Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe

So, you’ve got that craving, right? That deep, soulful yearning for something sweet, fluffy, and just a little bit naughty? But the thought of deep-frying and smelling like a donut shop for days? Nah, hard pass. Guess what, my friend? Your air fryer is about to become your new bestie, because we’re making doughnuts!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. We all want to feel like a domestic goddess (or god) without actually, you know, *working* that hard. This recipe? It’s your secret weapon. First off, no deep-frying! **Say goodbye to oil splatters and that lingering grease smell** that clings to your curtains for a week. Seriously, your kitchen will thank you. Secondly, it’s surprisingly quick for something this delicious. We’re talking fresh, warm doughnuts in way less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. And honestly, it’s pretty idiot-proof. If I can nail it after burning toast last week, you’ve got this in the bag. **Minimal mess, maximum deliciousness.** What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• **Warm Milk (1/2 cup):** Not hot, not cold. Think comfy bathwater for your yeast.
• **Active Dry Yeast (1 teaspoon):** The little magic makers that make your doughnuts fluffy. Don’t skip these guys!
• **Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons, divided):** Some for the dough, some for the coating. Because sugar makes everything better.
• **All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups):** The backbone of our doughnut dreams.
• **Salt (1/2 teaspoon):** A pinch to balance all that sweetness.
• **Large Egg (1):** Gives structure and richness. Happy chickens make happy doughnuts.
• **Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted):** Adds that lovely, tender texture.
• **Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):** Because everything is better with vanilla, IMO.
• **Non-stick Cooking Spray:** Essential for your air fryer basket.
• **For the Coating (your happy ending!):**
  • **Melted Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons):** For brushing.
  • **Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):** Or more, if you’re feeling extra.
  • **Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):** The classic, cozy hug.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Activate the Magic:** In a medium bowl, combine the warm milk and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over it and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to party!
2. **Mix the Dough:** In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. **Knead It Out:** Mix everything with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when you poke it. **Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for texture!**
4. **Let It Rise:** Lightly grease your mixing bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turn it once to coat, then cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where patience pays off!
5. **Shape ‘Em Up:** Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 2.5-inch round cutter (or a drinking glass) for the doughnuts and a smaller cutter (or a bottle cap!) for the holes. You should get about 8-10 doughnuts and their adorable little holes.
6. **Air Fryer Time!** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
7. **Cook ‘Em Perfectly:** Place 2-3 doughnuts (and a couple of holes if they fit) in the air fryer basket in a single layer, **making sure not to overcrowd it!** Air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and puffy. Cooking times vary, so keep an eye on them! Repeat with the remaining dough.
8. **Coat and Devour:** While the doughnuts are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. In a shallow dish, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each buttered doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. **Enjoy!** Serve immediately and try not to eat them all in one go. You deserve this, champ!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Not Activating the Yeast:** “Oops, my dough didn’t rise!” Yeah, that’s what happens when your yeast isn’t happy. **Always check for foaminess** before proceeding. It’s like checking if your car has gas before a road trip.
• **Overcrowding the Air Fryer:** We get it, you’re hungry. But cramming too many doughnuts in means they won’t cook evenly or get that lovely golden crisp. **Patience, grasshopper.** Do them in batches.
• **Overcooking Them:** Air fryers are speedy! A minute too long and you’ve got dry, sad doughnuts instead of fluffy cloud-like treats. Keep an eye on them, especially on your first batch. They should be just golden.
• **Not Greasing Your Basket:** Think you can skip the spray? Think again. Your beautiful doughnuts will stick, and no one wants a torn doughnut. Trust me on this one.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you just ran out of something vital. No worries, we’ve got options!

• **Dairy-Free Dough:** Swap the regular milk for almond milk or soy milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. Voila, vegan-friendly doughnuts!
• **Gluten-Free Flour:** You *can* try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but **be warned:** GF dough can be a bit trickier to work with and might not rise as much. Expect a slightly denser doughnut, but still delicious!
• **Different Coatings:**
  • **Powdered Sugar Glaze:** Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice for a classic glaze.
  • **Chocolate Drizzle:** Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle away!
  • **Sprinkles:** Because sprinkles make everything a party, right?
  • **Nutmeg instead of Cinnamon:** If you prefer a more traditional spiced doughnut flavor.
• **No Doughnut Cutter? No Problem!** A drinking glass for the main doughnut and a clean bottle cap or even a piping nozzle for the hole works perfectly. Get creative!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• **”Can I make the dough ahead of time?”** Absolutely! After the first rise, you can punch it down, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and frying. Life saver for busy mornings!
• **”My doughnuts aren’t fluffy, what gives?”** Hmm, did your yeast activate? Was your milk too hot (killing the yeast) or too cold (slowing it down too much)? Or maybe you added too much flour? **Precision with flour is key!** Too much flour can make them dense.
• **”How do I store leftover doughnuts?”** Leftovers? What are those? 😉 But seriously, they’re best eaten fresh. If you must, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheating them briefly in the air fryer (1-2 minutes) can revive them a bit.
• **”Can I freeze the raw dough?”** You can! After the first rise and shaping, place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then let them come to room temp and rise before air frying.
• **”Is it okay to skip the yeast and use baking powder/soda instead?”** Well, technically you could make a “biscuit-style” doughnut, but it won’t have that classic, airy, yeasty doughnut texture we’re aiming for. So, for these, stick with the yeast, my friend!
• **”What if I don’t have an air fryer?”** Then you, my dear, might need one! Just kidding (mostly). You can bake these in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They might not be as “fried-like” but still yummy.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! Your very own, surprisingly easy, ridiculously delicious air fryer doughnuts. Who knew being a culinary genius could be this simple (and mess-free)? Now go forth and conquer those cravings. Share them (if you’re feeling generous), impress your friends, or just hoard them all for yourself – no judgment here! You’ve earned this sweet victory. Happy air frying!