Olivia Carter
Making donuts in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts. And the best part? You don’t even need yeast! With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can indulge in homemade donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Without the need for yeast, this recipe cuts down on the time and effort required to make donuts. Instead of waiting for the dough to rise, you can have delicious donuts ready to be enjoyed in no time. The secret ingredient in this recipe is baking powder, which gives the donuts their airy texture without the need for yeast.
To make these donuts, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and butter. You can customize your donuts by adding flavors like vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Once you have your dough ready, you’ll shape it into donut rings and place them in the air fryer.
The air fryer cooks the donuts evenly and quickly, giving them a golden-brown exterior that’s reminiscent of traditional fried donuts. You’ll be amazed at how light and delicious these air-fried donuts turn out. And with no yeast, you can satisfy your craving for donuts whenever the mood strikes, without the long waiting times.
So, grab your air fryer and get ready to make mouthwatering donuts that are both easy and yeast-free. With this recipe, you’ll become a pro at making homemade donuts in no time. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of freshly baked donuts without the guilt of deep-frying. Your friends and family will be impressed by your skills in the kitchen, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought donuts again!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making donuts in an air fryer without yeast, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to ensure that your donuts come out light, fluffy, and delicious. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
1. All-Purpose Flour: Use all-purpose flour as the base for your donut dough. This type of flour works well for donuts as it has a moderate protein content, resulting in a tender texture.
2. Baking Powder: Since we’re not using yeast in this recipe, baking powder will act as the leavening agent to make the donuts rise. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
3. Sugar: Donuts need a sweet touch, so be sure to include sugar in your dough. Granulated sugar works well, but you can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or powdered sugar, for varying flavors.
4. Milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps create a tender crumb. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including cow’s milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
5. Butter: Adding butter to your donut dough contributes to a rich and buttery flavor. Make sure to use unsalted butter and let it soften before incorporating it into the dough.
6. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of your donuts. Use a good quality vanilla extract for the best results.
By choosing the right ingredients, you can create homemade donuts in your air fryer that are just as delicious as the traditional yeast ones. Now, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the dough!
Preparing the Dough
To make donuts in an air fryer without yeast, you will need to prepare a simple dough using baking powder. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky.
Start by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients together.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter, 3/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts.
The dough may be slightly sticky at this point, so lightly flour your hands and work surface. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and knead it for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes. This will give the gluten in the dough time to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape.
While the dough is resting, you can preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that the fryer is at the right temperature when it’s time to cook the donuts.
After the dough has rested, lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes from the dough, and then use a smaller round cutter to remove the center of each donut. Collect the donut holes as well.
Place the cut-out donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can lightly brush them with melted butter or oil to help promote browning, if desired. This step is optional, but it can add flavor and color to the donuts.
At this point, the dough is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. In the next section, you will learn how to properly cook the donuts to achieve that golden and crispy exterior.
Cooking the Donuts in Air Fryer
To cook the donuts in an air fryer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent the donuts from sticking.
Step 3: Place the donuts in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket. Leave some space between each donut to allow them to cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the donuts in the preheated air fryer for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the donuts to the other side.
Step 5: Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Once the donuts are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Step 7: Repeat the process with the remaining donuts, if necessary, until all the dough is cooked.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the donuts while they cook and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Adding Toppings and Enjoying Your Donuts
Once your air fried donuts have cooled down, it’s time to add some delicious toppings and enjoy your homemade treats. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Glazes and Icings
One of the most popular ways to add flavor and sweetness to donuts is by using glazes and icings. You can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and a liquid of your choice, such as milk or lemon juice. For a richer taste, try making a chocolate glaze by melting chocolate chips and mixing them with a little bit of butter and powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts using a spoon or a squeeze bottle.
Sprinkles and Decorations
For a fun and colorful touch, you can add sprinkles, colored sugar, or other edible decorations to your donuts. Simply dip the top of each donut into a bowl of sprinkles or roll them in a plate filled with colored sugar. You can also use edible glitter or small candies to make your donuts even more eye-catching. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match different toppings!
Tip: If you want a classic and simple donut, you can also dust your donuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar for a tasty finish.
Enjoying Your Homemade Donuts
Now that your donuts are beautifully decorated, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor! You can enjoy your air fried donuts as a delicious breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or your favorite hot beverage for the perfect combination.
Remember, homemade donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their warmth and softness.
Celebrate your donut-making achievement by sharing your creations with friends and family or simply indulging in a moment of pure sweetness!
FAQ
Can I make donuts in an air fryer without yeast?
Yes, you can make donuts in an air fryer without yeast. This recipe uses baking powder instead of yeast to help the donuts rise.
What ingredients do I need to make donuts in an air fryer without yeast?
To make donuts in an air fryer without yeast, you will need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract for the dough. For the glaze, you will need powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
How do I make the dough for the donuts without yeast?
To make the dough for the donuts without yeast, you will need to mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Can I use a different type of glaze for the donuts?
Yes, you can use a different type of glaze for the donuts if desired. You can try using chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or a flavored glaze like strawberry or maple.
How long do I cook the donuts in the air fryer?
The donuts should be cooked in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
