1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add it slowly.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. You can also use a smaller round cutter or a bottle cap to cut out the centers for donut holes.
- Gather and reroll the scraps to cut additional donuts.
- Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Donuts:
- Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Air fry the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Fill the Donuts:
- Allow the donuts to cool slightly before filling.
- Using a piping bag or a small squeeze bottle, fill each donut with jelly or jam. You can insert the nozzle into the side of the donut and squeeze gently to fill.
6. Coat the Donuts:
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll the filled donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
7. Optional Glaze:
- For a sweet glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze and let it set before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips for Success:
- Dough: Ensure the dough is soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. Adjust with flour or milk as needed.
- Filling: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a small spoon to carefully fill the donuts.
- Air Fryer: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Jelly Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the classic taste of jelly-filled donuts with a healthier cooking method. With a light and airy texture and a sweet, fruity filling, these donuts are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious homemade treats with family and friends!