Air-Fried Doughnuts: The Quick And Easy Way

Making doughnuts in an air fryer is a convenient and less messy alternative to deep-frying. While the results may not be identical to traditional doughnuts, air-fried doughnuts are still tasty and worth trying. The process involves preparing a yeast dough, cutting it into the desired shape, air-frying, and then glazing or coating the doughnuts. This method produces doughnuts that are lighter, healthier, and less oily than their deep-fried counterparts.

Choosing the right oil spray

If you don't have access to olive or coconut oil spray, you can also use a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil and lightly brush or rub it onto the air fryer basket. This will help prevent your doughnuts from sticking without causing any damage.

It's also important to note that while air-fried doughnuts are a healthier alternative to deep-fried doughnuts, the type of oil or spray you choose can impact their nutritional value. Olive oil, for example, is known for its healthy fats and antioxidants, so if nutrition is a priority, it may be a better choice than other options.

When preparing your doughnuts, remember to also lightly spray or brush the tops of the doughnuts with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure an even cook and help achieve that desirable golden-brown colour.

Lastly, if you're looking to add some extra flavour to your doughnuts, consider brushing them with melted butter after air frying and then tossing them in cinnamon-sugar. This will give your doughnuts a delicious, sweet coating that's hard to resist!

Preparing the dough

To make the dough, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Milk
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Oil spray

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk (around 100°F), yeast, and a small amount of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast, which is crucial for the dough to rise properly.

Next, in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the melted butter, eggs, and remaining sugar. Stir in the yeast mixture until well combined.

Now, it's time to add the dry ingredients. Add the flour and salt to the mixer bowl, and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough starts to form. Increase the speed to medium-low, and continue kneading for about 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

At this point, you should transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. This process can take around an hour or more, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. You'll know the dough is ready when it has doubled in size, and when you make an indentation with your finger, it remains.

Once the dough has risen, it's time to roll it out. Lightly flour your work surface, and roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to cut out the donuts and donut holes. You can also use a drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring if you don't have a donut cutter. Place the cut-out donuts and holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let them rise again until doubled in volume.

Cutting out the doughnuts

Once you've made your dough, it's time to cut out your doughnuts.

Roll out your dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. You can use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to cut out your doughnut shapes. If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use a 3-inch and a 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts. You can also use a wide drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring and a shot glass. If you're using biscuit cutters, use a 3-inch and a 1-inch cutter to cut out the donuts.

Place the cut-out doughnuts on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly dusted with flour. You can also use a greased tray in the air fryer basket. Loosely cover the doughnuts and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until they've doubled in size. This should take about 30 minutes to an hour.

If you want to make donut holes, simply use the dough that you cut out from the middle of each donut. You can cook these in the air fryer, too.

Cooking the doughnuts

The cooking time for your doughnuts will depend on the type of dough you use. Yeast-raised doughnuts will take less time to cook than cake-style doughnuts. For yeast-raised doughnuts, cook at 350°F in the air fryer for about 4 minutes. For cake-style doughnuts, cook at the same temperature for about 7 minutes.

If you are cooking doughnut holes, these will take less time to cook than the full-sized doughnuts. For yeast-raised doughnut holes, cook for about 6 minutes. For cake-style doughnut holes, cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.

When cooking the doughnuts, spray the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, such as Pam, as these can damage the non-stick coating of the basket. Instead, opt for olive oil or coconut oil spray.

Place the doughnuts in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, leaving space between them so that they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the doughnuts in batches. Cook the doughnuts until they are golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

While the doughnuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon-sugar, or dip them in a glaze.

Glazing the doughnuts

Preparing the Glaze

First, you will need to decide on the type of glaze you want to use. A simple and classic option is a sweet donut glaze that dries into a crackly finish. To make this glaze, you will need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Melt the butter and then stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding a small amount of hot water if it becomes too thick.

Alternatively, you can opt for a chocolate glaze by adding unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture. If you prefer a more vibrant glaze, you can create a maple glaze by stirring together powdered sugar and maple syrup. For those who enjoy a more indulgent treat, a maple bacon topping can be created by using the maple glaze and sprinkling crispy bacon bits on top.

If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at a cinnamon-sugar coating. Simply combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. You can also add sprinkles, shaved almonds, or mini chocolate chips to this mixture for extra texture and flavour.

Dipping or Tossing the Doughnuts

Once you have prepared your chosen glaze, it's time to apply it to the doughnuts. If you are using a glaze, dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, ensuring they are coated evenly. Allow any excess glaze to drip off, and then place the doughnuts on a wire rack to dry. If your glaze is too thin, it may slide off the doughnuts, so be mindful of the consistency.

For the cinnamon-sugar coating, brush the warm doughnuts with melted butter and then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure that both sides of the doughnuts are well-coated.

Setting the Glaze

After glazing, place the doughnuts on a wire rack and allow the glaze to set. This usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. The ideal temperature for setting the glaze is between 75 to 78°F (24 to 26°C). If your kitchen is on the colder side, you can place the doughnuts in an oven that is turned off but still has the light on, providing a gentle warmth.

Storing Glazed Doughnuts

Glazed doughnuts are best consumed on the same day they are made, as the glaze can absorb into the doughnut, resulting in a sticky mess. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

You can also freeze glazed doughnuts. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave to regain their warmth.

Frequently asked questions