Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

This easy recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts makes the best homemade donuts in the world! With a light and fluffy texture, these delicious treats are fried without any oil, making them a healthier option. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’ll impress your family and friends with their smooth and sweet glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy donuts without the guilt—these are air-fried and lower in fat than traditional fried versions.
• Gluten-Free Option: With gluten-free flour, everyone can indulge in these delightful donuts.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or flavors to the glaze!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a special celebration, these donuts fit right in.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: The star of this recipe, it cooks the donuts quickly while keeping them light.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients properly to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Donut cutter: This tool helps create perfectly shaped donuts with ease, giving them that classic look.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cup 1:1 gluten-free flour (divided) (King Arthur Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg

For the Glaze

• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted for brushing over donuts)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons milk

How to Make Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until well mixed.
2. In another bowl, combine the warm milk and melted butter. Let it cool slightly before adding.
3. Add the egg to the milk mixture and whisk until combined.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gradually.
2. Mix until a dough forms. If too sticky, add more flour as needed.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes until smooth.
2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

1. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick.
2. Use a donut cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on parchment paper as you work.

Step 5: Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer according to its instructions (usually around 350°F).
2. Brush each donut lightly with melted butter before placing them carefully into the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While donuts are cooling:
1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
2. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if necessary.

Step 7: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled slightly:
1. Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
2. Allow them to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Glazed Donuts fresh from your kitchen!

How to Serve Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or as an afternoon snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your donut experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.
• Cappuccino: The creamy texture of cappuccino enhances the fluffy donuts for a satisfying combination.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Banana Slices: Adding fresh banana slices brings a natural sweetness that pairs well with the glaze.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mini Pastries: Include other mini pastries on the platter for variety and color.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Offer chocolate sauce on the side for those who love an extra indulgence.

Ice Cream Topping

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates a delicious dessert experience.
• Fried Ice Cream Style: Drizzle honey or chocolate syrup over the ice cream and donut combination for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

To make your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that each batch comes out light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

• Check Yeast Freshness: Always use fresh yeast to ensure proper rising. This is crucial for achieving that light texture.
• Use Warm Milk: When mixing ingredients, ensure the milk is warm but not hot. This activates the yeast without killing it.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough just until smooth. Over-kneading can lead to tough donuts.
• Brush with Butter Pre-Cooking: Brushing melted butter on the donuts before air frying adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Fry in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation, which contributes to even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Savory scrambled eggs add protein and create a balanced breakfast plate.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft donuts.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a nutritious complement to your sweet treat.
6. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: For those who can’t decide between donuts and cinnamon rolls, this dish combines both worlds beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using the wrong flour: Not all flours are created equal. Stick to 1:1 gluten-free flour for the best texture.
• Skipping the yeast activation: Always make sure your yeast is activated properly in warm milk before mixing. This step is essential for fluffy donuts.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you’re adding the right amounts.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Give your donuts space in the air fryer basket to cook evenly. Cooking in batches yields better results.
• Ignoring glaze consistency: The glaze should be smooth but not too runny. Adjust with milk or powdered sugar as needed for the perfect coating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Place donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm donuts for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern. The texture may differ slightly from using gluten-free flour.

How do I know when my donuts are done cooking?

The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. This usually takes about 5 minutes in the air fryer.

Can I customize the glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like chocolate or maple syrup to your glaze for a unique twist on your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts.

What can I serve with these donuts?

These delicious donuts pair well with coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are not only easy to make but also delightful and versatile. You can customize them with various glazes and toppings, making them suitable for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; your taste buds will thank you!