Who says donuts can't be part of a healthier lifestyle? If you've been craving that warm, sweet, fried dough goodness but want to skip the deep-frying guilt, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. We're talking about delicious, fluffy donuts that are ready in under 15 minutes, with significantly less oil and fuss.
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This Step-by-Step Guide to Healthy Air Fryer Donuts will show you how to transform simple ingredients into a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Get ready for a healthier twist on a classic indulgence!
The Air Fryer Advantage: Guilt-Free Donuts
The air fryer works by circulating hot air, giving foods a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but using only a fraction of the oil. For donuts, this means:
Less Fat: Dramatically reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the dough.
Quick Cooking: Donuts cook rapidly, ensuring a light, tender interior.
No Mess: Say goodbye to splatter and the lingering smell of fried oil.
Perfectly Golden: Achieve a beautiful, evenly browned crust without deep-frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a simple, shortcut method for quick donuts.
1 (8-count) can Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: (Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers works great!) This is our secret shortcut for speed and simplicity.
1 tbsp Melted Butter (or coconut oil/non-stick spray for brushing)
For Classic Sugar/Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
For Simple Glaze:
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2-3 tbsp Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Equipment
Air Fryer
Donut Cutter or small round cookie cutter (for donut holes)
Small Bowls for coatings/glaze
Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions: Air Fryer Donut Magic
1. Prep the Dough
Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate the biscuits onto a clean surface.
Using a donut cutter or a small round cookie cutter (or even the cap of a water bottle), cut a hole in the center of each biscuit. Save the donut holes—they air fry up beautifully too!
2. Prepare Coatings/Glaze
For Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
For Glaze: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk as needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
3. Lightly Coat the Donuts
Lightly brush both sides of each donut and donut hole with melted butter (or spray with non-stick spray). This helps them brown evenly and allows the sugar coating to adhere.
4. Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place the prepared donuts and donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Important: Do not overcrowd! Ensure there's space between each piece for hot air to circulate. You will need to work in batches.
Air fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook until they are golden brown and puffed up. Donut holes will cook slightly faster, around 3-5 minutes.
5. Coat and Serve!
For Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately upon removing hot donuts from the air fryer, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
For Glaze: Let the donuts cool for a few minutes. Then, dip one side into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them.
Serve your air fryer donuts warm and enjoy immediately!
Creative Variations to Try
Chocolate Glaze: Whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, and 1-2 tbsp milk.
Lemon Glaze: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the powdered sugar glaze.
Powdered Sugar Donuts: After air frying, let cool slightly, then toss generously in powdered sugar.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the wet glaze before it sets.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Donut Success
Don't Skimp on Prep: Brushing with a little fat is crucial for browning.
Watch Closely: Air fryers vary, and these cook fast! Keep an eye on them, especially on your first batch.
Serve Fresh: Like all donuts, these are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Who knew a can of biscuits and an air fryer could create such a delightful, healthier treat? This recipe proves that you can have your donut and eat it too, without the deep-fryer drama.
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