Air Fryer Donuts: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, and for good reason. They can cook food quickly and with minimal cleanup. But can you make donuts in an air fryer? The answer is yes, and they taste delicious. In this article, we will explore the best methods and recipes for making air fryer donuts, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly.

Air fryer donuts: the pros and cons

Air fryer donuts are a convenient alternative to deep-fried donuts. They are made by circulating hot air around the dough, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Here are some pros and cons to consider when making donuts in an air fryer:

Pros:

• Convenience and Cleanliness: Air fryers offer a convenient way to make donuts with minimal cleanup. They eliminate the need for deep frying in oil, which can be a messy process.
• Healthier Option: Air fryer donuts are considered lighter and healthier than deep-fried ones since they absorb less oil.
• Time Efficiency: Air fryer donuts take significantly less time to cook compared to traditional deep-fried donuts. Most recipes require only a few minutes of cooking time in the air fryer.
• Taste: Air fryer donuts can taste just as good as their deep-fried counterparts, offering a delicious treat without the grease. Some people even prefer the taste of air fryer donuts, as they have a softer texture and are less greasy.
• Versatility: Air fryers allow for various donut flavors and glazes, such as cinnamon-sugar, vanilla, or chocolate. You can also experiment with different types of dough, including yeast-raised and cake-style dough.

Cons:

• Quality: While air fryer donuts are convenient and tasty, they may not replicate the classic, nostalgic fried donut experience. The texture and appearance may differ, and they may lack the deep-fried flavor and aroma typically associated with traditional donuts.
• Size and Color: Air fryer donuts tend to be slightly smaller than deep-fried donuts. They also have a lighter color and may not achieve the same golden-brown exterior as deep-fried donuts due to the absence of hot oil.
• Equipment Limitations: Air fryer capacity can vary, and some models may not accommodate a donut pan or a large batch of donuts. It is important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer when deciding to make donuts.
• Technique: Making donuts in an air fryer requires some experimentation with temperature and timing. Each air fryer model is different, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking or underbaking the donuts.
• Storage: Air fryer donuts are best consumed fresh. While they can be stored for a day or two, they tend to dry out faster than deep-fried donuts due to the reduced amount of oil used.

In conclusion, air fryer donuts offer a convenient, tasty, and healthier alternative to deep-fried donuts. However, they may not provide the same traditional donut experience in terms of texture, appearance, and flavor. The decision to use an air fryer for making donuts depends on your personal preferences, equipment availability, and desired outcome.

How to make the perfect glaze

Making the perfect glaze for your donuts is essential. A simple 3-ingredient glaze can be made using milk or cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together and dunk each side of the warm donuts into the glaze. The glaze will set in about 10-20 minutes.

For an authentic donut glaze that dries and gets crackly, you'll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing is thin but not watery.

You can also experiment with different flavours by replacing the milk with your favourite fruit juice or swapping the vanilla with other extracts or citrus zest. For a chocolate glaze, add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the confectioner's sugar before adding the milk or cream.

Make sure your glaze is thick enough so that it sticks to the donuts and doesn't run off. If your glaze is too runny, add more confectioner's sugar a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Don't glaze your donuts until they are completely cool, or the glaze will melt and run off. If your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate your glazed donuts to prolong their freshness.

Yeast vs. baking powder

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. They can be used for roasting vegetables, grilling meats and fish, and even making desserts like doughnuts. While air-fried doughnuts may not have the same deep-fried flavour and texture as traditional doughnuts, they can still be a tasty treat, especially if you're looking for something that's less greasy.

Now, when it comes to yeast vs. baking powder in doughnuts, there are some key differences to note:

Yeast Doughnuts:

• Yeast doughnuts are made with a yeasted dough, similar to brioche. They are puffy, light, and may have a little chew to them.
• They get their lift from the yeast, which is a live organism that requires time to ferment and create carbon dioxide for rising. This means that yeast doughnuts need time to proof, usually a couple of hours or more, depending on the recipe.
• Yeast doughnuts tend to be less sweet than cake doughnuts and often rely on a glaze or sugar coating for added sweetness.
• They have a more complex flavour profile due to the fermentation process and are known for their "yeasty" taste.
• Yeast doughnuts are generally larger, with a smooth surface, and are easier to fill with jam or cream due to their pliable dough.
• They are considered more challenging to make than cake doughnuts.

Baking Powder Doughnuts (Cake Doughnuts):

• Cake doughnuts are made from a batter, similar to cake batter, and use baking powder and/or baking soda as chemical leavening agents.
• They are faster to make than yeast doughnuts since you don't need to wait for the dough to rise.
• Cake doughnuts are typically denser and have a crumbly texture. They are often described as being more filling and are considered better for dunking in coffee.
• They can come in a variety of flavours since the batter is more amenable to additions.
• Cake doughnuts are usually smaller and have a puckered hole in the middle. A subset, called old-fashioned doughnuts, have a cracked, craggy surface and splayed-out sides, resembling a flower.

So, when deciding between yeast and baking powder doughnuts, consider the time you have available, the texture and flavour you prefer, and whether you want a sweeter doughnut or one that's better for dunking. Both types have their pros and cons, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Air fryer vs. deep-frying

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a quick and convenient way to cook a variety of foods, from savoury dishes like chicken wings and onion rings to sweet treats like donuts.

When it comes to making donuts, the air fryer offers a number of advantages over traditional deep-frying. For one, there's no need to deal with hot oil, which can be messy and dangerous. Air fryers also reduce the amount of oil needed, resulting in lighter and healthier donuts. The hot air in the air fryer still creates a crispy exterior and moist interior, similar to that of deep-fried donuts. And, as an added bonus, there's less cleanup afterwards.

However, there are some differences in the final product when comparing air-fried and deep-fried donuts. Air-fried donuts may be slightly smaller and lighter in colour than their deep-fried counterparts. They also lack the deep-fried flavour and aroma that is associated with traditional donuts. In terms of taste and texture, air-fried donuts are described as being similar to soft dinner rolls dipped in glaze.

Additionally, the type of dough used can also impact the results. Yeast-raised doughnuts tend to work well in the air fryer, producing light, spongy, and slightly chewy treats. On the other hand, cake-style doughnuts may not fare as well, resulting in dry and flat donuts.

Ultimately, the decision between air frying and deep frying comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a classic, deep-fried donut experience, then deep frying may be the way to go. However, if you want to enjoy a tasty treat without the mess and hassle of deep frying, the air fryer is a great alternative.

Air fryer vs. oven baking

Air fryers have become a trendy kitchen appliance in recent years, but how do they compare to traditional oven baking? Both methods can be used to make doughnuts, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which approach to take.

Air fryers circulate hot air around food at high speeds inside a small chamber, resulting in faster cooking times than conventional ovens. This rapid air circulation also creates a crispy texture, similar to deep-fried foods, without the need for unhealthy oils. Air fryers are ideal for breaded foods like mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, and jalapeño poppers. They are also more compact, making them suitable for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. However, their small size limits their capacity, requiring multiple batches when cooking for larger groups.

Oven baking, on the other hand, offers several advantages. Conventional ovens, especially those with convection settings, can produce equally good or better-tasting foods than air fryers. They are particularly well-suited for cooking larger portions or roasting whole chickens. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, similar to air fryers, resulting in even baking. Additionally, ovens provide more flexibility in terms of temperature control, allowing for a wider range of cooking techniques beyond frying or baking.

When it comes to making doughnuts, air fryers can produce decent results, but they may not replicate the classic, nostalgic fried doughnut experience. Air-fried doughnuts tend to be slightly smaller and lack the deep-fried flavour and colour of their traditional counterparts. However, they are a healthier alternative and are perfect for those who want a tasty yeasted treat without the mess of deep frying.

In conclusion, both air fryers and oven baking have their pros and cons. Air fryers excel at creating crispy textures, are compact, and are ideal for breaded foods. Ovens, especially convection ovens, offer more capacity and flexibility in cooking techniques, making them better suited for larger portions or a variety of dishes. The best appliance for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and cooking habits.

Frequently asked questions