Air Fryer Homemade Donuts

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter (or glass + bottle cap)
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For Brushing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for finishing)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional)

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. The mixture should become foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2. Activated yeast mixture
3. Eggs
4. Melted butter
5. Vanilla extract
6. Salt
7. Mix well.
8. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
9. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl.
2. Cover with a clean towel.
3. Let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll and Shape

1. Punch down the dough gently.
2. Roll out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
3. Cut into donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters.
4. Place donut shapes on parchment paper.

Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray basket with oil spray.

Step 6: Air Fry the Donuts

1. Place donuts in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
2. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes.
3. Flip carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes if needed.
4. Donuts should be lightly golden and fluffy.

Step 7: Brush with Butter

1. Immediately brush warm donuts with melted butter.
2. This helps toppings stick and enhances flavor.

Step 8: Add Toppings

1. Choose your preferred topping:

Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Coat donuts in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Vanilla Glaze:

1. Dip warm donuts into glaze and let excess drip off.

Chocolate Glaze:

1. Dip or drizzle melted chocolate mixture over donuts.

Step 9: Serve

1. Let donuts cool slightly before serving.
2. Best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Nutrition

Protein: , while milk adds calcium and nutrients. You can also reduce · Carbohydrates: version. · Sugar: or use alternatives like monk fruit or stevia for a lower-