Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

This easy recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts makes the best homemade donuts in the world! Fried without any oil, the donuts are light and fluffy and the glaze is smooth and sweet. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, these donuts will surely impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: Enjoy all the flavor of traditional donuts without the extra oil. Air frying keeps them light and guilt-free.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious treats in no time.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize your glaze or add sprinkles to suit any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using gluten-free flour allows everyone to enjoy these delightful donuts without worry.
• Quick Cooking Time: In just 5 minutes of cooking, you can have fresh donuts ready to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or cookie cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This is essential for creating that perfect donut texture without frying in oil. It circulates hot air for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps in organizing ingredients for efficient mixing and preparation.
• Donut cutter or cookie cutter: These help shape your donuts perfectly, ensuring uniform size and appearance.

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Ingredients

This easy recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts makes the best homemade donuts in the world! Fried without any oil, the donuts are light and fluffy and the glaze is smooth and sweet.

For the Donuts

• 3 cups 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
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted for brushing over donuts

For the Glaze

• 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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour (reserve some for dusting), granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Lightly flour a clean surface with reserved gluten-free flour.
2. Knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth.
3. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

1. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
2. Roll out dough to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface.
3. Use a donut cutter or cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place them on parchment paper while you preheat the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer according to its instructions.
2. Brush each donut with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while stirring until smooth; adjust consistency with milk as needed.

Step 6: Glaze Your Donuts

1. Once cooked, remove donuts from air fryer and dip each one into glaze immediately while they are still warm.
2. Let excess glaze drip off before placing on a wire rack to set.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Air Fryer Glazed Donuts fresh out of the air fryer!

How to Serve Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these donuts can be paired with complementary flavors and textures.

With Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries: Serve sliced fresh strawberries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
• Blueberries: A handful of blueberries enhances the sweetness of the donuts while adding color.

With Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: The rich flavor of espresso pairs perfectly with the sweetness of glazed donuts.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea brings out the donut’s flavors without overpowering them.

Topped with Sprinkles

• Colorful Sprinkles: Add fun and excitement by topping your donuts with vibrant sprinkles for kids’ parties.
• Chocolate Chips: A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can add an extra layer of sweetness.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the fluffy texture of the donuts.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, pairing glazed donuts with chocolate ice cream is a heavenly match.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

To achieve the best Air Fryer Glazed Donuts, consider these tips that will enhance your baking experience and results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in better mixing and rising, leading to fluffier donuts.
• Knead dough properly: Kneading develops gluten, which gives structure to your donuts. Aim for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the donuts rise properly during air frying.
• Don’t overcrowd: Place only a few donuts in the air fryer basket at a time to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
• Adjust glaze consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk gradually until it reaches your desired thickness for easy dipping.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Glazed Donuts can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions that work well together.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast to the soft donuts.
3. Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter provides protein and pairs deliciously when spread on half a donut.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch next to sweet donuts.
5. Granola Bars: These chewy snacks are great for dipping and complement the donut’s texture nicely.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can provide a nutritious balance to your indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts at home can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little flour can affect the texture of your donuts. Always measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
• Skipping the Yeast Activation: Not activating instant yeast properly can lead to dense donuts. Ensure your warm milk is around 110°F before mixing it with yeast.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the donuts tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer for optimal results.
• Ignoring Glaze Consistency: A glaze that’s too thick or too runny won’t coat well. Adjust with milk or powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Glazed Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Lightly toast in a skillet over medium heat for crispy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Glazed Donuts.

Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with different gluten-free flours, but ensure they have similar properties as the recommended ones for best results.

How do I make Air Fryer Glazed Donuts without eggs?

You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticking excessively, add small amounts of gluten-free flour gradually until it reaches a workable consistency.

Can I customize the glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cocoa powder, citrus zest, or spices like cinnamon to create unique flavors for your glaze.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Glazed Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize flavors and glazes to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!