Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

Making homemade donuts in the air fryer is a quick and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried donuts. Here’s a simple recipe for air fryer homemade donuts:

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Doughnuts:

1. Activate Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, softened butter, salt, and eggs. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, incorporating the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be soft and elastic.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Form Doughnuts:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two differently sized round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place the cut-out donuts on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the tray with a cloth and let the donuts rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Air Fry the Donuts:
   • Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool:
   • Allow the donuts to cool on a wire rack before glazing.

For the Glaze:

1. Prepare Glaze:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Glaze Donuts:
   • Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set.
3. Serve:
   • Enjoy your air fryer homemade donuts once the glaze has set. These are best when served fresh.

Feel free to customize your donuts by adding sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or other toppings of your choice. This recipe allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of donuts without the deep-frying.