Donuts are one of the favorite sweet treats for many people around the world. The combination of a soft and fluffy interior with a crisp and golden exterior is simply irresistible. Traditionally, donuts are deep-fried in oil, which adds a lot of calories and unhealthy fats to this already indulgent treat. However, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy delicious donuts with a fraction of the oil. In this article, we will provide you with a simple and delicious recipe on how to make air fryer donuts.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make air fryer donuts, you will need a few basic ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. All-purpose flour – 2 cups
2. Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
3. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
4. Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
5. Butter or margarine – 2 tablespoons (melted)
6. Milk – 3/4 cup
7. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
8. Egg – 1 large
Mixing the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they are well incorporated. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Also, add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Shaping the Donuts
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the donuts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. To cut the donuts, you can either use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters. The larger cutter will be used for the outer shape of the donut, while the smaller one will create the donut hole. Cut out as many donuts as you can from the dough and set them aside.
Air Frying the Donuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, line the basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the donuts from sticking to the basket. Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the donuts into the basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.
Cooking the First Batch
Cook the first batch of donuts for about 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer. The donuts should turn golden brown and become puffy. Once they are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and place them on a wire rack to cool. While the first batch is cooling, you can start cooking the second batch.
Repeating the Process
Continue cooking the remaining donuts in batches until all of them are done. As you cook each batch, remember to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the donuts. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have the same delicious texture. Once all the donuts are cooked and cooled, you can move on to the fun part – decorating!
Delicious Donut Decorations
Donuts are like a blank canvas, waiting to be adorned with your favorite decorations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract to create a sweet glaze. Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Lightly brush the donuts with melted butter, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a tasty coating.
3. Chocolate Ganache: Melt some chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate and dip the donuts into it. You can also drizzle the chocolate over the donuts for an artistic touch.
4. Fun with Sprinkles: Sprinkle your donuts with colorful sprinkles or your favorite toppings to add a festive and playful touch.
Enjoying Your Air Fryer Donuts
Once you have decorated your donuts, they are ready to be enjoyed. Make a cup of your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, and grab a donut or two. You will love the crispy exterior and the soft and fluffy interior, which are characteristics of a good donut. The best part is that you can savor these delicious treats with fewer calories and less guilt, thanks to the air fryer cooking method.
In conclusion, making air fryer donuts is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat with a healthier twist. With just a few basic ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of homemade donuts that will impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and indulge in some tasty donuts without feeling guilty? Happy frying!