Making Donuts At Home: Deep Fryer Delights

Making donuts at home is easier than you think, but it does require a little patience. The process is made even simpler if you have a deep fryer, but if you don't, you can still make delicious donuts with a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make mouth-watering donuts in a deep fryer or on a stovetop. We will also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time.

Choosing the right oil

Oil Type

The type of oil you choose will impact the flavour and texture of your donuts. It is recommended to use neutral-tasting oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, safflower, or peanut oil. These oils have a mild flavour, allowing the taste of the donuts to shine through. Additionally, they can withstand high temperatures without burning, reducing the risk of your donuts tasting burnt.

Oil Temperature

Maintaining the right temperature is essential for achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on your donuts. Aim to heat your oil between 350°F (176°C) and 375°F (190°C). At this temperature, your donuts will cook evenly, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. If the oil is too cold, your donuts may turn out greasy and undercooked. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, your donuts may burn or become hard.

Oil Quantity

When using a deep fryer, ensure you have enough oil to completely submerge the donuts. This will allow them to cook evenly on all sides. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may need 2-3 inches of oil to achieve this. However, be careful not to overfill your fryer, as hot oil can be dangerous and cause spillage.

Oil Reuse

You can reuse frying oil multiple times, but it's important to store it properly between uses. Let the oil cool completely, then pass it through a sieve to remove any debris. Store the oil in a sealed container and keep it in a cool, dry place. With proper care, frying oil can be reused three to four times.

Oil Safety

Frying with oil can be dangerous if not done properly. Always monitor the oil temperature to prevent overheating. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents. Do not leave the fryer unattended, and be cautious of splashing oil when adding donuts. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your deep fryer to ensure safe operation.

Preparing the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your recipe, but the basic components include warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, salt, and all-purpose flour. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavour.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a small amount of sugar. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, which will help the dough rise.

Once the yeast mixture is ready, you can add the remaining ingredients. Start by pouring in the milk, melted butter, and any additional sugar and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.

Now it's time to add the flour. Gradually incorporate it into the wet mixture, stirring continuously. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky. Keep adding flour until the dough comes together and gathers in the centre of the bowl.

At this stage, you should have a rough ball of dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Use your palms to push and fold the dough, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving it a nice chewy texture.

Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment. This process can take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. The dough should double in size.

After the dough has risen, you can move on to the next step, which is shaping and cutting the donuts. However, if you want to add any fillings or make flavoured donuts, this would be the ideal time to do so. You can experiment with different extracts, spices, or even chocolate to create unique and delicious donuts.

Shaping the doughnuts

Firstly, after the dough has risen, you will need to divide it into two equal portions. This ensures an even distribution of dough for shaping and allows for a consistent size among your doughnuts. Place one portion on a floured board or surface, ensuring there is enough flour to prevent sticking.

Next, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. The ideal thickness for doughnuts is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. You want the dough to be rolled out evenly, creating a flat, uniform layer. At this stage, you can use a doughnut cutter, typically 3 inches in diameter, to cut out the doughnut shapes. If you don't have a doughnut cutter, you can use a large and small circle cookie cutter, with the larger one being about 3.5 inches in diameter.

Place the cut-out doughnuts on individual pre-cut parchment papers, and set them on a large tray or plate. This prevents the doughnuts from sticking to the surface and makes it easier to transfer them later. Don't forget to gather the dough scraps, re-roll them, and cut out more doughnuts to minimise waste. Repeat this process with the other half of the dough.

Once you have cut out all your doughnuts, it's time to let them rest. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet, and line 1 or 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place the doughnuts and their holes on the prepared sheets. Cover them loosely and let them rest for about 30 minutes while you heat the oil for frying. During this resting period, the doughnuts will rise slightly, contributing to their fluffy texture.

Now your doughnuts are shaped and ready for frying! Remember to heat your oil to the ideal temperature, usually around 350-375°F (176-191°C), before carefully placing the doughnuts into the hot oil.

Regulating the oil temperature

• Use a Thermometer: Invest in a good food thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately. A thermometer will help you maintain the ideal frying temperature and prevent overheating or underheating the oil. Place the thermometer in the oil while heating to ensure precise readings.
• Target Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for frying donuts is between 350°F (176°C) and 375°F (190°C). This temperature range will ensure that your donuts cook evenly and achieve a golden brown colour without burning. Adjust your stove's heat setting accordingly to maintain this temperature range.
• Heat Oil Gradually: When heating the oil, do it gradually over medium to medium-high heat. This will help you reach the desired temperature without overheating the oil. Depending on your stove, you may need to adjust the heat setting between medium and high to find the sweet spot for maintaining the target temperature.
• Don't Crowded the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan or pot when frying donuts. Adding too many donuts at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, affecting the cooking time and the taste of your donuts. Fry in batches to maintain consistent results.
• Choose the Right Oil: Select an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. Vegetable, canola, peanut, or safflower oil are good choices as they can withstand high temperatures without burning and have a mild flavour that won't overpower your donuts.
• Monitor Temperature Continuously: Keep a close eye on the thermometer throughout the frying process. The oil temperature will fluctuate as you add and remove donuts. Adjust your stove's heat setting as needed to maintain the target temperature range.
• Be Patient: Don't rush the frying process. Allow the oil to heat up gradually and give it time to recover between batches. This will help ensure consistent results and prevent your donuts from absorbing excess grease.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Frying donuts at home without a deep fryer can take some practice. Don't get discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly. Keep trying, and you'll soon be frying donuts like a pro!

Draining and glazing the doughnuts

Once your doughnuts are fried, it's time to drain and glaze them. Place the fried doughnuts on a wire rack set over a large tray or on paper towels to drain and cool. If you want to roll them in sugar and/or cinnamon, do this while they are still moderately hot. If you are glazing or dipping the doughnuts, allow them to cool first.

To make a simple glaze, whisk together milk or cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Dunk each side of the warm doughnuts into the glaze. The glaze will set in about 20 minutes.

If you want to get creative, you can make a chocolate glaze by adding 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture. Alternatively, you can dip the doughnuts in a classic vanilla glaze and then roll them in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or even pumpkin spice sugar.

Frequently asked questions