Air-Fried Doughnuts: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer! They are light, fluffy, and crispy, and can be made from scratch or with store-bought biscuit dough. While they may not taste exactly like the deep-fried variety, they are still delicious and are a healthier alternative.

Air fryer vs deep-fried doughnuts

The case for air-fried doughnuts

Air-fried doughnuts are a healthier alternative to deep-fried doughnuts as they are not absorbing the oil that they are deep-fried in. They are also a good option if you don't want to bother with deep frying but still want a tasty treat. Air fryers are also great for roasting vegetables and grilling meats and fish.

Air-fried doughnuts are also quicker to cook than deep-fried doughnuts. They are also less hassle as you don't have to deal with a pot of bubbling hot oil.

The case for deep-fried doughnuts

Deep-fried doughnuts are the classic, nostalgic option. They have a thin, fragile, deep-fried crust and a mild overlay of deep-fried flavour. They are also more attractive colour-wise than air-fried doughnuts.

If you want a classic, deep-fried doughnut, then deep frying is the way to go. If you want a healthier, less fatty, and quicker option, then opt for air frying.

Making the dough

If you want to make your dough from scratch, you will need self-rising flour, vanilla yogurt, powdered sugar, and water or milk. You can also add in some nutmeg for that extra doughnut-y flavour.

In a large bowl, stir the flour and yogurt until a thick dough is formed. If the dough is too thin, add more flour, and if it is too thick, add more yogurt. Lightly flour a kitchen surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead it several times until it is smooth. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a sausage shape and connect both sides to form a doughnut.

Using Store-Bought Biscuit Dough

If you want to save time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough. Remove the biscuits from the can and separate them. Use a 1-inch biscuit cutter or the bottom of a shot glass to cut out the centers of each biscuit. Place the biscuits in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.

Tips for Making the Dough

• The dough should be a little sticky, so resist the temptation to add more flour.
• Make the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time.
• If you only have plain yogurt, add 1/4 cup of sugar or maple syrup to give the dough a sweet flavour.
• Let the doughnuts cool completely before adding the glaze, otherwise, it will slide off.
• For vegan doughnuts, use vanilla-flavoured coconut yogurt.
• For gluten-free doughnuts, use gluten-free self-rising flour.
• You can make a chocolate glaze by melting chocolate chips and folding them into the glaze mixture along with melted butter.
• Alternatively, brush the doughnuts with melted butter and toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or dust them with powdered sugar.

Shaping the doughnuts

Firstly, prepare your dough by activating the yeast. Sprinkle the yeast over lukewarm milk, adding a little sugar, and gently stir with a fork. Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes. You will know the yeast is activated when you see little particles popping, and the mixture becomes frothy.

Once your yeast is activated, it's time to knead the dough. Add the remaining dough ingredients and knead it in a stand mixer until it becomes elastic and smooth. This should take around five minutes. The dough should be sticky, so don't be concerned if it feels a little tacky.

Next, prepare your work surface by lightly flouring it. Turn out the dough and gently roll it out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter and a 1-inch round cutter or a shot glass to cut out the doughnuts and their centres. You can also use a drinking glass or a wide-mouth canning ring if you don't have a biscuit cutter.

Now, it's time to shape your doughnuts. Take the dough and gently roll it into a sausage shape. Connect both ends of the dough to form a circle, ensuring they are sealed together. Repeat this process until you have used up all your dough.

Place the shaped doughnuts on a lightly floured surface and cover them loosely with greased plastic wrap. Let the doughnuts rise until they have doubled in volume. This should take around 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it will give your doughnuts a lighter and airier texture.

Finally, they are ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Carefully place the doughnuts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the doughnuts with oil, and they are ready to be cooked!

Air-frying the doughnuts

First, prepare the dough. A simple yeast dough can be made by activating the yeast with lukewarm milk and a bit of sugar. Then, add the remaining dough ingredients and knead the mixture in a stand mixer until it becomes elastic and smooth. You can also use canned biscuit dough as a shortcut, but this will affect the taste and texture.

Next, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch and 1-inch biscuit or cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts and holes. You can also use a wide drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring if you don't have a cutter.

After cutting the dough, place the doughnuts and holes on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly dusted with flour. Cover them loosely and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until they double in size.

Now, it's time to air-fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 350-375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a light coat of olive or coconut oil to prevent sticking. Be sure not to use non-stick sprays as these can damage the air fryer's coating. Place the doughnuts in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the doughnuts with oil.

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, doughnut holes will take around 3-6 minutes, and larger doughnuts will take around 4-8 minutes. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. The doughnuts are done when they are golden brown and puffed.

Finally, you can add your desired coating. A simple glaze can be made by mixing butter, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze and let any excess drip off before placing them on a rack to dry. You can also brush the doughnuts with melted butter and toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or coat them in sprinkles.

And that's it! You now have delicious, fluffy, and crispy air-fried doughnuts to enjoy.

Adding glaze or toppings

Glaze

For an authentic donut glaze, you will need powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. You can also add corn syrup to keep the glaze thick and syrupy. Simply whisk these ingredients together until smooth, and dip your warm doughnuts into the glaze. The warmth of the doughnuts will give the glaze a shiny appearance. If you want to add some colour, you can make a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Toppings

For a cinnamon sugar coating, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Spray your doughnuts with oil and dip them into the mixture. You can also sprinkle your glazed doughnuts with sprinkles, bacon bits, or cinnamon sugar. For a more indulgent treat, top your doughnuts with chocolate ganache, crushed breakfast cereal, or caramel. If you want to keep things simple, just brush your doughnuts with melted butter.

Frequently asked questions