Air Fryer Donuts Recipe

EQUIPMENT

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Mixing Bowls
• Donut cutter or cookie cutters
• Air fryer
• Baking Sheet
• Wire cooling rack

INGREDIENTS

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (105 to 110F)(240mL)
• 1 (0.25-ounce/7g) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided (62g)
• 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (85g)
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting (360g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• coconut or olive oil cooking spray

For the Glaze:

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (120g)
• ½ cup whole milk (120mL)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Donuts:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let the mixture stand until very bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and remaining ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Stir in yeast mixture until combined. Add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium-low, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. (The dough will be slightly sticky.)
3. Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
4. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.
5. Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Using a donut cutter, cut out 12 donuts and 12 donut holes, re-rolling scraps as necessary. You can also use a 3-inch and 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the donuts. Place donuts and holes on the prepared baking sheet. Loosely cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place, until doubled in size, about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
7. Working in batches, carefully place donuts in an even layer in the air fryer basket, about 1-inch apart. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
8. Cook for 6 minutes for donut holes and 8 minutes for big donuts or until golden brown. (I recommend frying the big donuts and donut holes separately since the cook times are slightly different.)