Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into incredibly light and fluffy donuts, all without the guilt! This air fryer recipe is a game-changer, delivering that irresistible donut experience with fewer calories and less mess than traditional frying. Get ready for a delicious treat the whole family will love!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it cleverly uses the air fryer to achieve perfectly golden-brown donuts with a wonderfully airy interior. The batter is light and fluffy, thanks to a few simple techniques, and the air fryer cooks them evenly, leaving you with delicious donuts in a fraction of the time it takes to deep fry. It’s also a super healthy and easy recipe!
Key Ingredients
🍩 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 1/4 cup honey
🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
➕ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract.
2️⃣ Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
3️⃣ Air Fryer Setup: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
4️⃣ Donut Formation: Spoon the batter into the air fryer basket, forming small donut shapes (about 2 tablespoons of batter per donut). Leave some space between the donuts for even cooking.
5️⃣ First Fry: Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
6️⃣ Second Fry (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can air fry for another 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
7️⃣ Sugar Coating: While still warm, toss the donuts in the granulated sugar until evenly coated.
8️⃣ Enjoy! Let the donuts cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a piping bag or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off for more uniform donut shapes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the donuts in batches for best results.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
Heat Control
The air fryer’s temperature is crucial. Too low, and the donuts will be doughy. Too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through. 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot for these light and fluffy donuts. Always keep a close eye on them during cooking.
Crunch Factor
While these aren’t overly crunchy, the air frying process gives the donuts a lovely light crispness on the outside, contrasting beautifully with the soft and fluffy interior. The sugar coating adds a delightful textural element.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrusy note.
- Shortcut: Use store-bought donut holes instead of making from scratch to save time.
Storage Tips
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Place the cooled donuts in a pretty box or basket, lined with parchment paper. Tie a ribbon around it for a thoughtful and delicious gift. You could even include a small jar of homemade glaze!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Donuts: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter.
🌟 Glazed Donuts: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle over the cooled donuts.
🌟 Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Mix cinnamon with the granulated sugar before coating the donuts.
🌟 Sprinkle Donuts: Use colorful sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for a festive touch.
Troubleshooting
- Doughy Donuts: If your donuts are doughy in the middle, increase the air frying time by a couple of minutes. Ensure the air fryer is preheated properly.
- Burnt Donuts: If your donuts are burning on the outside, lower the air fryer temperature by 25°F (15°C).
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of oil? Melted butter works best for flavor and texture.
- Can I make these without an air fryer? You could bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but the texture won’t be exactly the same.
- How many donuts does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 6-8 donuts, depending on the size.
- Can I use different types of sugar? While granulated sugar works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types for different results.
- Are these donuts healthy? They’re healthier compared to deep-fried donuts as they use less oil and air frying is healthier. However, they’re still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation
Conclusion
These light and fluffy air fryer donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!