Air-Fried Glazed Donuts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making glazed donuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. This method is less messy than traditional deep-fried donuts and results in a delicious treat with a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy exterior. Here's a step-by-step guide to making mouth-watering glazed donuts in your air fryer.

Making the dough

To start, you'll need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk (around 100°F) with a little bit of sugar and gently stir in the yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You'll know the yeast is activated when you see little particles popping and the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your donuts will rise properly.

Once your yeast is activated, it's time to add the remaining dough ingredients. In a stand mixer, combine the yeast mixture with melted butter, an egg, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything on low speed until the ingredients are well combined. Then, slowly add more flour and increase the speed to medium-low. Continue kneading the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth, which should take around 5 minutes.

The dough will be ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. At this stage, it's normal for the dough to be a little sticky. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and gently coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. This process can take up to an hour or more, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. To test if the dough has risen enough, simply poke it with your finger; if the indentation remains, it's ready.

Now it's time to roll out the dough. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or a wide drinking glass to cut out the donut shapes. Don't worry if you don't have a biscuit cutter; you can use any circular object of a similar size. For the donut holes, you can use a 1-inch cutter or simply gather and roll the dough cutouts from the center of each donut.

Once you've cut out all your donuts, it's time for the second rise. Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with melted butter, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes. This step is crucial to ensuring your donuts are light and fluffy.

After the second rise, your dough is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! But remember, the key to successful air fryer donuts is not to overcrowd the basket. Cook your donuts in batches, and enjoy the delicious results!

Cutting the donuts

Now it's time to cut the donuts!

First, you'll need to roll out your dough. Lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to a thickness of around 0.5 inches.

Next, cut out your donut shapes. You can use a donut cutter, or two round biscuit cutters, one larger for the outer edge and a smaller one for the hole. If you don't have either of these, you can use a drinking glass or wide-mouth canning ring for the outer shape, and a shot glass for the hole. Simply press down firmly to cut through the dough cleanly. You can also use the other end of a piping tip to make the cut, or simply cut a hole with a knife. If you're cutting the hole with a knife, you can cut a smaller hole and then stretch the dough evenly on all edges until the hole is around 1 inch.

Arrange your cuts as close to each other as possible to minimize waste. You can re-roll the scraps to cut out more donuts, but do so sparingly as overworked dough can become tough.

Don't forget about the donut holes! You can either use the dough that you cut out from the middle of each donut, or roll separate holes by taking small pieces of dough, rolling them into balls about 1 inch in diameter, and ensuring they're smooth and even for consistent cooking.

Air-frying the donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 345-370°F. Then, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can use coconut or olive oil cooking spray, but avoid non-stick sprays as these can damage the lining of the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Prepare the Donuts

Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the donuts with cooking spray.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the donuts for around 4-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The donuts are ready when they are a deep golden brown colour. You may need to cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Step 4: Glaze the Donuts

While the donuts are air-frying, prepare the glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. The glaze will set with a shiny appearance if the donuts are still warm when dipped.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Your glazed donuts are now ready to serve! They are best consumed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the donuts for up to 3 months.

Making the glaze

Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and let them set on a cooling rack. The glaze will set with a shiny appearance if the donuts are still warm when dipped. You can also place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

The glaze will give your donuts a crackly, sweet coating that dries quickly. It is best to glaze the donuts while they are still warm to achieve the classic crackly glaze look. However, if the donuts are too hot, the glaze will slide off.

Storing the donuts

Storing your air fryer glazed donuts is an important step to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your donuts:

Room Temperature Storage:

It is recommended to store your glazed donuts in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to store them away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage.

Refrigerator Storage:

You can also store your glazed donuts in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 3-6 days. However, it is important to note that the glaze may lose its structure and become sticky after being refrigerated, so it is generally recommended to consume glazed donuts within the first few days.

Freezer Storage:

If you want to store your donuts for a more extended period, freezing is an option. It is best to freeze unglazed donuts as the glaze may not hold up well in the freezer. Place the unglazed donuts in a freezer bag or airtight container and store them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, glaze them, and enjoy!

Reheating Tips:

If you choose to freeze or refrigerate your donuts, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer or oven to bring them back to their original warmth and freshness. For glazed donuts, a quick 5-10 second blast in the microwave will also do the trick!

Remember, donuts are best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume them within the first two days for the best experience. However, with proper storage techniques, you can still enjoy your air fryer glazed donuts for several days or even months!

Frequently asked questions