A Healthier Sweet Treat: Easy Air Fryer Yeast Donuts Recipe (2024)

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Benefits of cooking with an air fryer

Cooking with an air fryer offers a wide range of benefits that make it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. Unlike traditional deep-frying methods, air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite indulgences, like donuts, with significantly less fat and calories. Additionally, air fryers are known for their quick cooking times, making them a convenient option for those who are short on time. With an air fryer, you can enjoy guilt-free treats without compromising on taste or texture.

Healthier alternatives to traditional deep-fried donuts

Traditional deep-fried donuts are undeniably delicious, but they come with a hefty calorie and fat content. Fortunately, with the help of an air fryer, you can create a healthier alternative that still satisfies your cravings. By using minimal oil and relying on hot air circulation to cook the donuts, you can significantly reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor. Air-fried donuts are also lower in calories, making them a great option for those who are watching their waistline. With a few simple modifications to the traditional recipe, you can enjoy guilt-free donuts that are just as tasty as their deep-fried counterparts.

How an air fryer can help create a healthier yeast donut

Air fryers are revolutionizing the way we cook, and their impact on creating healthier versions of our favorite treats is no exception. By using hot air circulation, air fryers can evenly cook the donuts, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The minimal amount of oil required means that the donuts are not soaked in grease, reducing their fat content significantly. Air frying also eliminates the need for deep frying, which can expose the food to high levels of unhealthy trans fats. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same delicious results as deep frying, but with a fraction of the fat and calories.

Ingredients for the easy air fryer donut recipe

To make our easy doughnut in air fryer recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

– ½ cup (118 ml) milk, warm

– 1 tsp (3 g) active dry yeast

– 2 tbsp (24 g) sugar

– ¼ tsp (1.5 g) salt

– 1 egg

– 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted

– 1 ¾ (224 g) flour

Icing

– 3 tbsp (42 g) butter

– 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar

– ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

– 2 tbsp (30 ml) hot water

These simple ingredients can be found in most kitchens, making it easy to whip up a batch of delicious air fried donuts whenever the craving strikes.

Step-by-step instructions for air frying donuts

1. In a stand mixer, add the milk, sugar, and yeast, letting sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the salt, egg, melted butter, and flour, mixing on low speed until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl, adding more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth.
2. In a large greased bowl, add the dough, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place, until doubled in size.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out 4 donuts and a 1-inch round cutter to remove the center. Place the donuts and holes on a lightly floured baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and let rise for 45 minutes in a warm place, until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray the air fryer with oil, add the donuts, and spray with oil, cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining donuts.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing is thin, but not watery, adding more if necessary.
6. Dip the hot donuts and holes into the glaze to submerge them. Place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet for the excess glaze to drip off. Let sit until the glaze hardens, about 10 minutes.

Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor

– Ensure that your air fryer is preheated before adding the donuts. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

– Be mindful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense donuts rather than light and fluffy ones.

– Experiment with different flavors by adding spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the batter.

– For a healthier alternative to powdered sugar, dust the donuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

– If you prefer a glazed donut, mix together powdered sugar and a small amount of milk or water to create a glaze. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before serving.

Customizing your air fryer donuts with glazes and toppings

One of the best things about making air fryer donuts is the ability to customize them with your favorite toppings and glazes. From classic powdered sugar to more adventurous options like chocolate or maple glaze, the possibilities are endless. You can also experiment with different textures by adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Other delicious recipes you can make with an air fryer

The versatility of an air fryer extends far beyond donuts. If you’re looking to explore more delicious recipes, here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Air Fryer Bread Pudding

– Air Fryer Apple Crisp

– Air Fryer Cinnamon Streusel Pizza

– Caramelized Bananas with Maple Cinnamon Mascarpone

– Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls for Two

With an air fryer, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes that are crispy, flavorful, and healthier than their deep-fried counterparts.

Conclusion and final thoughts

Indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t have to come with guilt or compromise. With our easy Air Fryer Donut recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade donuts without the excess fat and calories. By using minimal oil and relying on the power of air frying, you can achieve the same crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior that makes donuts so irresistible. Customize your donuts with your favorite glazes and toppings to create a treat that is uniquely yours. And don’t forget to explore the endless possibilities of your air fryer by trying out other delicious recipes. With an air fryer in your kitchen, you can indulge in your favorite comfort foods without sacrificing your health or taste. So grab your Air Fryer and get ready to indulge in a guilt-free sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

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