Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk°)
lukewarm (about 100°F
- 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
or instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
plus 1 tsp
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil Spray
Coconut oil works best
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 Tbsp hot water
or as needed
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, gently stir together lukewarm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy (If nothing happens your milk was too hot or the yeast is too old, so start over).
- 2
Add sugar, salt, egg, melted butter and 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then with the mixer running add the remaining cup of flour slowly, until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.
- 3
Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled. Dough is ready if you make a dent with your finger and the indention remains.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, punch it down and gently roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out 10-12 donuts using a 3-inch round cutter and a 1-inch round cutter to remove center.
- 5
Transfer donuts and donut holes to lightly floured parchment paper and cover loosely with greased plastic wrap. Let donuts rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Preheat Air Fryer to 350F.
- 6
Spray Air Fryer basket with oil spray, carefully transfer donuts to Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Spray donuts with oil spray and cook at 350F until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.
- 7
While the donuts are in the Air Fryer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in hot water one tablespoon at a time until the icing is somewhat thin, but not watery. Set aside.
- 8
Dip hot donuts and donut holes in the glaze using to forks to submerge them. Place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow excess glaze to drip off. Let sit until glaze hardens, about 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Donuts
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About this Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut, complete with that irresistible classic glaze, all made right in your own kitchen without the hassle of deep-frying. These homemade Air Fryer Donuts make that dream a delicious reality.
This recipe crafts a true-to-form yeast dough, delivering the authentic texture and rich flavor you expect from a bakery donut. By using your air fryer, you achieve a wonderfully crisp exterior and tender interior, creating a treat that feels decadent but uses significantly less fat than traditional fried versions, making them better than baked and a lighter alternative to deep-fried.
You can anticipate a tender, airy crumb encased in a delicate, slightly crisp crust. Each donut is generously coated in a sweet, vanilla-infused glaze that perfectly complements the rich, buttery notes of the dough. The process culminates in 12 delightful servings, offering a satisfying chew and comforting warmth that truly tastes like the real deal.
Get creative with your glaze! Instead of hot water, you could try a splash of milk or a citrus juice for a tangy twist. You could also sprinkle on cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets for added texture and visual appeal. For the dough, if you don't have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used as a direct substitute.
These delightful Air Fryer Donuts are ideal for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or as a comforting dessert. Serve them fresh and warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.