Krispy Kreme Donuts are a classic treat that many people enjoy. They are soft, sweet, and oh so delicious. However, they are also quite indulgent and can be packed with calories and unhealthy ingredients. But fear not! There is a way to enjoy these delectable treats in a healthier way – by making them in the air fryer! In this article, we will walk you through the steps and provide you with all the information you need to make Krispy Kreme Donuts in the air fryer. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
Flour, Yeast, Milk, and More
To make Krispy Kreme Donuts in the air fryer, you will need a few key ingredients. These include:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 packet of yeast
– 1/2 cup of milk, warmed
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also gather some optional toppings to add an extra touch of flavor to your donuts. Some popular options include:
– Powdered sugar
– Cinnamon sugar
– Chocolate glaze
– Vanilla glaze
– Sprinkles
Prepare the Dough
Mixing the Ingredients
To start, in a large bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Next, add the melted butter, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Now, gradually add the flour to the bowl, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough comes together and becomes soft. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Kneading the Dough
Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the donuts their characteristic texture.
After kneading, 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 rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. The warm environment helps the yeast to activate and causes the dough to rise.
Shape and Cook the Donuts
Rolling and Cutting
Once the dough has risen, transfer it back to the floured surface. Punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during the rising process.
Next, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Then, using a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters, cut out your donuts. Make sure to also cut out the center of each donut to create the classic donut shape.
Air Frying Process
Now it’s time to cook the donuts in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Place the donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook the donuts for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
Once the donuts are evenly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack.
Add Some Delicious Toppings
Powdered Sugar
If you prefer a classic touch, dust your air-fried donuts with powdered sugar. You can simply sprinkle it over the donuts or use a sifter for a more even coating.
Cinnamon Sugar
For a cozy and warm flavor, toss your donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Roll the warm donuts in this mixture until they are fully coated.
Glaze Options
If you’re a fan of glazed donuts, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and some milk. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until you get a smooth and thick consistency. Dip the tops of your cooled donuts in the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Allow the glaze to set before enjoying your donuts.
Sprinkles
To add some color and fun to your donuts, sprinkle them with your favorite sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. The sprinkles will adhere to the glaze, creating a beautiful and tasty treat.
Enjoy Your Healthier Krispy Kreme Donuts
Now that your air-fried Krispy Kreme Donuts are perfectly cooked and beautifully topped, it’s time to sit back and enjoy! These healthier donuts still offer the same delightful taste as the original, but with fewer calories and less unhealthy fat.
Remember, the air fryer helps reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, making these donuts a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, your homemade Krispy Kreme Donuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
So why not give it a try? Grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and start making your own batch of delicious and healthier Krispy Kreme Donuts today. Happy air frying!