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Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

Enjoy homemade, fluffy air fryer donuts made with a simple yeast dough, quickly cooked to golden perfection and coated in a smooth vanilla glaze. These delightful treats are airy, soft, and perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a healthier twist by using an air fryer instead of deep frying.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup milk (lukewarm, about 100°F)
  • 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Oil spray (coconut oil works best)

Glaze

  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 4 Tbsp hot water (or as needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine lukewarm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. If no foam appears, your milk may have been too hot or the yeast too old, so restart with fresh ingredients.
  2. Mix Dough: Add the remaining sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then gradually add the remaining cup of flour while the mixer runs until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. It’s ready when you poke the dough and the indentation remains.
  4. Shape Donuts: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface, punch it down, and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out donuts and a 1-inch cutter to punch out the centers, forming donut holes as well.
  5. Second Rise: Transfer donuts and holes onto lightly floured parchment paper, cover loosely with greased plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
  6. Air Fry Donuts: Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place donuts in a single layer in the basket and spray the tops lightly with oil spray. Cook at 350°F for about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining donuts and holes.
  7. Prepare Glaze: While donuts cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until glaze is smooth and slightly thin but not watery. Set aside.
  8. Glaze Donuts: Dip hot donuts and holes into the glaze, using two forks to submerge them fully. Place glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips. Let glaze harden for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use a dough hook on a stand mixer for best kneading results to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and proper air circulation.
  • Use oil spray with a high smoke point, like coconut oil spray, for better browning and crispness.
  • The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less hot water depending on preference.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/air-fryer-donuts-recipe/