These Air Fryer Donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Made with less oil, they still offer a fluffy texture and delicious taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Whether you’re craving a morning treat or an afternoon snack, these donuts are easy to make and perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a lighter version of a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Donuts
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Healthier Alternative: Made in the air fryer with significantly less oil than traditional fried donuts.
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Fluffy Texture: The air fryer cooks the donuts to perfection, giving them a soft, airy texture.
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Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 6 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy fresh, homemade donuts in under 30 minutes.
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Customizable: Get creative with toppings and glazes to match your preferences—chocolate, sprinkles, or a simple glaze!
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Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is 100% vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy a bite.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
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3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup milk (180ml)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (60g), melted
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
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Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until fully mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
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Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
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Use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters (one for the outer ring and one for the hole) to cut out donut shapes from the dough.
Step 3: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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Place the donuts in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded—cook in batches if necessary.
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Cook the donuts for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4: Cool and Add Toppings
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Once cooked, transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
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While they’re still warm, add your favorite toppings or glazes, such as chocolate, sprinkles, or a simple sugar glaze.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 donuts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 6 minutes
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Total Time: 21 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
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Toppings: Get creative with different glazes or toppings such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of honey.
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Flavor Add-ins: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
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Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk for a vegan version.
Notes
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Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can make the donuts dense.
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Preheating: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness.
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Batch Cooking: If your air fryer is small, cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
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Cooling: Let the donuts cool on a wire rack to maintain their fluffiness and avoid sogginess.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the donuts back in the air fryer for about 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
2. Can I bake these donuts in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk, including almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for dairy-free donuts.
4. How do I know when the donuts are done?
The donuts should be golden brown on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature—when the donuts reach around 190°F (88°C), they are done.
5. Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts before adding any toppings or glazes. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Donuts are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. With a light, fluffy texture and endless topping options, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without all the extra calories. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, these air fryer donuts are sure to be a hit!
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Air Fryer Donuts: Discover a Healthier Sweet Treat!
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, offering a fluffy texture with less oil. Made with simple ingredients, these air-fried donuts are easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Lightly golden on the outside and soft on the inside, these donuts are a must-try!
Ingredients
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180ml) milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined (don’t overmix to prevent dense donuts).
Shape the Donuts:
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
Use a donut cutter or cookie cutters to cut out the donut shapes.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
Air Fry the Donuts:
Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
Air fry for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Add Toppings:
Let the donuts cool on a wire rack before adding any toppings or glazes.
Add your favorite toppings or glaze while the donuts are still warm.
Notes
Overmixing: Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure the donuts stay fluffy.
Preheating: Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
Cooking in Batches: To avoid overcrowding, cook the donuts in batches.
Toppings: Get creative with toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a chocolate glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American