Olivia Carter
Are you craving a delicious and fluffy doughnut, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of deep frying? Look no further! Making doughnuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will take you through the step-by-step process of creating mouthwatering doughnuts in no time.
Why use an air fryer?
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods. Not only will your doughnuts turn out perfectly golden and fluffy, but they’ll also be less greasy and calorie-heavy.
Before you begin:
Before you start making doughnuts in your air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, egg, butter, and any additional flavourings or toppings you desire. You’ll also need an air fryer and a doughnut mold or a round cookie cutter to shape the dough.
Now that you’re fully prepared, let’s dive into the process of making delicious doughnuts in an air fryer!
Mixing the Dough
To make delicious doughnuts in an air fryer, you need to start with a well-mixed dough. Here’s how to do it:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk or a fork, mix all the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 2 beaten eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure the butter is cooled down before adding it to the mixture. This will help prevent the eggs from cooking.
3. Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour the liquid mixture into it. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix the dough; it should be slightly lumpy.
4. If the dough becomes too sticky, gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky to the touch.
5. Once the dough is mixed and has reached the right consistency, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter, fluffier doughnut.
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and fry the doughnuts. Continue reading to find out how to do it!
Shaping the Doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your doughnuts. Here’s how:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and punch it down to release any trapped air. |
| 2 | Roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this, making sure to flip the dough a few times to prevent sticking. |
| 3 | Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, you can also use a glass or a jar lid. |
| 4 | Punch out the centers of the doughnuts using a smaller round shape, such as a bottle cap or a piping tip. |
| 5 | Place the shaped doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between them to allow for rising. |
| 6 | Cover the doughnuts with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. |
Now that your doughnuts are shaped and ready to go, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer.
Air Frying the Doughnuts
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to air fry the doughnuts. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the doughnuts from sticking to the basket.
Next, carefully transfer the doughnuts from the baking sheet to the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced and do not touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cooking Time
Air frying the doughnuts typically takes about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer’s power. Flip the doughnuts halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides.
Keep a close eye on the doughnuts as they cook, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt. The exact cooking time may vary, so it’s best to check them frequently to avoid overcooking.
Cooling and Glazing
Once the doughnuts are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This will allow any excess oil to drain off and prevent them from becoming soggy.
While the doughnuts are cooling, you can prepare your desired glaze or toppings. Traditional glazes such as chocolate, vanilla, or powdered sugar work great with air-fried doughnuts. Simply dip each doughnut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top, and allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Once the glaze has set, your air-fried doughnuts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them while they are still slightly warm for the best taste and texture.
Adding Flavourful Toppings
One of the best things about making doughnuts in an air fryer is that you can easily customize them with a variety of flavourful toppings. Here are some delicious ideas to try:
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the doughnuts for a classic and simple finish.
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the doughnuts for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Coat the doughnuts in cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spiced flavour.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top of the warm doughnuts for a creamy and delightful dessert.
- For a fruity twist, spread a layer of your favourite jam or fruit preserves on top of the doughnuts.
- Create a glaze by mixing icing sugar with a small amount of milk or flavoured extract, and drizzle it over the doughnuts for a glossy and sweet finish.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or colourful sprinkles on top of the glaze for a fun and decorative touch.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique flavour combinations. You can also get creative by adding crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, or even a scoop of Nutella on top of the doughnuts. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Doughnuts
Once your delicious homemade doughnuts have finished cooking in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Follow these tips to make the most of your doughnut-making experience:
1. Glaze or Topping
Add a final touch to your doughnuts by glazing them or adding a topping. A classic glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip your doughnuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack. For a simple topping, sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top of your doughnuts.
2. Pairing and Presentation
Doughnuts are best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Serve them on a decorative plate or cake stand to enhance their visual appeal. You can also consider using colorful sprinkles or edible decorations to make your doughnuts look even more inviting.
For a fun twist, try serving mini doughnuts on skewers or lollipop sticks, making them easy to eat on the go or as a party treat.
3. Enjoy Fresh and Share
Doughnuts are at their best when freshly made, so try to serve and enjoy them as soon as possible. Share them with family, friends, or co-workers to spread the joy of your homemade treats.
Remember, making doughnuts in an air fryer allows you to enjoy a healthier version of this beloved treat without sacrificing taste. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your unique doughnut creations!
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to a convection oven, but in a smaller and faster way. It requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy freshly made doughnuts without the need for deep frying. The air fryer cooks the doughnuts by circulating hot air around them, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
How do you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
To make doughnuts in an air fryer, you’ll need a basic doughnut dough recipe. Once you have the dough ready, shape it into doughnut shapes and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to around 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, you can glaze or sprinkle them with your favourite toppings.
Do you need to use oil in an air fryer to make doughnuts?
No, you don’t need to use oil in an air fryer to make doughnuts. The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer creates a crisp texture without the need for deep frying in oil. However, you can lightly brush the doughnuts with oil if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
Are doughnuts made in an air fryer healthier than traditional deep-fried doughnuts?
Yes, doughnuts made in an air fryer are generally considered healthier than traditional deep-fried doughnuts. Since air fryers require little to no oil, the resulting doughnuts are lower in fat and calories compared to their deep-fried counterparts. They still have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them a satisfying treat with fewer guilt.
