Donuts have always been a favorite treat for many people, whether it’s for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert. Their soft, pillowy texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible. However, when it comes to making donuts at home, the process often feels overwhelming. Deep frying, messy batter, and the excess oil can make the whole experience daunting. Thankfully, with the magic of an air fryer, making delicious donuts has never been easier or healthier. The air fryer gives you the perfect crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior while using far less oil than traditional deep frying methods.
This air fryer donuts recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also eliminates the guilt that comes with indulging in fried food. With just a handful of basic ingredients and the help of your air fryer, you can have fresh donuts ready in minutes. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is straightforward, customizable, and guarantees mouthwatering results. Let’s get started and learn how to make these delicious air fryer donuts!
Ingredients Needed
To make these air fryer donuts, you only need a few essential ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. All-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and a few wet ingredients like milk, egg, and melted butter are all that’s needed. For flavor, vanilla extract is added to enhance the sweetness of the dough. Additionally, you can incorporate cinnamon sugar as a topping to give them that classic donut shop flavor, or opt for a glaze if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups (180g) | 680 |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | 3 |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup (50g) | 200 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Milk | ¼ cup (60ml) | 40 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp (30g) | 200 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Cinnamon (optional) | 1 tsp (for coating) | 6 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To begin making your air fryer donuts, start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Once they’re combined, create a small well in the center of the dry mixture. Into the well, pour the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms. It should be soft, but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, just add a little extra flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll the dough out to about a ½-inch thickness. Using a donut cutter, or two round cutters of different sizes, cut out the donuts and set them aside on a floured surface. Once the donuts are shaped, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures that the donuts cook evenly and don’t stick to the basket.
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking. Place the donuts in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the donuts in batches. Air fry them for 5-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. The donuts should have a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.
While the donuts are cooking, you can prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating if you plan to use it. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Once the donuts are done, immediately remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you’d prefer to glaze the donuts, feel free to make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk, or dip them in chocolate for a rich finish. Once the donuts are coated, they are ready to be served!
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best parts of making air fryer donuts is the ability to customize them to your personal taste. You can switch up the flavors of the dough by adding a pinch of nutmeg, lemon zest, or even some orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-flavored donuts.
For the topping, cinnamon-sugar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different coatings or glazes. If you like chocolate, a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and cream can turn these donuts into a decadent treat. For something lighter, drizzle the donuts with honey or maple syrup for a sweet, sticky finish.
If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting plant-based milk for regular milk and using a vegan egg replacer. Additionally, swap out the butter for a plant-based butter alternative to make it completely dairy-free.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of filled donuts, you can create a pocket in the center of the dough before air frying, and after cooking, fill them with your favorite jam, cream, or custard.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
When you make air fryer donuts at home, you can enjoy them with fewer calories compared to traditional fried donuts. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for each donut:
- Calories: ~201
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices and substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer donuts can be enjoyed in many ways depending on the time of day and your preferences. For a delightful breakfast, serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Adding some fresh fruit on the side, like berries or banana slices, can balance the sweetness of the donuts while providing a nutritious boost.
These donuts also make for a perfect snack during the day. They’re light enough to enjoy without feeling too heavy, and pairing them with a glass of milk or a smoothie will give you a quick energy boost.
As a dessert, air fryer donuts are a treat that can easily impress guests. Top them with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream, and they’ll be the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
Conclusion
Making donuts at home has never been easier or healthier. With the air fryer, you can create soft, light, and perfectly crisp donuts without the need for deep frying. This quick and easy air fryer donuts recipe is simple to follow, and it’s a fun way to enjoy homemade donuts with far less oil and mess. You can also get creative with flavors and toppings, making this recipe incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you have a craving, these donuts will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. So next time you’re in the mood for a warm, fresh donut, grab your air fryer and get baking!