The aroma of freshly baked goodies would waft through the air as we raced to the kitchen. Now, thanks to my trusty air fryer, I can recreate those joyous mornings without the guilt (or the grease). Picture this: fluffy donuts topped with a sugary glaze, ready to be devoured while still warm. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients for air fryer donuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for fluffy donuts; sift it for a lighter texture.
• Baking Powder: This is your secret weapon for that perfect rise; don’t skip it!
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust depending on your taste.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess; almond or oat milk are great alternatives.
• Egg: A single large egg binds everything together and adds richness.
• Butter: Melted butter enriches the flavor; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash will enhance the sweetness and aroma beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make air fryer donuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and sugar—in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing or you’ll end up with dense donuts!

Step 3: Shape Your Donuts

Transfer dough onto a floured surface and roll it out gently until about half an inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Don’t forget to save those donut holes—they’re equally delicious!

Step 4: Air Fry Them

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the donuts in a single layer. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Glaze Your Donuts

While they cool slightly, whip up your glaze using powdered sugar and milk. Dip each donut into the glaze while they’re still warm for maximum coverage.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your beautiful air fryer donuts onto a serving plate and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container if there are any leftovers—though let’s be real; there probably won’t be!

Now you’ve got yourself some delightful air fryer donuts that will brighten even the gloomiest of mornings! You can customize these gems however you like—sprinkle some colorful toppings or drizzle with chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra fancy! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve made something sweet without all that frying fuss. Happy munching!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your air fryer while you mix the donut batter. Shape the donuts and arrange them in a single layer. Cook until golden brown, flipping halfway for even crispness. This way, you maximize flavor without burning any edges.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular flour for almond or gluten-free options. Spice things up by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can also toss in chocolate chips or sprinkles before cooking for a fun twist that delights every bite!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, pop them back in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350°F to regain that crispy exterior.

Sometimes I whip these air fryer donuts up when friends come over, and their eyes light up like they’ve just found treasure. The joy on their faces makes baking all worthwhile!

FAQs:

What are air fryer donuts?

Air fryer donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. They use hot air circulation to cook the dough, resulting in a light and fluffy texture without the excess oil. You can enjoy various flavors and toppings, making them versatile for any occasion.

How do I store air fryer donuts?

To keep air fryer donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for about a week. Reheat in the air fryer briefly before serving for that freshly-made taste.

Can I use different types of dough for air fryer donuts?

Absolutely! You can use biscuit dough, yeast dough, or even cake batter for your air fryer donuts. Each type will produce a unique flavor and texture. Experimenting with different recipes allows you to discover your favorite version of these delightful treats.

Are air fryer donuts healthier than regular donuts?

Yes, air fryer donuts are generally healthier than traditional ones since they require significantly less oil during cooking. This reduction in fat makes them lower in calories while still offering the delicious taste you crave. Enjoying these treats guilt-free is entirely possible when made in an air fryer.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for air fryer donuts:

In summary, air fryer donuts provide a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the excess oil found in traditional frying methods. They are versatile, allowing for various flavors and toppings while still being healthier. Storing them properly ensures that you can enjoy their deliciousness longer. So go ahead and whip up a batch; you won’t regret it!

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Air Fryer Donuts

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in fluffy, guilt-free air fryer donuts that bring joy to any morning! Quick to make and customizable, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.

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Ingredients

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For the Donut Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare Your Dough
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. 2. Combine Ingredients
4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be cautious not to overmix to keep donuts fluffy.
5. 3. Shape Your Donuts
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out shapes. Remember to save the holes!
7. 4. Air Fry Them
8. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange donuts in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown.
9. 5. Glaze Your Donuts
10. While cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk. Dip each warm donut into the glaze for maximum coverage.
11. 6. Serve and Enjoy
12. Place your donuts on a serving plate and serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 donut (approx. 60g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg