One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around a tiny, family-run bakery in the heart of my hometown. Every Sunday, after our weekly family walk through the park, we would stop by this quaint shop, drawn in by the sweet, buttery aroma wafting through the air. The star of the bakery was their donuts – light, fluffy, and always fresh from the oven, their golden crust perfectly crisped to perfection. My siblings and I would eagerly press our noses against the glass display, mesmerized by the rows of warm, sugary delights, waiting for our turn to choose one. It was a ritual that brought us closer as a family, sharing stories and laughter over those delicious, melt-in-your-mouth donuts.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself yearning to recreate that nostalgic experience in my own kitchen. But with a modern twist – the air fryer. The air fryer has revolutionized the way we approach comfort foods, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. This Air Fryer Donuts recipe captures all the essence of those childhood treats but with less guilt and a fraction of the mess.
As I was perfecting this recipe, I couldn’t help but think of my late grandmother, who was the heart and soul of our family gatherings. She had an uncanny ability to make everything from scratch, her kitchen always buzzing with activity and filled with the comforting scents of homemade pastries. These air fryer donuts remind me of the warmth and love she infused into everything she baked, and I like to think that she would be proud of this modern take on a classic family favorite.
The process of making these donuts is incredibly rewarding. The dough, rich and slightly sweet, rises beautifully, creating the perfect texture once air-fried to a golden hue. And the glaze – oh, the glaze – is just the right balance of sweetness, with a glossy finish that makes these donuts not only taste divine but look irresistible as well.
I’ve found that these air fryer donuts are the perfect treat to share with loved ones, whether for a special breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a nostalgic trip down memory lane. There’s something magical about biting into a warm, freshly glazed donut that instantly brings back those cherished memories of family, love, and the simple joys in life.
Preparing Air Fryer Donuts
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Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup warm water
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine ½ cup warm water, ¼ cup warm milk heated to around 108°F, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a large measuring cup. Let it rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If there’s no froth, start again with fresh yeast.
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add 2½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the ingredients come together, then increase the speed to high and knead for about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth but slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air.
- Shape the Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Use donut or biscuit cutters with diameters of 4 inches and 1¼ inches to cut out donuts. Re-roll the scraps to make more donuts until all the dough is used.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly and allow them to rise again for 20-30 minutes.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 345°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place a few donuts in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Spray the tops of the donuts with cooking spray and air fry for about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining donuts and donut holes. Transfer the fried donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Glazing: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, then place them on a cooling rack to set. Glaze while the donuts are still warm for a glossy finish.
Storing Suggestion
Store the air fryer donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at a low temperature to enjoy them warm.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. You can also experiment with different glazes, such as chocolate or maple, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these donuts warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have light corn syrup, honey can be used as a substitute in the glaze. For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with almond milk or another plant-based alternative.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, try adding a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal twist. In the summer, you can add lemon zest to the glaze for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free option.
FAQ:
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients, skipping the activation step with warm water.
What if I don’t have a donut cutter?
You can use a round cookie cutter or a glass for the larger circle and a bottle cap or similar small round object for the hole in the center.
How can I make these donuts healthier?
You can reduce the sugar in the dough and glaze or use a sugar substitute like stevia. Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and fry the donuts the next day for fresh, warm donuts in the morning.
Can I bake these donuts instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake the donuts in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. However, they may not be as crispy as air-fried donuts.
What should I do if my donuts are not rising properly?
Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the water and milk used for activation are warm but not too hot. If your kitchen is cold, allow the dough to rise in a warm place, like an oven with the light on.
Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup warm water
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour add more if needed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar plus an extra tablespoon
- ¼ cup milk
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- Combine ½ cup warm water, ¼ cup warm milk (at 108°F), 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a large measuring cup. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn't foam, start over with fresh yeast.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a stand mixer bowl, mix together ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 2½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low until combined, then increase to high speed and knead for 5 minutes. If the dough feels overly sticky, incorporate additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring it's well mixed after each addition. The dough should remain slightly sticky.
First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air.
- Shape the Donuts:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Use donut or biscuit cutters (4-inch and 1¼-inch diameters recommended) to cut out donuts. Re-roll scraps to maximize the number of donuts.
Second Rise:
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes.
Air Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 345°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange a few donuts in the basket without touching, spray their tops with cooking spray, and air fry for about 4 minutes. Repeat until all donuts and holes are cooked. Transfer cooked donuts to a paper towel-lined plate.
Glazing:
- For the glaze, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. While the donuts are still warm, dip them into the glaze and place them on a cooling rack to set. Glazing while warm ensures a shiny finish.
