Olivia Carter
If you’re a doughnut lover but want to indulge in a healthier version of this delicious treat, you might want to try making doughnuts in an air fryer. This modern kitchen appliance has gained popularity for its ability to fry food using little to no oil, resulting in a lighter and less greasy dish. By using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer, you can enjoy a guilt-free doughnut experience without compromising on taste.
So, how do you make doughnuts in an air fryer? It’s actually quite simple! Start by preparing the doughnut batter of your choice. Whether you prefer classic glazed doughnuts or exciting flavor variations like chocolate or cinnamon, you can find numerous recipes online to suit your taste buds. Once your batter is ready, you’ll need to shape your doughnuts.
Using your hands or a doughnut mold, form small balls of dough and create a hole in the center to give them the iconic doughnut shape. It’s important to note that air fryers work best with smaller-sized doughnuts, so keep that in mind while shaping your pastries. Once your doughnuts are ready, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature specified in your recipe.
Place your doughnuts in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them to allow for even cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size and temperature settings, you may need to fry your doughnuts in batches. Cook the doughnuts for the recommended time, usually around 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before indulging.
Once your doughnuts have cooled slightly, it’s time to add your desired toppings or glaze. You can go for the classic glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or get creative with various flavored glazes like vanilla, matcha, or even Nutella. Dip your doughnuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top for a picture-perfect finish. Whether you enjoy them fresh or save them for later, you’ll be amazed at how delicious and guilt-free homemade air-fried doughnuts can be!
How to Make Delicious Doughnuts in an Air Fryer
If you’re craving doughnuts but want a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, look no further than your air fryer. With the right recipe and technique, you can make delicious, crispy doughnuts right in your own kitchen with minimal oil. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Sprinkles or powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the doughnut batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off.
- Gently pipe the batter into the preheated air fryer in a circular shape to form doughnuts. Leave space between each doughnut to allow for expansion.
- Air fry the doughnuts at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
- Flip the doughnuts using tongs and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the doughnuts from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- If desired, sprinkle the doughnuts with toppings like sprinkles or powdered sugar.
Your delicious air fryer doughnuts are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm and fresh for the best taste and texture. They make a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Share them with family and friends, or indulge in them all by yourself!
Choosing the Right Air Fryer
When it comes to making doughnuts in an air fryer, choosing the right appliance is crucial. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Capacity
The capacity of the air fryer is an important consideration. If you intend to make a large batch of doughnuts for a group of people, you’ll want an air fryer with a larger capacity. On the other hand, if you only plan to make a few doughnuts at a time, a smaller air fryer will suffice.
Power
The power of the air fryer will determine how quickly and evenly your doughnuts cook. Look for an air fryer with a higher wattage for faster cooking times and better results. A more powerful air fryer will also give your doughnuts a crispy exterior without drying them out.
Temperature Control
Having precise temperature control is essential when making doughnuts in an air fryer. Look for an air fryer that allows you to adjust the temperature to the desired level. This will ensure that your doughnuts are cooked to perfection and not under or overcooked.
Additional Features
Some air fryers come with additional features that can enhance your doughnut-making experience. Look for air fryers that have pre-set cooking functions for doughnuts or desserts. Some air fryers also have a built-in timer and an automatic shut-off feature, which can be helpful when making doughnuts.
Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an air fryer for making doughnuts. With the right appliance, you’ll be on your way to enjoying delicious homemade doughnuts with the convenience of an air fryer.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you can start making doughnuts in an air fryer, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
1. Doughnut mix: Look for a doughnut mix at your local grocery store. You can choose from classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or get creative with options like maple or strawberry.
2. Milk: You will need milk to mix with the doughnut mix. You can use any type of milk – whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
3. Eggs: Eggs are an important ingredient as they help bind the doughnut dough and give it a fluffy texture. You will need a couple of eggs for the recipe.
4. Oil: You will need a small amount of cooking oil to grease the air fryer basket and prevent the doughnuts from sticking.
5. Toppings: Don’t forget to gather your favorite toppings to decorate your doughnuts. You can use powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or any other toppings you like.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step – preparing the doughnut dough.
Preparing the Dough
To make doughnuts in an air fryer, you’ll need to start by preparing the dough. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it just right:
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
| 2 cups all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1/2 cup milk |
| 2 eggs |
| 2 tablespoons melted butter |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- After the resting period, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes from the rolled-out dough.
- If desired, you can also use a smaller cutter to make the center holes for traditional doughnut shapes.
- Place the cut-out doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the doughnuts with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for about 30 minutes. They should double in size.
Once the doughnuts have risen, they are ready to be air fried to perfection!
Cooking the Doughnuts
Once you have prepared the doughnuts according to the recipe, it is time to cook them in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the air fryer basket: Before placing the doughnuts in the air fryer, make sure to lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the doughnuts in the air fryer: Carefully place the doughnuts in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook one side: Set the air fryer to the appropriate cooking time, which is typically around 4-6 minutes. Cook the doughnuts on one side until they turn golden brown.
- Flip the doughnuts: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the doughnuts to the other side. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on both sides.
- Cook the other side: Continue cooking the doughnuts for another 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your doughnuts.
- Check for doneness: To check if the doughnuts are cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the doughnuts are ready. If not, cook them for an additional minute or two.
- Remove from the air fryer: Once the doughnuts are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a wire rack to cool.
- Repeat the process: If you have more doughnuts to cook, repeat the process until all of them are cooked.
Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, you can glaze or decorate them according to your preference. Enjoy your homemade air fryer doughnuts!
Adding Flavorful Toppings
While it’s true that doughnuts are delicious on their own, adding flavorful toppings can take them to a whole new level. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Glazes: A simple glaze can add a touch of sweetness to your doughnuts. You can make a classic powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or water until you reach a smooth consistency. For a twist, you can add flavors like vanilla extract, almond extract, or even citrus zest to your glaze.
2. Sprinkles: Sprinkles not only add color but also a fun texture to your doughnuts. You can find a wide variety of sprinkles in different shapes and sizes at your local grocery store or online. Simply dip your doughnuts in the glaze and then sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on top.
3. Chocolate Ganache: For all the chocolate lovers out there, a rich and shiny chocolate ganache is a must-try topping. To make a basic ganache, heat equal parts of heavy cream and chopped chocolate in a saucepan until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before dipping your doughnuts.
4. Nutty Crunch: Adding a crunchy element to your doughnuts can provide a delightful contrast in texture. You can finely chop your favorite nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans and sprinkle them on top of your glazed doughnuts. The nuts will not only add crunch but also a nutty flavor.
5. Fruity Drizzle: Fresh fruit can add a burst of freshness and tanginess to your doughnuts. You can make a fruity drizzle by mixing fruit puree or juice with powdered sugar until you get a pourable consistency. Drizzle the mixture over your doughnuts for a colorful and flavorful finish.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and flavors to find your own signature topping. Adding toppings can elevate your air fryer doughnuts and make them even more irresistible!
Q&A
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It is designed to mimic the results of deep frying, but with a fraction of the oil.
Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make doughnuts in an air fryer. Air frying doughnuts results in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, similar to traditional deep-fried doughnuts.
How do you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
To make doughnuts in an air fryer, start by preparing the doughnut dough. Let it rise until it doubles in size, then shape the doughnuts. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, place the doughnuts in the air fryer basket, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Finally, coat the doughnuts with your desired toppings or glaze.
What are the advantages of making doughnuts in an air fryer?
Making doughnuts in an air fryer has several advantages. Firstly, it requires less oil compared to traditional deep frying, making it a healthier option. Secondly, the air fryer cooks the doughnuts evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Lastly, the air fryer is easy to clean and requires less maintenance compared to a deep fryer.
