Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to cook delicious, crispy food without the need for excessive oil. And what better way to put your air fryer to good use than by making glazed donuts? These sweet treats are a favorite for many, and now you can enjoy them guilt-free with the help of your trusty air fryer. In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making glazed donuts in an air fryer, ensuring that you end up with a batch of perfectly fluffy and glazed delights.
Gathering the Ingredients
What You’ll Need
Before you start making glazed donuts in your air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– Oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Making the Donut Dough
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together until well combined.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface as you knead.
Step 4: Allowing the Dough to Rest
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Cooking the Donuts
Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out until it’s about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter, or a round biscuit cutter for the outer shape and a smaller round cutter for the hole in the center to cut out your donuts. Alternatively, you can use a glass or jar lids as cutters.
Step 6: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place the cut-out donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes while the air fryer heats.
Step 7: Air Frying the Donuts
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly grease the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the donuts in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Giving Your Glazed Donuts the Final Touch
Step 8: Making the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add more milk if needed for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Step 9: Glazing the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one into the glaze, making sure to coat both sides. You can also add sprinkles or any other toppings of your choice at this stage. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
Step 10: Enjoying Your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before indulging in your freshly made glazed donuts. These delectable treats are best enjoyed when they are still slightly warm and the glaze is perfectly set.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried donuts, making glazed donuts in an air fryer is the perfect solution. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can achieve that classic donut taste and texture without the excess oil. So why not give it a try? Break out your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the ultimate delight of homemade glazed donuts straight from your kitchen.