Air Fryer Donuts: Can You Fry Them?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make delicious donuts. Using an air fryer, you can make donuts with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, resulting in a treat that is lower in fat and calories. The cooking time is also shorter, taking only 4 to 12 minutes, depending on the recipe. You can make donuts from scratch or use a quicker method with canned biscuit dough. The donuts are then glazed or coated in cinnamon sugar.

Air fryer donuts are healthier than traditionally fried donuts

Air fryer donuts are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried donuts. They are made with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods, resulting in a treat that is lower in fat and calories. This makes air fryer donuts a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy more often.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, allowing you to "fry" your donuts without submerging them in grease. This cooking method significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content of the donuts.

In addition to being healthier, air fryer donuts are also quick and easy to make. You can use canned biscuit dough or make your own dough from scratch. The cooking time is typically between 4 to 6 minutes, and you can customise your donuts with various toppings and glazes.

Some people may be concerned that air fryer donuts will not taste as good as their traditionally fried counterparts. However, reviews suggest that air fryer donuts taste just like the real deal. They are described as light and airy, with a soft and fluffy texture. The key to achieving the perfect air fryer donut is to use yeast dough and add a glaze, which keeps the donuts soft and adds sweetness.

Overall, air fryer donuts are a healthier option that does not compromise on taste or texture. They are a great way to indulge your sweet tooth without the excess fat and calories of traditional fried donuts.

You can use biscuit dough or make your own dough from scratch

You can use biscuit dough to make air-fried donuts. Canned biscuit dough is a popular choice for making donuts in an air fryer. It is easy to use and can be shaped into rounds to produce taller, flakier donuts. Flaky biscuit dough, such as Pillsbury Grands, is a good option. Simply cut holes out of the biscuits, place them in the air fryer, and cook until golden brown. You can also use crescent roll dough to make donuts.

If you prefer to make your own dough from scratch, you can create a yeast dough that tastes like real donuts. This option may take a bit more time, but it is worth the effort for a more authentic donut experience. To make yeast dough, start by activating the yeast by sprinkling it over lukewarm milk and adding a little sugar. Let the mixture sit until it becomes frothy. Then, add the remaining dough ingredients and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer or knead the dough by hand. Once the dough is ready, roll it out to the desired thickness and use a biscuit cutter or drinking glass to cut out the donut shapes.

Whether you choose to use biscuit dough or make your own dough from scratch, the cooking process in the air fryer is similar. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, and cook the donuts in batches to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but typically, it takes around 4-6 minutes at a temperature of about 350-375°F. You can also cook the donut holes for a tasty treat.

Air fryer donuts are quick and easy to make

Air Fryer Donuts: Quick and Easy to Make

Air fryer donuts are a quick and easy treat to make. They are healthier than traditional fried donuts as they use a fraction of the oil, and they are also a fun dessert option. You can make air fryer donuts from scratch or use a quicker, easier method with pre-made biscuit dough.

Making Air Fryer Donuts from Scratch

First, combine flour, sugar, yeast, nutmeg or vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Next, add in the milk, butter, and egg, and stir into a soft dough. Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out the donuts using a 3-inch round cutter, and then use a 1-inch round cutter to cut holes in the center. Place the donuts and donut holes on a lightly floured surface, cover them, and let them rise again in a warm place until doubled in size.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F / 180°C and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place half of the donuts in a single layer in the basket and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden. Repeat with the remaining donuts and donut holes.

If you want a cinnamon sugar coating, brush the warm donuts with melted butter and dip them in the coating. For a sugar glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and water, and dip the donuts and donut holes in the glaze. Place them on a wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off, and top with sprinkles or edible flowers. Let the donuts stand until the glaze hardens (about 10 minutes) before serving.

Making Air Fryer Donuts with Pre-made Biscuit Dough

For an even quicker and easier option, you can make air fryer donuts with pre-made biscuit dough such as Pillsbury Grands. Separate the biscuits and lay them on a flat surface. Use a small (1-inch) round biscuit cutter to remove the centers.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F / 180°C and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place half of the donuts in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining donuts and donut holes.

You can brush the warm donuts with melted butter and dip them in a cinnamon sugar coating, or you can make a sugar glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and water and dipping the donuts in the glaze. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off, and top with sprinkles or edible flowers. Let the donuts stand until the glaze hardens (about 10 minutes) before serving.

You can use a variety of toppings, including glaze, cinnamon sugar, and sprinkles

Once your air-fried donuts are ready, it's time to get creative with toppings and glazes. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

Cinnamon Sugar

A classic choice for donut lovers. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and then generously roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter will help the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts, creating a delicious, crunchy coating.

Glaze

For an extra indulgent treat, dip your donuts in a sweet glaze. You can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and vanilla extract. For a chocolate glaze, simply add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the mix. Dip your donuts in the glaze while they are still warm, and don't forget to add sprinkles on top!

Maple Glaze

Stir together powdered sugar and maple syrup for a maple glaze that will take your donuts to the next level. For an extra special treat, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits for a maple bacon topping.

Chocolate Glaze

For the chocolate lovers, a chocolate glaze is a must-try. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk to create a rich, decadent topping for your donuts.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles are a fun and colourful way to decorate your donuts. Simply dip your donuts in the glaze of your choice and then top with sprinkles. You can go for classic rainbow sprinkles or get creative with different shapes and colours.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings and glazes to create your own unique combinations. Donuts are meant to be fun, so get creative and enjoy your delicious air-fried creations!

Air fryers circulate hot air to fry food without grease

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying your food in hot oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food to fry it without the need for grease. This means that the food you cook in an air fryer will contain much less fat and fewer calories overall.

Air fryers are also a safer option than deep-frying, as they eliminate the risk of hot oil splatters. They are a convenient way to cook, as they are quick and easy to use and do not require a lot of oil or grease.

When using an air fryer, it is important to ensure that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate around the food. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and allows room for the food to expand. It is also important to note that air fryer baskets are typically small, so you may need to cook your food in batches.

Additionally, when seasoning your air fryer basket, it is recommended to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays as these can damage the coating of the basket. Instead, opt for olive oil or coconut oil sprays.

Overall, air fryers are a great option for those who want to enjoy fried foods without the grease and mess of traditional deep-frying.

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