Air Fryer Donuts: A Healthy Twist On A Classic Treat

Yes, you can use an air fryer to make delicious, fluffy, and crispy donuts. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried donuts as they absorb less oil and are quicker to make. You can make them from scratch or use canned biscuit dough.

Air fryer donuts recipe from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of warm whole milk (105 to 110°F)
• 1 (0.25-ounce/7g) packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, divided (62g)
• 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter (85g)
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting (360g)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Coconut or olive oil cooking spray
• 3 cups of confectioners' sugar (120g)
• 1/2 cup of whole milk (120mL)
• 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Method:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture stand until very bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture until combined.
• Add the flour and salt to the mixer bowl.
• Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium-low, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle.
• Using a donut cutter or biscuit cutters, cut out 12 donuts and 12 donut holes, re-rolling scraps as necessary. You can also use a 3-inch and 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the donuts.
• Place the donuts and holes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer on parchment paper lightly dusted in flour. Loosely cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place, until doubled in size, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Working in batches, carefully place the donuts in an even layer in the air fryer basket, about 1 inch apart. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
• Cook for 6 minutes for donut holes and 8 minutes for big donuts, or until golden brown.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the warm donuts and donut holes into the glaze.
• Place on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Avoid the temptation to add more flour during the kneading process. The dough should be a little tacky.
• Make sure to measure your flour correctly. The best way to measure flour is by using a scale. If you don’t have a scale, fluff your flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and use a knife to level it off to avoid overpacking.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine the dough as directed, stirring together with a wooden spoon until shaggy. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, and knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
• Don’t wait too long to glaze your donuts. You want the donuts to still be warm to get the classic crackly glaze look. However, if they’re too hot, the glaze will slide off.
• The time it takes for your donut dough to rise depends on the temperature of your kitchen, as it’ll take longer to rise if your kitchen is cold. The ideal temperature for the dough to rise is between 75 to 78°F. If your kitchen is on the colder side, you can place your dough in an OFF oven with the light on.
• Do not skip the double rise and be careful not to overmix the dough. The second rise and mixing until just combined will result in light and airy donuts.
• Be careful not to roll out the dough too thin, or the donuts will be flat once they come out of the air fryer.

Air fryer donuts vs deep-fried donuts

Air fryer donuts and deep-fried donuts differ in several ways, from the preparation and cooking methods to the taste, texture, and health benefits. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Preparation and Cooking

Air Fryer Donuts: Preparing donuts in an air fryer is a convenient and straightforward process. It involves using premade biscuit dough, usually from a can, and cutting out donut shapes with a small cookie cutter or the cap of a bottle. The air fryer's basket is lightly coated with olive or coconut oil spray to prevent sticking, and then the donuts are placed inside and cooked for a few minutes until golden brown.

Deep-fried Donuts: Deep-frying donuts typically requires more preparation and can be a messier process. It involves preparing a dough from scratch, which often includes yeast, flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients. The dough then needs to be shaped into donuts, either by hand or with a donut cutter, and left to rise before being carefully placed in hot oil for frying.

Taste and Texture

Air Fryer Donuts: Air fryer donuts are described as having a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy, and tender interior. They are often compared to store-bought donuts or even deemed better. The cooking method allows for a crispy exterior without absorbing as much oil as deep-fried donuts, resulting in a lighter and healthier treat.

Deep-fried Donuts: Deep-fried donuts are known for their distinct texture and taste, which is harder to replicate with other cooking methods. They tend to have a more uniform texture throughout, with a crispy exterior and a moist, airy, and fluffy interior. The frying process imparts a unique flavour that is challenging to duplicate in an air fryer.

Health Considerations

Air Fryer Donuts: One of the biggest advantages of air fryer donuts is the reduced fat content compared to deep-fried donuts. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no added oil. This makes air fryer donuts a healthier alternative for those conscious of their fat and calorie intake.

Deep-fried Donuts: Deep-fried donuts are cooked by submerging them in hot oil, which results in a higher fat and calorie content. While they are indulgent and delicious, they may not be the best option for those watching their weight or with health concerns.

In conclusion, both air fryer donuts and deep-fried donuts have their pros and cons. Air fryer donuts are quicker, easier to prepare, and healthier, while deep-fried donuts offer a more traditional texture and taste but require more effort and result in a more calorie-dense treat. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences, time constraints, and health considerations.

Air fryer donut glaze ideas

There are many ways to glaze air-fried donuts. Here are some glaze ideas:

Vanilla Glaze

For a vanilla glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. You can also add corn syrup to keep the glaze thick and syrupy.

Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze

Brush the donuts with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon-sugar.

Maple Glaze

Stir together powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Chocolate Glaze

You can also make a chocolate glaze for your donuts.

Maple Bacon Topping

Use the maple glaze mentioned above and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits.

Glaze with Sprinkles

You can top your glazed donuts with sprinkles.

Other Toppings

Other toppings you can use include chocolate ganache, crushed breakfast cereal, caramel, and chopped crispy bacon.

Air fryer donut cooking time

The cooking time for air fryer donuts will vary depending on the recipe and the size of the donuts. On average, air fryer donuts will take around 4 to 8 minutes to cook at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking donuts at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It's important to note that air fryer models and brands vary, so cooking times can differ. It's recommended to keep a close eye on the donuts during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook.

Additionally, when making donut holes, the cooking time may be shorter, around 3 to 4 minutes, as they are smaller in size.

Air fryer donut storage

Air fryer donuts are best consumed on the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To keep your donuts fresh, it is best to avoid putting them in the fridge, as this can cause the glaze to melt and be absorbed into the donut, resulting in a sticky mess. Instead, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature.

If you want to freeze your donuts, it is recommended to freeze them unglazed. Allow them to cool to room temperature, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave to warm them up.

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