- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the activated yeast mixture, sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt.
- Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Chapter 3: Shaping and Air Frying
- Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters to cut out donuts and donut holes from the dough. Re-roll any scraps and repeat until all dough is used.
- Air Fry the Donuts:
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange the donuts and donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the tops of the donuts with cooking spray or oil.
- Cooking Time:
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
Chapter 4: Glazing
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze, coating both sides evenly. Allow any excess glaze to drip off.
- Decorate (Optional):
- If desired, decorate the glazed donuts with food coloring, sprinkles, or other toppings while the glaze is still wet.
Chapter 5: Serving and Tips for Success
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the air fryer donuts immediately while they are still warm and the glaze is fresh.
- Tips for Fluffy Donuts:
- Ensure the yeast is activated properly and that the dough rises in a warm environment.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation around the donuts.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and size.
- Variations:
- Experiment with different glazes such as chocolate, maple, or lemon, or fill the donuts with jelly or custard for added variety.
Conclusion
Enjoy these homemade air fryer donuts as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence. By using your air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked donuts with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, all while controlling the ingredients and enjoying a healthier option than traditional fried donuts. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious homemade treats!