Donuts are a popular and delicious treat that many people enjoy. Traditionally, donuts are made with yeast, which gives them their fluffy and light texture. However, not everyone has yeast readily available or wants to wait for the dough to rise. If you’re looking to make donuts without yeast, an air fryer can be a game-changer. In this article, we will guide you through an easy and delicious recipe for making donuts without yeast in an air fryer.
Gathering the Ingredients
To get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need for this yeast-free donut recipe:
For the dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Food coloring or sprinkles (optional)
Making the Donut Dough
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While the air fryer is warming up, you can begin preparing the donut dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg (if desired). Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together easily and not be overly sticky.
Shaping and Cooking the Donuts
Now that you have the donut dough ready, it’s time to transform it into the classic donut shape. Follow these easy steps:
1. Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin or simply press the dough gently with your hands.
2. Use a donut cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes from the rolled-out dough. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a circle-shaped cutter for the outer shape and a smaller one for the hole.
3. Place the donuts and donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can lightly flour the sheet or use non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the donuts in the basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
5. Once the donuts are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before glazing.
Adding the Glaze and Toppings
Now comes the fun part – decorating the donuts! While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the glaze and gather any additional toppings you desire.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. If the glaze appears too thick, add a little more milk. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add less powdered sugar.
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, making sure to coat both sides. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off. If desired, you can sprinkle the donuts with colorful sprinkles or any other toppings of your choice.
Enjoying Your Homemade Donuts
Now that you’ve successfully made delicious donuts without yeast in an air fryer, it’s time to savor your creation! Serve the donuts while they are still warm for the best experience. The air fryer method ensures that the donuts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like the traditional ones made with yeast.
Remember, this recipe is simply a base, and you can get creative with your toppings and fillings. Feel free to experiment with different glazes, such as chocolate or maple, or add a cream filling for an extra treat.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, these homemade donuts will surely impress both yourself and others. So, grab your ingredients and air fryer, and get ready to indulge in a batch of delicious, yeast-free donuts today!