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I gotta tell you about my go-to morning treat that completely changed my thinking on homemade donuts. These Air Fryer Donuts started when I was just looking for something sweet without dealing with all that deep frying mess. Now my family can't wait for weekends to enjoy them. They're soft, airy and way simpler than old-school donuts.
What Makes These Stand Out
I'm crazy about how these donuts deliver all that yummy sweetness without turning your kitchen into an oil sauna. The air fryer does something special, creating that gorgeous golden outside while keeping everything inside moist and fluffy. And the best part? You can top them however you want - my kids go wild coming up with crazy combinations.
What You'll Need
- Salt: Brings out every flavor note.
- Egg: Gives that wonderful richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla makes everything taste better.
- All-Purpose Flour: Your base for fluffy goodness.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Helps them puff up nicely.
- Baking Soda: Teams up with buttermilk for softness.
- Buttermilk: Creates that dream-worthy texture.
Getting Started
The first thing I do is warm up my air fryer just like you would with a normal oven. During that time, I throw together my dry stuff. Here's a handy tip I've picked up: give everything a good whisk so you don't get any flour clumps. Mix your wet ingredients in another bowl until they're smooth before you put everything together.
Decoration Time
The most fun part about these donuts is dressing them up. Sometimes we just roll them in cinnamon sugar, other days we go crazy with fancy glazes and tons of sprinkles. The kids always jump in to help with this step, though our kitchen ends up looking like a rainbow explosion.
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For All Dietary Needs
What's great is anyone can enjoy these donuts with some simple swaps. My buddy who can't have gluten nearly cried when I made her batch with gluten-free flour. And they turn out just as tasty with almond milk instead of buttermilk for my plant-based friends next door.
Bite-Sized Options
We love making donut holes too. I grab my small cookie scoop to make them all the same size. They cook up in no time and work perfectly for small fingers or when you're just craving a tiny sweet bite.
Great Pairings
There's nothing like biting into a warm donut with your morning joe. We love setting up our own little brunch at home with these donuts, some cut-up fruit, and maybe eggs on the side. It feels fancy without leaving the house.
Storage Tips
Got extras somehow? They stay good in a sealed container. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute and they taste fresh again. Though I'll be honest, they hardly ever make it past breakfast at our place.
Benefits Of Air Frying
The air fryer means using way less oil, making less mess, and they're done so quickly. You don't have to watch them constantly like regular fried donuts. Just set it and forget it while you handle other stuff.
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Mix It Up
I often throw in different flavors to the mix like a bit of nutmeg or some orange peel. You can try so many things and it's always fun to experiment. My newest favorite was adding tiny chocolate chips to the batter - it was completely amazing.
Pro Tricks
After making these tons of times, I've figured out some helpful things. Don't put too much batter in your molds, give them a light coating of oil, and always let them cool a little before adding glaze. These small things really matter.
Customer Favorites
These donuts fit perfectly into our crazy schedules. They're better for you than store ones, quick to whip up, and you control what goes in them. Plus your whole house smells wonderful while they cook.
Common Problems
If your donuts aren't getting puffy, your baking powder might be old. And if they're sticking, just give the molds a quick spray of cooking oil. Remember that air fryers can vary, so you might need to play with the timing a bit.
Making Memories
Whipping these up has turned into our weekend thing. My kids love to help measure stuff and go crazy with the decorations. Sure, it gets messy but we're building memories that'll last forever.
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Money Saver
Making donuts at home costs way less than buying them at shops. And you can make exactly what you're craving right when you want it. No more rushing to the bakery before they sell out.
Crowd Pleasers
These work great for get-togethers and morning parties. Put out all the toppings and let everyone make their own special creations. Both grown-ups and kids always have a blast with this.
Think Ahead
I often cook extra and toss some plain ones in the freezer. They thaw out perfectly and it's so nice having homemade treats ready whenever someone wants something sweet.
Air Fryer Wonder
It's wild what this compact gadget can do. From dinner to dessert, it's become something I use almost daily. These donuts really show how flexible it can be.
Simple Happiness
There's something extra special about donuts made at home. They bring the family around the table, create awesome memories, and make your house smell incredible. Try them once and I'm sure they'll become a regular thing at your place too.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Why does the milk need to be warm?
Lukewarm milk (about 100°F) wakes up the yeast to help it grow. Too hot kills it, too cold makes it lazy. A quick wrist test works—warm but comfy is the goal.
- → Can I prep the dough the day before?
Yep, mix the dough ahead and chill it overnight. Just let it warm up, shape, and let it rise again before cooking.
- → Why is coconut oil spray a good choice?
It’s great because it doesn’t burn easily and won’t leave weird flavors behind. Perfect for getting a nice golden color.
- → How can I tell if the dough is ready?
It should puff up to double its size. When you poke it lightly, the mark should stay without bouncing back.
- → Can I store these donuts in the freezer?
Definitely! Keep the unglazed ones frozen for a couple of months. Let them thaw and heat a little before adding glaze and eating.