Air-Fryer Donuts: A Tasty, Guilt-Free Treat

Making donuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious treat without the mess and hassle of deep-frying. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior—the perfect combination for homemade donuts. This method is also healthier, as the donuts absorb less oil, and more convenient, with easier clean-up.

There are various air fryer donut recipes available, from cinnamon-sugar donuts to yeast dough donuts, and some can be made in under 30 minutes. The process is simple: cut holes in the dough, place them in the air fryer basket, cook until golden brown, then glaze or coat with cinnamon-sugar.

Choosing the right oil spray

When it comes to choosing an oil spray for making donuts in your air fryer, there are several factors to consider. The type of oil you use will impact the flavour, texture, and appearance of your donuts, so it's worth taking the time to select the right one. Here are some tips to help you choose the best oil spray for your air-fried donuts:

Smoke Point:

Start by considering the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to smoke and potentially catch fire. For deep frying, it is essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Since you will be frying your donuts at temperatures between 350-375°F, select an oil with a smoke point comfortably above this range. Refined avocado oil, canola oil, and liquid shortening are good choices with high smoke points.

Flavour:

The flavour of the oil you choose will influence the taste of your donuts. Opt for a neutral-tasting oil that won't overpower the natural sweetness of the donut or the coatings you add. Oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and refined avocado oil have mild flavours that won't interfere with the taste of your donuts. Avoid strongly flavoured oils like olive oil.

Colour:

The colour of your oil can also impact the final appearance of your donuts. Choose an oil that will help you achieve that perfect, light golden colour. Unrefined oils tend to be darker and can produce darker-coloured donuts. Go for a light-coloured oil like sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or refined avocado oil for the best results.

Cost and Availability:

Donut-making can require a significant amount of oil, so consider the cost and availability of the oil you choose. You don't want to break the bank, so opt for a cost-effective option that is readily available to you. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and sunflower oil are common choices that are usually affordable and easy to find.

Health Considerations:

If you're conscious about making healthier donuts, consider oils with higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats or zero grams of trans fats. Avocado oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil are good choices in this regard. Additionally, look for oils with lower saturated fat content, keeping in mind that palm oil, for example, has a neutral flavour but is high in saturated fat.

Spray Application:

When applying the oil to your air fryer, it's important to note that cooking sprays like Pam can damage the nonstick coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a DIY approach. Put a small amount of oil in a spray bottle and apply it sparingly to your donuts or the basket. Oils with higher smoke points, like those mentioned above, are better suited for this purpose.

Preparing the dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients. Most recipes call for milk, yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Some recipes may also require additional ingredients for the glaze or toppings, such as powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Once you have your ingredients, start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk (around 100°F to 110°F), yeast, and a small amount of sugar. The milk should not be hotter than 115°F, as this can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Next, you can begin mixing your dough. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the melted butter, eggs, and sugar. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are well combined. Then, slowly add in the remaining flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. You may need to adjust the speed and mixing time depending on your stand mixer.

Once the initial dough is formed, it's time to knead it. Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky, so avoid adding too much extra flour. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can also knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.

After kneading, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. The ideal temperature for the dough to rise is between 75°F to 78°F. This process may take about an hour or more, depending on your kitchen temperature. You'll know the dough is ready when it has doubled in size, and a finger indentation remains when you gently press the dough.

Now it's time to shape your donuts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. You can use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to cut out the donut shapes. If you don't have a donut cutter, you can use a combination of a wide drinking glass or a large cookie cutter for the outside, and a smaller cookie cutter or shot glass for the center hole. Place the cut-out donuts and donut holes on a prepared baking sheet or tray, leaving some space between them to rise.

Finally, let the donuts rise again. Cover them loosely and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until they have doubled in size. This will ensure that your donuts are light and airy. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this second rise may take about 15 to 30 minutes.

Once your donuts have risen, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F, and lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the donuts in the air fryer in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook the donuts for about 4 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

Remember, these are general instructions, and specific quantities and cooking times may vary depending on the recipe you are following.

Cutting the dough

Once your dough is ready, it's time to cut out your donuts. You can use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to do this. If you don't have either of these, you can use a 3-inch and 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. You can also use a wide drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring and a shot glass.

Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 10-12 donuts, and then cut out the centres of each donut. You can use the dough you cut out from the middle to make donut holes. Place the donuts and donut holes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer on parchment paper lightly dusted in flour.

Now you're ready to fry your donuts!

Air-frying the donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Firstly, prepare your dough. If you're making the dough from scratch, you'll need to activate the yeast by mixing it with lukewarm milk and a small amount of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the remaining dough ingredients and knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough as a shortcut.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Donuts

Once your dough is ready, it's time to cut out the donut shapes. Use a donut cutter or biscuit cutters to cut out the donuts and donut holes. You can also use a drinking glass or a wide-mouth canning ring for the larger circle and a shot glass for the smaller inner circle. Place the cut-out donuts on a floured surface or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F. This temperature will ensure that your donuts cook evenly and become golden brown.

Step 4: Place the Donuts in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the donuts with oil to help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Step 5: Cook the Donuts

Cook the donuts for about 4 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer cooking times can vary. You may need to flip the donuts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze or Topping (Optional)

While the donuts are cooking, you can prepare a glaze or topping. A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. You can also make a cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish and melting butter in a separate bowl.

Step 7: Glaze or Coat the Donuts

Once the donuts are cooked and still warm, it's time to glaze or coat them. If using a glaze, dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. If using a cinnamon-sugar coating, brush the cooked donuts with melted butter and then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your air-fried donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! They are best served warm and fresh. You can also add some sprinkles or other toppings for extra fun and flavour.

Adding glaze or toppings

There are many ways to get creative with your glaze and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Maple Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with maple syrup. For an extra kick, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon. Spray your donuts with oil before dipping them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle on a rich chocolate glaze. You can even add some sprinkles or mini chocolate chips as toppings.
• Maple Bacon Topping: Combine the maple glaze with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for a sweet and savoury treat.
• Sprinkles: Add some fun and colour to your donuts with sprinkles. This can be done right after dipping your donuts in glaze so that the sprinkles stick.
• Crumb Topping: Make your own crumb topping at home or use a pre-made one for a sugary streusel effect.

Remember, the calories in your donuts will increase with the addition of glaze and toppings. A basic glazed donut can range from 140 to 340 calories, depending on the brand and size. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, opt for a smaller donut or donut hole, and enjoy your treat in moderation.

Frequently asked questions