How To Make Donuts In An Air Fryer?

Making donuts in an air fryer is a simpler, less messy way to enjoy this sweet treat, often using readily available ingredients like canned biscuit dough for quick results.

You can achieve a delightful, golden-brown donut with a soft interior by properly preparing the dough and cooking it in a preheated air fryer.

• TL;DR: Air frying donuts starts with dough, either canned or homemade, shaped and lightly oiled for a crisp exterior.

• Cook them in your air fryer for a few minutes per side until they look golden brown and feel soft.

• Finish your warm donuts with a simple glaze, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite toppings.

• This method offers a quicker cleanup and a lighter donut experience than traditional deep-frying.

How To Make Donuts In An Air Fryer?

To make donuts in an air fryer, you’ll first prepare your dough, cut out donut shapes, lightly coat them with oil, and then cook them at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.

Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning, and then glaze them while still warm for the best flavor.

Why Air Frying Donuts Is a Game Changer for You

Have you ever wanted homemade donuts without the deep-fryer hassle? Air frying lets you skip the big oil bath. This method offers a lighter texture and much less cleanup.

I found online that many home cooks appreciate the air fryer for making a quicker, less greasy donut (Food Network Kitchen). It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast treat.

Gather Your Supplies: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure you have a few key items. You’ll need an air fryer, of course, and some parchment paper helps a lot. It stops the donuts from sticking.

Beyond that, a good pastry brush, a round cookie cutter, and a small cutter for the donut holes are essential. You’ll also need your chosen donut dough.

Choosing Your Dough: Canned Biscuits or Homemade?

This is where you make a choice that impacts your time. Canned biscuit dough is a super speedy option.

I found that experts recommend using the flaky layers variety for a great texture (America’s Test Kitchen). If you enjoy baking, a homemade yeast dough offers a richer, more traditional donut taste.

Preparing Your Dough for Air Frying

If you’re using canned biscuits, simply open the can and lay them flat. Use your cookie cutters to punch out the donut shapes and the smaller holes.

For homemade dough, roll it to about half an inch thick. Then cut out your donuts. Remember to leave space between each one to allow for rising.

The Secret to Golden Brown Air Fryer Donuts: Oil

You might wonder how they get that golden crunch. It’s all about a light coating of oil. I researched and found that a thin layer of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, is key.

Use a pastry brush to gently coat both sides of each donut. This helps them brown beautifully and prevents them from drying out in the hot air.

Loading Your Air Fryer Basket

Do not overcrowd the basket. This is a common mistake. Donuts need space for the hot air to circulate freely around them.

I came across tips suggesting cooking donuts in a single layer (Kitchn). This ensures they cook evenly and get that lovely texture all around.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use parchment paper liners.
• Place donuts in a single layer, leaving space between each.
• Spray or brush donuts with a tiny bit more oil if they look dry.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip them over.
• Cook for another 2-4 minutes until golden and puffed.

Checking for Doneness: A Simple Guide

How do you know when they’re perfect? Look for a deep golden-brown color on both sides. They should also feel light and slightly springy to the touch.

If they look pale, give them another minute or two. Remember that air fryer models can vary, so your first batch might be a learning experience.

The Best Air Fryer Temperatures for Donuts

Many experts agree that 350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature for air fryer donuts. This allows them to cook through without burning the outside.

If your donuts are browning too quickly, consider reducing the temperature slightly next time. A slightly lower temperature can help prevent a burnt exterior and raw interior.

Donut Glaze and Topping Ideas You’ll Love

Once your donuts are cooked, the fun begins with toppings! A simple powdered sugar glaze is a classic. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Other popular choices include cinnamon sugar, chocolate frosting, or even a simple sprinkle of colored sugar. Many experts say to glaze them while warm for the best absorption (Bon Appétit).

Quick Glaze Recipe

Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Dip your warm donuts in this mixture for a classic finish.

Donuts vs. Deep Frying: What’s the Difference?

Comparing air-fried donuts to deep-fried ones reveals some key differences. Deep-fried donuts are often richer and have a chewier texture due to the oil absorption.

Air-fried donuts tend to be lighter, with a slightly crispier exterior. Research suggests air frying significantly reduces the fat content, offering a healthier alternative (NIH).

Feature	Air-Fried Donuts	Deep-Fried Donuts
Oil Usage	Minimal (brush/spray)	Substantial (submerged)
Texture	Lighter, slightly crisp	Chewier, richer
Cleanup	Easier, less mess	More involved (oil disposal)
Cooking Time	Quick (5-8 minutes)	Varies (2-4 minutes per side)
Calorie Count	Generally lower	Generally higher

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Donut Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. If your donuts are dry, try brushing with a bit more oil before cooking. If they’re undercooked in the middle, reduce the temperature slightly and cook for longer.

From what I read, uneven cooking often points to overcrowding the basket. Always cook in batches for the best results.

Storing Your Air Fryer Donuts

Donuts are always best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay good for 1-2 days.

I found online that some people gently reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to refresh them. This brings back some of that fresh-baked warmth.

Conclusion

Making donuts in an air fryer is a straightforward and satisfying process, giving you warm, delicious treats with less fuss. You can choose convenience with canned dough or embrace baking with a homemade recipe.

By following these tips—like proper oiling, not overcrowding your basket, and finding the right temperature—you’re set for donut success. So, next time that donut craving hits, remember your trusty air fryer is ready to help you whip up a batch!

Can I use any type of dough to make donuts in an air fryer?

While canned biscuit dough is very popular and convenient, you can also use homemade yeast dough or even some pre-made pastry dough. The key is to ensure the dough is not too thick and is lightly oiled before air frying for the best results.

How do I prevent my air fryer donuts from sticking to the basket?

To prevent sticking, always line your air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. You can also lightly spray the basket or parchment with a non-stick cooking spray before placing the donuts inside.

Why are my air fryer donuts dry and not fluffy?

Dry donuts might be a result of overcooking or not using enough oil. Try reducing the cooking time slightly and ensuring each donut is brushed with a thin layer of oil before air frying. Overcrowding the basket can also lead to uneven cooking and dryness.

Can I make gluten-free donuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Many gluten-free biscuit doughs or homemade gluten-free donut recipes work well in an air fryer. Just ensure the dough has enough moisture and is handled gently, as gluten-free dough can sometimes be more delicate.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fryer donuts?

The best way to reheat leftover air fryer donuts is by placing them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for just 1-2 minutes. This warms them through and helps restore a bit of their original texture without overcooking.