Doughnuts are a beloved treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a sweet snack throughout the day. However, many people are hesitant to make them at home because they assume that doughnuts are difficult to make or that they require deep-frying.
But with an air fryer, making homemade doughnuts is not only easy, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried doughnuts.
“To make homemade doughnuts in an air fryer, Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176.67 °C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the doughnuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown”
Tips: knead dough properly, use a light coating of oil or cooking spray, keep an eye on cooking times, and allow doughnuts to cool before serving.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Doughnuts
Course: Air Fryer, Recipes2
servings10
minutes7
minutes125
kcalIngredients
1 cup (0.24 l) All-purpose Flour
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/2 cup Milk
1 large Egg
1 tablespoon Melted Unsalted Butter
Oil or Cooking Spray (for coating the Doughnuts)
- Equipment:
Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Plastic Wrap
Rolling Pin
Doughnut Cutter or a Round Cookie Cutter
Parchment Paper
Directions
- Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
- Mixing: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the milk and melted butter. Mix well.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Kneading: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Rolling: Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can use a rolling pin to roll it out, or simply press it down with your hands.
- Cutting: Use a doughnut cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out the doughnuts.
- Rising: Place the doughnuts on a lightly oiled or sprayed tray and let them rise for about 20 minutes. This will help the doughnuts to puff up and become more tender.
- While the doughnuts are rising, preheat the air fryer to 350 °F (176.67 °C).
- Assembling: Once the doughnuts have risen, place them in the air fryer basket and spray or brush them with oil. You can fit about 4 doughnuts in the air fryer basket at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cooking: Cook the doughnuts for about 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on the doughnuts as they cook, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Cooling and decorating: Once the doughnuts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade air fryer doughnuts!
Recipe Video
Notes
- To Achieve the Perfect Texture:
- Be sure to knead the dough for the right amount of time. Overworking the dough can result in tough doughnuts.
- Let the dough rise for the recommended time to ensure that the doughnuts puff up and become tender.
- Use a light coating of oil or cooking spray on the doughnuts before cooking to ensure that they become golden brown and crispy.
- To Customize the Flavor:
- Experiment with different flavorings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder in the dough.
- Try different toppings such as powdered sugar, chocolate or glaze, or fillings like jelly, cream or custard.
- To Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Be sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the doughnuts to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the doughnuts as they cook, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Allow the doughnuts to cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be hot and delicate right out of the air fryer.
One of the best things about making doughnuts in an air fryer is that they come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just like traditional fried doughnuts. Plus, they’re healthier since they’re cooked in an air fryer instead of deep-fried.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use Self-raising Flour instead of All-purpose Flour when making Doughnuts in an Air Fryer?
No, self-raising flour already contains baking powder and salt, and it will not work correctly with the other ingredients in the doughnut recipe. It is better to use all-purpose flour.
Can I make the Doughnuts in advance and fry them later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape it into doughnuts in advance. Cover and refrigerate the doughnuts overnight, and then allow them to come to room temperature before frying them in the air fryer.
How long should I cook the Doughnuts in an air fryer?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your doughnuts. Generally, it takes about 5–7 minutes for each side at 360-375 F. Keep an eye on the doughnuts as they cook and use a toothpick to check if they are done.
Can I make Gluten-Free Doughnuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make gluten-free doughnuts by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I use other types of Oil to fry Doughnuts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use any type of oil that can withstand high heat. Some popular options include canola oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil.
Can I freeze Doughnuts made in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts after they have cooled completely. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them at room temperature and warm them up in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Making homemade doughnuts in an air fryer is a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. With this recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of doughnuts in no time and enjoy them with your friends and family. And who knows, you might even become known as the doughnut maker in your circle!
