Air-Fried Doughnuts: A Healthy Twist On A Classic Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and with good reason. They can be used to roast vegetables, grill meats and even make desserts. But can you make doughnuts in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but the results may vary depending on the type of dough and cooking method used. Some recipes call for canned biscuit dough, which is easier to work with but may not yield the same flavour as traditional doughnuts. Other recipes use a yeast dough, which takes longer to prepare but may result in a more authentic doughnut taste. The cooking time will also depend on the type of dough used, with yeast doughnuts taking around 4 minutes and cake-style doughnuts taking up to 7 minutes. Ultimately, while air-fried doughnuts may not be identical to their deep-fried counterparts, they can still be a tasty treat.

Air fryer vs deep-fried doughnuts

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, and for good reason. They can roast vegetables, grill meats and even make desserts, all with minimal oil and less fat than traditional frying methods. But how do air-fried doughnuts compare to their deep-fried counterparts? Let's find out.

The process

Air-fried doughnuts are made with a yeast dough that is shaped into rings and cooked in the air fryer at around 350°F for about 4 minutes. The dough is typically made with milk, yeast, sugar, butter, flour, and a few other ingredients. The dough is prepared, cut into shapes, and then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They are then sprayed with oil and cooked until golden brown. After cooking, they are dipped in a glaze or coated in cinnamon sugar.

Deep-fried doughnuts, on the other hand, are typically made by frying shaped dough in hot oil at around 365°F for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

The taste and texture

Air-fried doughnuts have a similar texture to their deep-fried counterparts, with a light, spongy, and slightly chewy texture. However, they lack the deep-fried flavour and aroma associated with traditional doughnuts. They also don't rise as much as deep-fried doughnuts and are less attractive in colour.

Deep-fried doughnuts, due to the hot oil, have a more pronounced fried flavour and a thinner, crispier crust. They also rise more and have a more attractive golden-brown colour.

The pros and cons

Air-fried doughnuts are a healthier alternative to deep-fried doughnuts as they use less oil and have less fat. They are also quicker to cook and don't require dealing with a pot of hot oil. However, they don't have the same classic fried doughnut taste and texture.

Deep-fried doughnuts have the advantage of producing a more authentic doughnut with a crispy exterior and moist interior. However, they are more time-consuming and require a large pot of hot oil, which can be a safety hazard and create a mess.

The verdict

If you're looking for a classic, nostalgic fried doughnut, then deep-frying is the way to go. However, if you want a healthier alternative that doesn't require a pot of hot oil, air-fried doughnuts are a good option. Air-fried doughnuts can be a tasty treat, especially if you're looking for a yeasted doughnut that doesn't need to be deep-fried.

Making doughnuts from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lukewarm milk (about 100°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• Oil spray (coconut oil works best)
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of hot water, or as needed

Method:

• Start by making the yeast dough. In a small bowl, gently stir together the lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and smells like yeast. If nothing happens after 15 minutes, your yeast may be inactive due to old age or the milk being too hot.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Then, with the mixer running, slowly add the remaining cup of flour until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.
• Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth.
• Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size. To test if it's ready, make a small indentation with your finger; if the indentation remains, the dough has proofed enough.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch and a 1-inch biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts and their centers. You can also use drinking glasses or wide-mouth cans of different sizes if you don't have biscuit cutters.
• Transfer the doughnuts and donut holes to lightly floured parchment paper. Cover them loosely with greased plastic wrap and let them rise until doubled in volume, which should take about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Carefully transfer the doughnuts into the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Spray the tops of the doughnuts with oil.
• Fry the doughnuts at 350°F for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• While the doughnuts are frying, make the glaze by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until you have a thin but not watery glaze.
• Dip the hot doughnuts and donut holes into the glaze. Place them on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to allow any excess glaze to drip off. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until the glaze hardens.

Tips:

• Make sure your milk is not hotter than 115°F, as using hot liquid will kill the yeast.
• The dough should be a little sticky, so avoid adding too much flour during the kneading process.
• For a classic crackly glaze, make sure to glaze the doughnuts while they are still warm. However, if they are too hot, the glaze will slide off.
• These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Enjoy your freshly made, delicious air-fried doughnuts!

Using canned biscuit dough

Canned biscuit dough is a convenient way to make doughnuts in an air fryer. It's a simple, quick, and relatively healthy method that yields fluffy, delicious doughnuts. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Canned biscuits (preferably not labelled as flaky)
• Oil spray (olive or coconut oil spray is recommended)
• Butter (optional)
• Toppings/glaze of your choice

Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F to 370°F. Some recipes suggest preheating to 400°F, but this may be too high for some air fryers.
• Prepare the biscuit dough: Open the can of biscuits and separate them. Use a small circle cutter, a bottle cap, or even a shot glass to cut out the doughnut holes from each biscuit. You can also cut the holes freehand with a knife. Place the cut-out dough on a baking sheet or clean work surface.
• Coat the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive or coconut oil. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as these can damage the coating of the basket.
• Place the doughnuts in the air fryer: Put 3 to 4 doughnuts in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the doughnuts: Set the air fryer timer for 3 to 6 minutes. Some recipes suggest flipping the doughnuts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Cook until the doughnuts are golden brown.
• Cook the doughnut holes: If you want to cook the doughnut holes, place them in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Prepare your toppings or glaze: While the doughnuts are cooking, prepare your desired toppings or glaze. You can make a simple glaze by whisking together ingredients like powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or other flavourings. Alternatively, you can make a cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
• Coat the cooked doughnuts: Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If desired, brush them with melted butter, then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or dip them in your prepared glaze. You can also add sprinkles or other toppings.
• Serve and store: These doughnuts are best served warm and fresh. However, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Glazing your doughnuts

Preparing the Glaze:

Start by making the glaze while your doughnuts are in the air fryer. In a small saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture. Adjust the consistency by adding hot water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a thin but not watery glaze. Set this aside until your doughnuts are ready for dipping.

Dipping the Doughnuts:

Once your doughnuts are hot and golden brown, it's time to dip them in the glaze. Use two forks to carefully submerge each doughnut and ensure they are well coated. Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to catch any excess glaze. Allow the glaze to set and harden for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Storing Glazed Doughnuts:

Glazed doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze unglazed doughnuts and glaze them after reheating in the air fryer. Avoid refrigerating glazed doughnuts as it can cause the glaze to melt and become sticky.

Glaze Recipes and Variations:

The classic glaze calls for a combination of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. However, you can experiment with different flavours and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Maple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup.
• Maple Bacon Topping: Combine maple glaze with crispy bacon bits.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon and spray doughnuts with oil before dipping.
• Chocolate Glaze: Try a chocolate glaze recipe and top with sprinkles.

Tips for a Perfect Glaze:

• Make sure to have enough glaze to fully coat your doughnuts. It's better to have extra than to run out halfway through.
• Time your glazing! Dip the doughnuts while they are still warm to achieve that classic crackly glaze. However, if they are too hot, the glaze will slide off.
• For a simple sugar glaze, whisk together confectioners' sugar, light corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and milk or plant-based milk.

Storing and reheating your doughnuts

Storing Doughnuts:

• Air fryer doughnuts are best consumed fresh, but they can be stored for 1-2 days.
• Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, especially for glazed doughnuts, as it can affect the glaze.
• If you want to freeze the doughnuts, it is recommended to freeze them unglazed.

Reheating Doughnuts:

• To reheat, place the doughnuts in the air fryer and glaze them immediately once they are out of the oven.
• You can also use a microwave to reheat. For an 800-watt microwave, try a 20-second burst followed by a 10-second rest, repeating until they are warmed through.
• Another option is to re-fry the doughnuts in a pan with melted butter or margarine, creating a super-crisp layer of caramelized sugar.
• If you want to reheat in the oven, preheat it to 180°C and bake for 6-8 minutes.

Frequently asked questions