Air-Fried Donuts: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They can roast vegetables, grill meats and fish, and even make desserts. But can you make donuts in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but the results may vary depending on the type of donut and your desired outcome.

Most recipes for air fryer donuts use a simple yeasted dough, similar to that used for deep-fried donuts. The dough is rolled out, cut into donut shapes, and then placed in the air fryer to cook. The cooking time will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 4 to 8 minutes for large donuts and 3 to 6 minutes for donut holes.

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you can make lighter and healthier donuts as they absorb less oil than their deep-fried counterparts. However, some people may prefer the taste and texture of traditional deep-fried donuts. Air fryer donuts tend to have a slightly different texture and may not be as crispy or attractive in colour.

Overall, if you're looking for a tasty treat that doesn't require a lot of oil or mess, air fryer donuts are a great option. But if you're craving a classic, nostalgic fried donut, you may be slightly disappointed.

Yeast vs. canned biscuit dough

Air fryer donuts are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the mess and hassle of deep-frying. While you can make donuts from scratch using yeast dough, some people prefer the convenience of canned biscuit dough. But which method produces the best results? Let's compare the two options.

Yeast Dough Donuts

Using yeast dough for air fryer donuts is a more traditional approach that yields donuts with a soft, fluffy, and tender texture. This method involves making the dough from scratch, which can be time-consuming but rewarding. The yeast dough is prepared by activating the yeast, mixing in the remaining ingredients, and allowing the dough to rise. Once the dough is ready, it's cut into donut shapes and cooked in the air fryer. The result is a donut that tastes like the "real deal" and is better than baked donuts.

Canned Biscuit Dough Donuts

On the other hand, canned biscuit dough is a popular choice for air fryer donuts because it's incredibly convenient and easy to use. You simply need to cut holes in the centre of the biscuits, cook them in the air fryer, and add your desired toppings or glaze. This method is perfect for those who want a quick and effortless treat, as it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. The resulting donuts are flaky and taller, resembling cronuts if you use the flaky biscuit dough.

Comparison

While both methods can produce delicious donuts, they have distinct differences. Yeast dough donuts are made from scratch, taking more time and effort but resulting in a more authentic donut experience. In contrast, canned biscuit dough donuts are faster and more convenient, ideal for those seeking a quick sweet treat. The taste and texture of these donuts are more akin to biscuits with sugar toppings, rather than traditional yeast donuts.

Ultimately, the choice between yeast dough and canned biscuit dough depends on your preferences and the amount of time you're willing to spend. If you're short on time and want a simple dessert, canned biscuit dough is a great option. However, if you're seeking a classic donut experience and don't mind the extra preparation, yeast dough is the way to go.

Glaze vs. cinnamon-sugar coating

When it comes to coating your air fryer donuts, you have two mouth-watering options: glaze or cinnamon-sugar. But which one should you choose? Let's take a closer look at each option and see how they compare.

Glaze

A sweet glaze is a classic choice for donuts and can really take your air fryer treats to the next level. A simple glaze typically consists of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small amount of hot water to thin out the mixture. You can dip your freshly cooked donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before setting them aside to dry. This method gives your donuts a delicious, sweet coating that dries into a crackly texture.

Cinnamon-Sugar

On the other hand, cinnamon-sugar coating offers a different sensory experience. By brushing your warm donuts with butter and then tossing them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, you'll achieve a crunchy, aromatic finish. This option is perfect for those who love the warm spice of cinnamon. The cinnamon-sugar coating also offers a visual appeal, giving your donuts a sparkly, sugary exterior.

Comparison

Both glaze and cinnamon-sugar coatings have their unique advantages. A glaze provides a smooth, sweet coating that complements the softness of the donut. It dries to form a crackly texture, adding an interesting contrast to the fluffy interior. On the other hand, cinnamon-sugar offers a crunchy texture and a burst of spice that pairs well with the fried dough. It's a matter of personal preference, but both options are worth exploring to find your favourite.

Additionally, you can get creative and experiment with different glaze flavours or even try a chocolate glaze for a more indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to try new combinations and discover your signature air fryer donut style!

Air fryer vs. oven baking

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional frying and baking. They work by circulating hot air around your food, similar to a traditional convection oven. However, there are a few key differences between air fryers and ovens.

Size and Capacity

Air fryers are typically smaller than ovens, with a more compact cooking chamber. This smaller size means that air fryers can cook food more quickly and efficiently, as the hot air is concentrated in a smaller space. However, this also means that air fryers have a smaller capacity and may not be able to cook as much food at once as a traditional oven.

Temperature and Cooking Time

Air fryers circulate hot air more rapidly than ovens, resulting in shorter cooking times. They also employ a basket to more evenly circulate hot air around the food, which can lead to crispier results. In contrast, ovens may take longer to preheat and cook food, but they are better suited for cooking larger portions or roasting dishes like a whole chicken.

Clean-up and Maintenance

Air fryers are generally easier to clean than ovens due to their smaller size. The perforated baskets in air fryers also promote better air circulation, resulting in less oily mess. Ovens, on the other hand, may require more thorough cleaning, especially if there are any spills or splatters during cooking.

Cost and Convenience

Air fryers are typically less expensive than ovens and can be a convenient addition to your kitchen countertop. They heat up quickly, take up less space, and are generally easier to use and maintain. Ovens, on the other hand, may be more costly and require more space, but they offer more versatility in terms of cooking functions and capacity.

Suitability for Different Foods

Air fryers are particularly well-suited for cooking breaded and frozen foods, as well as foods that are traditionally deep-fried, such as fries and chicken wings. They can also be used for baking, roasting, and reheating certain foods. However, ovens generally offer more versatility and are better suited for baking projects, roasting large items, and cooking for larger groups of people.

In conclusion, both air fryers and ovens have their pros and cons. Air fryers are great for quick, convenient, and healthier cooking, while ovens offer more versatility and capacity. The best appliance for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and cooking habits.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryer donuts are cooked at a variety of temperatures, depending on the type of donut being made and the air fryer being used.

For yeast-raised donuts, the air fryer should be set to 350°F. This type of donut is light, airy, and puffy, and the lower temperature ensures they cook through without burning. Cake-style donuts, on the other hand, require a higher temperature of 365°F. This is because they have a denser, higher-hydration dough, and the higher temperature is needed to cook the interior fully.

When cooking donuts in an air fryer, it is important to note that air fryer cooking times and temperatures can vary significantly between brands and models. As such, it is important to keep an eye on your donuts as they cook and adjust the temperature and time as needed.

Additionally, when cooking donuts, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. However, it is important to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as these can damage the non-stick coating of the basket. Instead, opt for olive oil or coconut oil spray.

Storage

Storing your air fryer donuts correctly is essential to keeping them fresh and tasty. Here are some tips for short-term and long-term storage:

Short-Term Storage

If you plan on eating your donuts within a day or two, it is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Do not put glazed donuts in the fridge, as this will cause the glaze to melt and be absorbed into the donut, resulting in a sticky mess.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to keep your donuts for longer, freezing is a good option. First, ensure the donuts are unglazed. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to eat them, reheat the donuts in the air fryer and glaze them immediately once they are out.

Frequently asked questions