Donut heaven at home: how to make fluffy donuts in an air fryer

Who doesn’t love the sweet and fluffy goodness of donuts? But what if you could enjoy this delectable treat without the hassle of deep-frying? Enter the air fryer, a revolutionary kitchen appliance that promises to make your culinary dreams come true. So, can you make donuts in an air fryer?

The Answer is a Resounding ‘Yes’!

Yes, you can absolutely make donuts in an air fryer! This innovative cooking method allows you to create perfectly cooked donuts with a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses significantly less oil.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make donuts in an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Donut cutter
• Air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious donuts in your air fryer:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
4. Cut Out the Donuts: Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts from the rolled-out dough.
5. Place in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
6. Cook: Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Glaze or Frost: If desired, glaze or frost the donuts after they have cooled slightly.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

• Use a good quality donut cutter to ensure even shapes.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the donuts from cooking evenly.
• Cook the donuts for the recommended time, as overcooking will make them dry and crumbly.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing or frosting, as this will prevent the glaze or frosting from melting.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic donut recipe, you can experiment with different variations to create your own unique creations:

• Glazed Donuts: Dip the cooked donuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Chocolate Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Filled Donuts: Fill the donuts with your favorite fillings, such as jelly, custard, or cream cheese.
• Baked Donuts: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Benefits of Making Donuts in an Air Fryer

Making donuts in an air fryer offers several benefits:

• Healthier: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, making it a healthier cooking method.
• Convenient: Air fryers cook donuts quickly and evenly, making them a convenient option for busy individuals.
• Versatile: Air fryers can be used to make a variety of other foods, such as chicken wings, French fries, and vegetables.
• Easy to Clean: Air fryers are easy to clean, as the nonstick basket can be simply wiped down with a damp cloth.

Questions You May Have

1. Can I use other types of flour to make donuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour. However, the cooking time and texture may vary.

2. How do I store leftover donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze donuts?
Yes, you can freeze donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

4. What if my donuts turn out too dry?
If your donuts turn out too dry, try adding a little more milk to the dough.

5. What if my donuts turn out too greasy?
If your donuts turn out too greasy, try cooking them for a shorter time.

6. What are some unique glaze or frosting ideas?
You can glaze or frost your donuts with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even bacon bits.

7. Can I make gluten-free donuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make gluten-free donuts by using gluten-free flour.

8. Can I make vegan donuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make vegan donuts by using plant-based milk, eggs, and butter.

9. Can I make donuts in an air fryer without using a donut cutter?
Yes, you can use a biscuit cutter or even a cookie cutter to cut out donuts from the dough.

10. Can I make filled donuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can fill the donuts with your favorite fillings after they have cooked.