Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of homemade donuts, but don’t have a deep fryer, don’t worry! You can still indulge in these delicious treats by frying them in a skillet. Frying donuts in a skillet is a fun and easy way to create fluffy and golden brown donuts right in your own kitchen.
Why fry donuts in a skillet?
Frying donuts in a skillet allows you to control the cooking process and achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Skillet-fried donuts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, giving you a delightful contrast in every bite. Additionally, frying donuts in a skillet requires fewer ingredients and is less messy than using a deep fryer.
What you’ll need
To fry donuts in a skillet, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and tools. First, gather all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. These ingredients form the base of the donut dough. Additionally, you will need vegetable oil for frying and a skillet with high sides to contain the oil and prevent any splattering.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start frying donuts in a skillet, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Additional sugar or cinnamon sugar, for coating (optional)
Make sure all the ingredients are measured and ready to use, as this will make the frying process much smoother.
Mixing the Dough
To make the perfect donuts, you need to start by mixing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once the wet ingredients are mixed well, pour them into the large bowl with the dry ingredients.
Using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula, stir the wet and dry ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the donuts tough.
Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside to rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to handle.
Letting the Dough Rise
A crucial step in making delicious skillet-fried donuts is letting the dough rise. This allows the yeast in the dough to activate and create air bubbles, resulting in light and fluffy donuts.
To let the dough rise, follow these simple steps:
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, butter, eggs, and any additional flavorings you desire, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Allow the milk mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients. Beat in the eggs and any additional flavorings until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel.
Allow the Dough to Rise
Place the bowl of dough in a warm, draft-free area and let it rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This process may take longer if the room is cooler.
During the rising process, the yeast in the dough will produce carbon dioxide, causing the dough to expand. This is an important step as it allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to work with and resulting in lighter, fluffier donuts.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air pockets that have formed. At this point, you are ready to shape the dough into donuts and move on to the frying process.
Remember, patience is key when letting the dough rise. Taking the time to allow the dough to properly rise will ensure a fantastic texture and flavor in your skillet-fried donuts.
Shaping the Doughnuts
After allowing the dough to rise, it’s time to shape the doughnuts. Start by rolling out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out the doughnut shapes.
Place the doughnut shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the shapes with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. This will help the doughnuts to become light and fluffy when fried.
While the doughnuts are rising, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep. Monitor the temperature of the oil using a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches and stays around 375°F (190°C).
Once the doughnuts have finished rising and the oil is at the proper temperature, carefully place the doughnuts into the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Cook the doughnuts for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the doughnuts from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Continue shaping and frying the doughnuts in batches until all of the dough has been used. Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing or coating them with your desired toppings. Enjoy your homemade skillet-fried doughnuts!
Frying the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts have risen and are ready to be fried, it’s time to heat up your skillet and get cooking. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly golden and delicious doughnuts:
Step 1: Preheat your Skillet
Before you start frying, it’s important to preheat your skillet to the right temperature. Place the skillet on the stove over medium heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the skillet – if they sizzle and evaporate immediately, it’s ready.
Step 2: Add Oil
Once the skillet is hot, add enough oil to create a layer that’s about 1 inch deep. Use a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil, as they have a high smoke point and won’t leave off-flavors on your doughnuts.
Step 3: Fry the Doughnuts
Gently place a few doughnuts into the hot oil, leaving enough space between them to prevent sticking. Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the temperature to drop and result in greasy doughnuts.
Fry the doughnuts on one side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Then, flip them over using tongs or a spatula and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Step 4: Drain and Cool
Once the doughnuts are cooked through and evenly golden, remove them from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to allow excess oil to drain.
Let the doughnuts cool for a few minutes before glazing or adding any toppings. This will ensure that the glaze doesn’t melt or become too runny when applied.
Step 5: Repeat
Continue frying the rest of the doughnuts in batches, making sure to heat up the oil and maintain the right temperature between frying each batch. You can keep the cooked doughnuts warm in a low-temperature oven while you finish frying the rest.
Once all the doughnuts are fried and cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them fresh and warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Preheat your Skillet |
| Step 2 | Add Oil |
| Step 3 | Fry the Doughnuts |
| Step 4 | Drain and Cool |
| Step 5 | Repeat |
Finishing Touches
Once your donuts have finished frying and have cooled slightly, it’s time to add some finishing touches for extra flavor and decoration. Here are a few ideas:
- Sift some powdered sugar over the top of your donuts for a classic sweet finish.
- Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract over the donuts for a glossy and delicious result.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar mixture on top of your donuts for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Top your donuts with colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look.
- Dip one side of your donuts in melted chocolate and let it harden for a decadent and indulgent treat.
Remember, the finishing touches are a great opportunity to get creative and experiment with different flavors and decorations. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and have fun with it!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to fry donuts in a skillet?
To fry donuts in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, butter, and vegetable oil for frying.
Can I use a different type of oil to fry donuts?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil to fry donuts if you prefer. Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can also use canola oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil.
Do I need any special equipment to fry donuts in a skillet?
No, you don’t need any special equipment to fry donuts in a skillet. You will only need a skillet or frying pan, a slotted spoon or tongs to flip the donuts, and a wire rack to cool them after frying.
How long does it take to fry donuts in a skillet?
The frying process typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side, so it will take around 4-6 minutes in total to fry donuts in a skillet. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the donuts, as well as the temperature of the oil.
