Donuts, with their sweet and fluffy goodness, are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be found in bakeries and coffee shops, but did you know that you can easily make them at home using your air fryer? Yes, you read that right! With the help of your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of delicious donuts in no time. In this article, we will walk you through a simple and delicious recipe for making donuts at home in your air fryer. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
1. Dough
To make the dough for your donuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of milk
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2. Glaze
To give your donuts that irresistible glaze, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- ¼ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3. Toppings
For the finishing touch, prepare some toppings of your choice. These can include:
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts
- Shredded coconut
Making the Dough
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to make the dough for your donuts. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and give it a good mix.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Cooking the Donuts in Your Air Fryer
Now that your dough has risen, it’s time to cook your donuts in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out your donuts. If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a glass to cut out the outer shape and a smaller object, like a bottle cap, to cut out the inner hole.
Step 3: Air Fry the Donuts
Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown.
Step 4: Glaze and Toppings
While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze mixture and place them on a wire rack to allow any excess glaze to drip off. Immediately sprinkle your desired toppings onto the glaze before it sets.
Enjoy Your Homemade Donuts!
Now that you have made your own batch of delicious donuts using your air fryer, it’s time to sit back, relax, and indulge in these delectable treats. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack, these homemade donuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to find your favorite combination. Happy donut making!