There is nothing quite like the warm, sugary delight of homemade doughnuts, especially when they're made effortlessly with the magic of an Air Fryer. This Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe brings together a tender, fluffy dough infused with a hint of nutmeg and coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar that will have you smiling with every bite. Whether you're craving a sweet breakfast treat or a cozy snack, these doughnuts are a game-changer, delivering the perfect combination of lightness and indulgence without the mess of traditional frying methods.
Ingredients You'll Need
Getting started with this Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe means gathering a few simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the flour that forms the dough’s foundation to the cinnamon sugar that adds the irresistible finishing touch.
- 300 g plain flour: Provides the structure for soft and fluffy doughnuts.
- 50 g caster sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Imparts a warm, comforting spice note.
- 140 ml whole milk: Hydrates the dough and keeps it tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a rich texture.
- 14 g (one packet) fast-action dry yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully for that fluffy result.
- 100 g butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden finish.
- 200 g caster sugar: For coating the doughnuts in sweet cinnamon sugar.
- 10 g ground cinnamon: Brings a fragrant and classic doughnut flavor to the coating.
How to Make Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg—in a large bowl attached to a mixer with a dough hook. Then add the milk, egg, yeast, and half of the melted butter. Begin mixing on low speed until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. This is your base, and it’s key to get it looking cohesive before moving on.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Next, crank the mixer up to medium speed and let it work for 3 to 5 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, no worries—knead by hand on a clean surface for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want to end up with a smooth dough that doesn’t cling to your fingers, signaling it’s elastic and ready to rise.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it to rest. Let it quietly double in size over about two hours. This slow rise develops the flavor and that airy, light texture that makes doughnuts so irresistible.
Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts
Once your dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface and roll it out to roughly an inch thick. Use a doughnut cutter or pastry rings to shape your doughnuts and their centers. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with the remaining melted butter, cover loosely, and give them another 45 minutes to puff up nicely.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and lightly grease the basket or plate. Place 2 to 4 doughnuts in the basket, depending on size, and air fry for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. This quick cook ensures a tender inside with a perfectly cooked exterior—no greasy aftermath.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While your doughnuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter and toss each one in a bowl of combined caster sugar and ground cinnamon. This step brings the classic doughnut finish that everyone loves—a sweet, slightly crunchy coating bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
These doughnuts shine beautifully on their own thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating, but why not add some flair? Light dustings of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils can turn your doughnuts into an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe with warm beverages for a cozy experience. Freshly brewed coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a spiced chai tea complement the sweet doughnuts splendidly. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by stacking your doughnuts into a playful tower or threading them onto a skewer for a fun “doughnut kabob.” You can also sandwich your Air Fryer doughnuts with jam or cream filling for a delightful twist that will wow guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within two days when still fresh and soft. Avoid refrigeration as it can toughen the doughnuts.
Freezing
You can freeze these doughnuts once cooled completely. Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy your Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or leftover doughnuts back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 160°C for 2 to 3 minutes or warm them briefly in the microwave. This quick heat refreshes the doughnuts and revives their freshly made softness.
FAQs
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
For the best texture and rise, stick with plain flour and yeast as outlined in the recipe. Self-raising flour contains baking powder, which can change the dough’s structure and may not yield the same fluffy doughnut texture.
Is it necessary to use nutmeg in the doughnuts?
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making the doughnuts taste more aromatic and cozy. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any, you can omit it, but it’s a lovely touch that complements the cinnamon sugar coating well.
Can these doughnuts be made without an air fryer?
While this recipe is designed for the air fryer’s efficiency and health benefits, you can bake the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 8 to 10 minutes. They won't have quite the same crisp exterior but will still be deliciously soft.
How do I avoid my doughnuts sticking to the air fryer basket?
Ensure you lightly grease the air fryer basket or plate before cooking. Using melted butter or oil will prevent sticking and also contribute to a golden, delicious crust.
Can I add fillings to the doughnuts?
Yes! Once cooked and cooled slightly, you can use a piping bag to fill your doughnuts with jams, custards, or even chocolate ganache. It’s a fun way to customize your Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe and impress your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making doughnuts at home, especially when an air fryer takes care of the cooking so effortlessly. I hope this Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe inspires you to dive into the joy of baking with simple ingredients and end up with a batch of sweet, fluffy, cinnamon-coated doughnuts that everyone will adore. Give it a try and watch these little treats disappear in no time!
Print
Air Fryer Doughnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 12 doughnuts and their holes)
Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy homemade doughnuts cooked to perfection in an air fryer. These air fryer doughnuts are lightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a classic sweet treat without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Dough
- 300 g plain flour
- 50 g caster sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 140 ml whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 14 g (one packet) fast-action dry yeast
- 100 g butter, melted (divided: 50 g for dough, rest for brushing)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 200 g caster sugar
- 10 g ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients and combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl of a freestanding mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the milk, egg, yeast, and half of the melted butter (50 g). Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for 3-5 minutes until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl and is smooth. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper during this time.
- Shape doughnuts: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1 inch thickness, ensuring the dough isn’t too thin to avoid flat doughnuts. Use a doughnut cutter or pastry rings to cut out doughnuts and holes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, brush with melted butter, cover with a clean tea towel or clingfilm, and let them rest for 45 minutes to rise further.
- Preheat air fryer and cook doughnuts: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and lightly grease the basket or plate with oil or melted butter. Place 2-4 doughnuts in the basket (depending on the size), air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and repeat with remaining doughnuts.
- Cinnamon sugar coating: Mix caster sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. While the doughnuts are still warm, brush them with the remaining melted butter and toss each doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the warm, cinnamon sugar-coated doughnuts immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not roll the dough too thin as it will cause the doughnuts to be flat instead of fluffy.
- If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, use two round cookie cutters of different sizes.
- Brush doughnuts lightly with butter before air frying to enhance browning and flavor.
- You can air fry doughnut holes as well using the same method.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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