Who doesn’t love a good donut? These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, a brunch, or just a little something sweet to savour with your afternoon tea. The best part is, you can make them easily at home, right in your air fryer. This guide will walk you through a delicious and easy-to-make donut recipe that even beginners can tackle.
Why Air Fry Donuts?
Air frying is a fantastic way to achieve a crispy texture without all the oil used in traditional frying methods. This means your donuts will be lower in fat, and you'll have less of a hassle with messy oil cleanup. Plus, air frying takes a fraction of the time, allowing you to enjoy your freshly made donuts much quicker.
Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 50g caster sugar
- 7g sachet of fast-action yeast
- Pinch of salt
- 150ml warm milk
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g icing sugar (for dusting)
- Assorted toppings such as sprinkles, melted chocolate, or cinnamon sugar (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter (approximately 8cm diameter)
- Air fryer
- Baking paper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by sifting the plain flour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the caster sugar, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix together until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Once risen, gently knock back the dough by punching it down lightly. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1cm thick. Use the cookie cutter to punch out donut shapes, and use a smaller cutter to remove the centers.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. While it’s heating, let the donuts sit for another 15 minutes for a final proof.
Step 5: Air Fry the Donuts
Line your air fryer basket with baking paper to prevent sticking. Carefully place a few donuts in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Always check the first batch, as cooking times can vary with different air fryers.
Finishing Touches
Immediately after your donuts are done, you can brush them with a little melted butter and dunk them in your choice of icing sugar, cinnamon sugar, or any other topping you desire. For something different, drizzle melted chocolate on top or dip them halfway in chocolate glaze for a more decadent treat.
Storage and Tips
Store your air-fried donuts in an airtight container for up to two days for maximum freshness. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.
This air fryer donut recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences. From a traditional jam donut to custard-filled delights, your creativity is the only limit. Happy air frying!