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Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

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4.3 from 58 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 25 minutes active + 1 hour 10 minutes proofing + 24 hours resting
  • Yield: 10 servings (10-15 donuts depending on size)

Description

These Air Fryer Donuts are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, elastic yeast dough proofed overnight for enhanced flavor and texture. The donuts are air fried to a golden perfection in just a few minutes, then coated with your choice of chocolate glaze, vanilla glaze, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.

Ingredients

Donuts

  • 1/2 Cup Warm Water
  • 3 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened and cut into small cubes)
  • Vegetable Oil or Nonstick Spray (for greasing)

Chocolate Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
  • 3 tablespoons Milk

Cinnamon Sugar

  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter

Vanilla Glaze

  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons Hot Water

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a measuring cup. Let it sit in a warm area for 5 minutes until the yeast is proofed and foamy.
  2. Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast/water mixture, eggs, and salt.
  3. Form the dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed, mix the ingredients for 8-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too wet and dripping, add more flour gradually until the dough comes together. If mixing by hand, mix properly using a wooden spoon or dough whisk.
  4. Add butter: While the mixer is running at medium speed, incorporate the softened butter slowly in small batches, ensuring each addition is fully mixed in before adding more. Continue mixing on low-medium speed for another 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand for 8-10 minutes.
  5. First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour (up to 3 hours if the kitchen is cold).
  6. Refrigerate dough: Punch down the dough to release air and refrigerate for 24 hours to develop flavor and texture.
  7. Prepare workspace: Line three baking trays with floured parchment paper.
  8. Shape donuts: Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 3.5 inch donut cutter or similar round object to cut out 10-15 donuts. Cut donut holes from the centers using a smaller cutter or upturned piping nozzle.
  9. Second rise: Place 5 donut rings and 5 donut holes on each tray, spaced apart. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 1 hour until puffed.
  10. Prepare glazes and toppings: For chocolate glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth. For cinnamon sugar, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in one bowl, melt butter in another to brush on donuts. For vanilla glaze, melt butter and powdered sugar together, add vanilla extract and hot water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, melt butter in microwave and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and water.
  11. Preheat air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer tray with oil.
  12. Air fry donuts: Transfer risen donuts and holes in batches to the air fryer basket (3-4 depending on size). Cook at 350ºF for 2-3 minutes, flip, then air fry another 2 minutes. Add extra 1-2 minutes if needed until golden brown.
  13. Apply toppings: While donuts are still hot, dip some in chocolate and vanilla glaze. Brush others with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar. Repeat with donut holes.

Notes

  • The dough requires an overnight rest in the refrigerator (24 hours) to develop flavor and improve texture.
  • If the kitchen is very cold, allow the dough more time to rise during the first proof.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed if the dough is too wet and doesn’t bind properly.
  • The air frying time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer—monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
  • For an alternative method, donuts can be baked in a 350ºF oven for 12-13 minutes, flipping once during cooking, until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus 24 hours refrigeration)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (air frying batches)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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