Simple Donut Recipe Air Fryer: A Delicious and Healthy

Craving something sweet but don’t want to go through the hassle of deep-frying or compromising your health? Look no further! With this Simple Donut Recipe Air Fryer, you’ll enjoy soft, fluffy donuts with a golden exterior—all without the extra oil and calories. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, these air-fried donuts are easy to make, require minimal equipment, and come together in no time.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about making donuts in an air fryer, from preparation to nutrition, along with tips to achieve perfect results every time.

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Introduction to Air-Fried Donuts

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making it easy to prepare healthier versions of traditionally fried foods. Donuts, a classic indulgence, are no exception. The air fryer replicates the crispy texture and golden color of deep-fried donuts without soaking them in oil.

This Simple Donut Recipe Air Fryer is beginner-friendly, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers amazing results. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Servings: 8 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 180 calories per donut
• Total Time: 1 hour

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 35 minutes

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Ingredients

To make this delicious air fryer donut recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to activate yeast)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or circular cookie cutters (one large and one small)
• Baking parchment or silicone mat
• Basting brush

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F), 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and will help the donuts rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
2. Add the melted butter, warm milk, egg, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.
2. Use a donut cutter (or two circular cutters) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the donuts in the basket, leaving space between them.
3. Brush the tops of the donuts with melted butter to promote browning.
4. Air fry the donuts in batches for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Glaze the Donuts (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze and allow any excess to drip off.
3. Add sprinkles or other toppings while the glaze is still wet, if desired.
4. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Per Donut)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and measurements used.)

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Why Use an Air Fryer for Donuts?

Air fryers are a game-changer for health-conscious cooks. Unlike traditional frying, air frying uses little to no oil, reducing the fat content significantly. Despite the lower fat, air fryers still produce donuts with a crisp exterior and tender interior, making it the perfect appliance for this recipe.

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Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Donuts

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave enough space between donuts for even cooking and proper air circulation.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures consistent cooking temperatures for perfectly golden results.
3. Brush with Butter: A light coating of butter enhances browning and gives a slightly richer flavor.
4. Use Parchment Paper: This prevents the donuts from sticking to the air fryer basket.

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Variations of Air Fryer Donuts

1. Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar instead of glazing.
2. Chocolate Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder.
3. Filled Donuts: Skip the donut hole, air fry the full rounds, and fill them with jam or custard after cooking.

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Conclusion

This Simple Donut Recipe Air Fryer is proof that you can enjoy your favorite treats without compromising on health or flavor. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, these air-fried donuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you glaze them, dust them with sugar, or enjoy them plain, they’re sure to impress.

So, grab your air fryer and try this recipe today—you’ll never look at traditional frying the same way again!