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

Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer. They are light, fluffy, and crispy, and taste just like store-bought doughnuts. The doughnuts are soft and fluffy inside and crisp on the outside. The hot air in the air fryer will still leave you with a crispy exterior and moist interior. They are also healthier than deep-fried doughnuts as they absorb less oil.

Air fryer doughnuts: tasty, but not the real deal

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. They offer a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-frying. But can they live up to the hype when it comes to making doughnuts?

The process

The process of making doughnuts in an air fryer is relatively simple and involves less oil and mess than traditional frying. The dough is typically made with yeast, milk, sugar, butter, and flour, and can be cut into shape using biscuit cutters or drinking glasses. The doughnuts are then placed in the air fryer basket, sprayed with oil, and cooked at around 350°F for 4-8 minutes, depending on the recipe.

The taste test

Air fryer doughnuts that are made from scratch with yeast dough can be tasty and are certainly a healthier alternative to deep-fried doughnuts. They are soft, fluffy, and crispy, with a tender interior. However, they don't quite live up to the "real deal". They are slightly smaller, lack the deep-fried flavor and aroma, and are less attractive in color.

The verdict

While air fryer doughnuts made from scratch are tasty, they don't replicate the classic, nostalgic fried doughnut. If you're looking for a true doughnut experience, stick to the traditional frying method or opt for baked doughnuts in the oven. However, if you want a healthier, tasty treat that doesn't require deep-frying, air fryer doughnuts are a good option.

Yeast vs cake-style doughnuts: which fares better in the fryer?

Yeast doughnuts and cake-style doughnuts can both be made in an air fryer, but they do differ in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.

Yeast doughnuts made in an air fryer taste like the real deal—soft and fluffy, with a tender interior. They are light, spongy, and slightly chewy, comparable to deep-fried doughnuts. The air-fried version is healthier, as it uses less oil, and is also more efficient than baking in an oven. However, they are slightly smaller than deep-fried yeast doughnuts and lack the deep-fried flavour and aroma.

Cake-style doughnuts, on the other hand, do not fare as well in the air fryer. They do not rise as well, and their texture is described as that of a very dry cookie. They are also less attractive in colour compared to their deep-fried counterparts. If you're looking for a cake-style doughnut, baking them in the oven is a better option, resulting in moist, dense, and deeply flavorful treats.

Overall, if you're looking for a classic, fried doughnut experience, the air fryer may not be the best option. Yeast doughnuts will give you a tasty treat, but they won't be identical to the deep-fried version. Cake-style doughnuts are better off baked in the oven.

How to glaze your air fryer doughnuts

Glazing your air fryer doughnuts is an easy process and the perfect finishing touch to your homemade treats. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glaze your air fryer doughnuts:

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of hot water (or as needed)

Method:

• While your doughnuts are cooking in the air fryer, it's the perfect time to make your glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
• Next, add the hot water one tablespoon at a time. Keep stirring until you reach your desired consistency. You are aiming for a glaze that is somewhat thin but not watery.
• Set the glaze aside until your doughnuts are ready.
• Once your doughnuts are cooked and still warm, it's time to glaze. Using two forks, dip each doughnut into the glaze, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Place the glazed doughnuts on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. This will allow any excess glaze to drip off neatly.
• Finally, let the glaze harden. This should take around 10 minutes.

Your air fryer doughnuts are now ready to serve and enjoy! The glaze should have a crackly appearance and add a delicious sweetness to your homemade treats.

The best store-bought biscuit doughs for air fryer doughnuts

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying doughnuts, and you can make delicious doughnuts in mere minutes. While you can make doughnuts from scratch, using store-bought biscuit dough is a great shortcut.

Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Biscuits

Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Biscuits are a popular choice for air fryer doughnuts. They give you that nice, delicious centre you would expect from a doughnut. Remember, they are not deep-fried, so they won't taste like the doughnuts you get from a doughnut shop.

Extra-flaky or buttermilk varieties

Any brand of biscuits will work, but extra-flaky or buttermilk varieties are recommended for a more authentic doughnut taste and texture.

Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Hawaiian Flaky Biscuits

For a sweeter taste, you can try Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Hawaiian Flaky Biscuits.

Crescent roll dough

If you want to make things even easier, you can opt for crescent roll dough, which is already shaped into rounds and produces taller, flakier doughnuts.

Tips for making air fryer doughnuts:

• Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the centre of each biscuit.
• Save the dough from the centres to make doughnut holes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Coconut oil cooking spray is a good option, but avoid non-stick cooking sprays as they can damage the coating of the basket.
• Cook at 350°F-360°F for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
• You can also bake doughnuts in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.

How to prevent your doughnuts from sticking to the fryer

Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your doughnuts from sticking to the fryer:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before placing your doughnuts in the air fryer, make sure to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature and time, allowing it to reach the desired temperature before adding your doughnuts. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and can prevent food from sticking to the basket.

Use Oil or Cooking Spray

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil or cooking spray. This creates a barrier between the dough and the basket, preventing sticking and making it easier to remove the doughnuts after cooking. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the doughnuts greasy or soggy.

Don't Overfill the Air Fryer

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the doughnuts in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to allow for even air circulation. Overfilling the basket can cause the doughnuts to stick together and cook unevenly.

Check the Doughnuts While Cooking

Keep an eye on your doughnuts during the cooking process. Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary. Check the doughnuts regularly to ensure they don't overcook or stick to the basket. You may need to turn or shake them halfway through cooking for even results.

Set the Right Temperature and Cooking Time

Use the recommended cooking temperature and time for your doughnuts. If the temperature is too low, the doughnuts may take longer to cook and be more prone to sticking. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, they may overcook and stick to the basket. Adjust the temperature and time as needed to prevent sticking and ensure perfect doughnuts.

Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats

Consider using parchment paper or silicone mats in your air fryer. These create a non-stick barrier between the dough and the basket, making it easier to remove the doughnuts once cooked and simplifying the cleaning process.

Frequently asked questions